Emma Howard Boyd has been appointed as the new Chair of the Environment Agency.

She spent 25 years working in financial services, initially in corporate finance and then in fund management, specialising in sustainable investment and corporate governance.

She was Acting Chair of the Environment Agency and was appointed to the Board of the agency in 2009 and was made Deputy Chair in 2015.

As Director of Stewardship at Jupiter Asset Management until July 2014, Ms Howard Boyd was integral to the development of their reputation in the corporate governance and sustainability fields.

She currently serves on various boards and advisory committees such as the Future Cities Catapult, ShareAction and the Aldersgate Group.

Ms Howard Boyd said: “It’s an honour to be appointed Chair of the Environment Agency. It is a fantastic organisation making a real difference to the environment, wildlife and local communities.

“There are big challenges ahead – ensuring the country is more resilient to extreme weather, protecting and enhancing the environment and promoting sustainable growth – I look forward to playing my part.”