New non-Executive Director appointed to Cefas Board
Reference: 04-11
13 December 2011
Professor Nicholas Owens has been appointed as a non-Executive
Director (NED) to Cefas' Management Board (CMB)
and takes up his position on 1 January 2012.
He will also chair the Cefas Science Advisory
Committee, which has an entirely external membership and
advises the CMB on the quality and relevance of Cefas' science
and technology.
Nicholas Owens succeeds Dr Joe Horwood in both roles, as part of
a planned Board succession. Dr Horwood continues his involvement
with Cefas as an Emeritus Fellow.
Professor Owens is currently Director of the British Antarctic Survey,
having been appointed in 2007. His previous appointments include
science leadership roles at Newcastle University and Plymouth Marine Laboratory. His
extensive research experience builds on a BSc in Marine Biology
from Liverpool University, and a PhD from the University of Dundee
where he developed his interests in estuarine and marine
biogeochemistry.
Richard Judge, Cefas' Chief Executive, said: "I'm delighted to
welcome Nick Owens to the Board. He brings a wealth of relevant
experience which is a natural fit for our business and that will
add great value to us.
"I would also like to thank Joe Horwood for the enormous
difference he has made over many years of valued service. I'm
particularly pleased that our links with Joe will continue."
Professor Owens joins sitting NEDs Andy Field, Michael Gates and
Sue Sharland on the Board.
Notes to editors
- Cefas is the government's foremost source of evidence, applied
science and impartial expert advice for marine and closely related
aquatic environments. Operating as an executive agency of the
Department for Environment, Food
and Rural Affairs (Defra), Cefas has an internationally
renowned scientific capability developed over more than 100
years.
- The agency employs more than 500 people at two main
laboratories (in Lowestoft and Weymouth) and a number of port
offices around the English coastline. Cefas works alongside
government and other agencies, both in the UK and internationally,
to play a vital role in securing healthy marine and freshwater
environments for everyone's well-being, health and prosperity. For
more about its range of applied marine science, visit www.cefas.defra.gov.uk.
- As an executive agency, Cefas is directly accountable to
Parliament through Defra and its Ministers. Its Chief Executive, as
Accounting Officer, has personal responsibility and accountability
for the organisation and quality of management within Cefas,
including its use of public assets. The Chief Executive is
supported and challenged by the CMB.
- The CMB comprises a broadly equal balance of non-Executive and
Executive Directors, with a blend of skills, knowledge and
experience that enable the Board to discharge its duties and
responsibilities. The Board is collectively responsible for the
long-term success of the agency. It provides strategic,
entrepreneurial leadership for Cefas, within a framework of prudent
and effective controls that enable risk to be assessed and
managed.
- The Cefas Science Advisory Committee is chaired by a NED and
has an entirely external membership. It gives independent and
objective advice to the CMB on the quality and relevance of the
agency's science strategy and
operations.
Press contact: Anne McClarnon
Telephone: 01502 524370 / Email: anne.mcclarnon@cefas.co.uk
ENDS