Defra appoints new chief exec to marine science agency
Neil Hornby joins from within the department
Photo: Bytemarks/Flickr/CC BY 2.0
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has named a veteran civil servant as the head of its marine science research agency.
Neil Hornby, Defra’s marine and fisheries director, has moved to become chief executive of the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science. He will be responsible for leading the agency’s work as it provides science and evidence to support the delivery of the government’s marine environment, fisheries and animal-health objectives.
Among other things, Cefas has been supporting Defra with scientific evidence during Brexit and the transition period, and is looking at “greening” the economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
New Chief Executive of Cefas Neil Hornby takes up position
Marine science agency s new Chief Executive takes the helm.
From: Neil Hornby, Cefas Chief Executive
Neil Hornby has today (1st February 2021) taken up his new position as Chief Executive of Cefas (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science).
Neil joins Cefas with over 20 years of experience across Defra, and the wider civil service. Immediately prior to joining Cefas, Neil was the Marine and Fisheries Director at Defra, a position he held since 2016.
Neil’s immediate focus will be on ensuring Cefas continues to provide Defra and UK government with the world class science and evidence needed to support delivery of the government’s marine environment, fisheries and animal health objectives.