Philip Dilley (pictured right, photo credit: Arup), the former Executive Chairman of engineering consulting firm Arup, has been chosen as the preferred candidate to replace Lord Chris Smith as Chair of the Environment Agency (EA), the independent body that delivers government policy for ‘the protection and enhancement of the environment’.

Following an open competition and selection process, Environment Minister Owen Paterson announced today (6 June) that Dilley has been selected as the government’s preferred candidate to succeed Lord Smith in the post. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) says the process was conducted in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies, and validated by an independent assessor from the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

Paterson has now invited the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee to hold a pre-appointment hearing and to report on Dilley’s suitability for the post. Pre-appointment hearings are non-binding, but ministers do consider the committee’s views before deciding whether to proceed with an appointment.

If appointed, Dilley will be responsible for leading the organisation and making sure that it fulfils all of its goals.

Dilley background

Between 2011 and 2013, Dilley was a member of the Prime Minister’s Advisory Group,which sees business leaders from ‘sectors of strategic importance to the UK’ provide advice on ‘critical business and economic issues facing the country’.

He has a background in civil engineering and is currently Chairman of London First, a business membership organisation that encourages businesses and government to invest in London. He is also a member of the governing council of Imperial College London.

Dilley held the role of Arup Executive Chairman from April 2009 until March 2014, when he stepped down to ‘take on other roles’.

Although he has confirmed that he is not a member of any political party and has not made any political donations, he outlined that when in his role as Executive Chairman of Arup, the firm made contributions to All Party Parliamentary croups and charities as well as a £2,000 donation to the Scottish Labour Party in 2009 (to cover the cost of tickets to a gala dinner hosting the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland).

Lord Smith, who has held the position of EA Chair since 2008, will step down in July, when his term ends.

Read more about the Environment Agency.