News story

Neil Hornby appointed as new Cefas Chief Executive

Neil Hornby has been appointed as the new chief executive of Cefas (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science).

This was published under the 2019 to 2022 Johnson Conservative government
Fish swimming next to a coral reef

Following the retirement of Tom Karsten earlier this year, Defra has appointed Neil Hornby as the new Chief Executive of Cefas. Neil will take up his new post in January 2021. Until then Tim Green will continue as Interim Chief Executive.

Neil Hornby is currently the Director of Marine and Fisheries in Defra, a post he has held since 2016.

Neil Hornby said:

It is an enormous privilege to be appointed as Cefas Chief Executive. It is an exciting time to be joining Cefas as the UK takes on responsibility for managing our fisheries and we continue to strengthen our leading role in protecting the marine environment around the world. Science and analysis will be at the heart of this and I’m look forwarding to working with everyone in Cefas to make the most of the opportunities ahead.

Welcoming Neil’s appointment, Director General for Environment Rural and Marine David Hill said:

I’m delighted that Neil will be the new CEO of Cefas. He brings a wealth of experience in marine and fisheries to the role, and will provide great leadership to Cefas’ mission to deliver the highest quality marine science.

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Published 24 September 2020