New Chairman for the Natural Environment Research Council

4 October 2006

Mr Edmund Wallis has today been announced as the next Chairman of the Natural Environment Research Council. He will succeed Sir Rob Margetts on 1 January 2007.

Making the announcement, Science & Innovation Minister, Lord Sainsbury, said, "I am delighted to welcome Ed Wallis as Chair of the Natural Environment Research Council. His considerable high level management experience makes him well qualified to provide a strong contribution to the leadership and work of NERC."

Mr Wallis said, "NERC is currently at the forefront in tackling global issues such as climate change, so I'm delighted to be appointed as its Chairman during these important times. Over the years NERC has earned high international regard for the quality of its science and I'm sure there are many exciting challenges ahead. I look forward to taking up the reins in the new year."

Ed Wallis is a chartered engineer. He is currently Chairman of WS Atkins, Consulting Engineers. He was the founding Chief Executive of Powergen plc, following the privatisation of the electricity supply industry, and remained with the organisation for 15 years until retiring as Chairman in 2003. Prior to this he had more than 30 years of experience working for the Central Electricity Generating Board. He has gained a wide range of other Board level experience including the Chairmanship of Lucas Varity and London Underground. He was a member of both the Aston University Council and the Henley Management College Court of Governors from 1992 to 1998. In 1997 he became a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering.

Professor Alan Thorpe, NERC's Chief Executive, said, "I am sure that Ed Wallis will continue the excellent leadership provided over the past five years by our outgoing Chairman, Rob Margetts. Ed's business acumen and extensive experience will be a great asset to NERC."

Further information

NERC Press Office
Natural Environment Research Council
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon, SN2 1EU
Tel: 01793 411561
Mob: 07917 557215

Notes

1. The appointment has been made in accordance with the requirements of the Code of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Mr Wallis has not been involved in any relevant political activities in the last five years. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations there is a requirement for appointees' political activity to be made public. Mr Wallis holds no other ministerial appointments. He will receive an honorarium of £15 400 per annum.

2. NERC is one of the UK's research councils. It uses a budget of about £370m a year to fund and carry out impartial scientific research in the sciences of the environment. It is addressing some of the key questions facing mankind, such as global warming, renewable energy and sustainable economic development.

Press release: 59/06

New Chairman for the Natural Environment Research Council

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