New chair for rural development service

Poul Christensen, who has extensive experience in change management, rural affairs and farming, has been appointed chair of the Rural Development Service.

The appointment is part of a move to strengthen the role of the service before it is brought together with English Nature and parts of the Countryside Agency in a powerful new integrated agency.

The new Integrated Agency is expected to be formally created in January 2007 but until then, the three organisations will operate as a partnership.

The Rural Development Service administers the England Rural Development Programme and delivers a range of statutory services. It is part of core Defra at present but is preparing for a future as a key part of the new Integrated Agency.

Poul, a former president of the Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives, is currently a board member of the South East England Regional Development Agency and Agriculture Central Training. He is also a long-term partner in Kingston Hill Farm, one of the first farms to promote bio-diversity almost 30 years ago.

Rural Affairs minister Alun Michael, said: "Poul has the skills and the experience to forge a new future for the Rural Development Service as part of the Integrated Agency. His appointment will boost the service's role as a champion for sustainability in rural communities and its role within the new Integrated Agency.

"In addition, we are able to announce two other appointments. John Adams, who is currently head of the Rural Development Service, is now designated the chief executive to help the service prepare the way for integration and to be seen as equivalent in role to the Chief Executive of English Nature and the Countryside Agency. I have also appointed Simon Humberstone as a board member to assist Poul in his work. He brings into play experience of change management in the field of business. Two more board members will be appointed shortly."