Defra Ministers appoint Sir Andrew Steer as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Sir Andrew’s appointment is for four years and will run from 1 February 2026 to 31 January 2030. The appointment has been made in accordance with the Ministerial Governance Code on Public Appointments. All appointments are made on merit, and political activity plays no part in the selection process.  

Richard Deverell, Director of RBG Kew says: 'I am delighted that Sir Andrew Steer has been appointed as Chair of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.  I very much look forward to working with him. Andrew is globally respected as a leader in the environmental sector.  He also has tremendous experience of international development, philanthropy and government.  He is a highly experienced Chair and a passionate advocate for nature.  On behalf of all of us at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew I would like to welcome him warmly to RBG Kew and the Board.'

Sir Andrew Steer, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, said: 'I am deeply honoured to be appointed Chair of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew — one of the world’s great scientific institutions and a global steward of plant and fungal knowledge. At a time of accelerating biodiversity loss and climate change, Kew’s science, collections, and partnerships are more vital than ever. I look forward to working with the Board, management, staff and global partners — and with Defra and the UK Government — to strengthen Kew’s impact for conservation, livelihoods, and a sustainable future.'

RBG Kew is an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body under the National Heritage Act 1983 and is sponsored by Defra. The Board of Trustees comprises a Chair and eleven members. Trustees provide non-executive leadership and support to the executive through regular Board meetings, committees and groups.  

There is a requirement for appointees’ political activity (if significant) to be made public. Sir Andrew Steer has not declared any significant political activity in the past five years. 

Trustees do not receive any direct remuneration for their services, although reasonable travel and subsistence expenses can be reimbursed. 

Biography 

As President and CEO of the Bezos Earth Fund from 2021 to 2025, Sir Andrew Steer led the organisation’s global strategy, grant making and advocacy to tackle climate change and protect nature. He previously spent eight years as President and CEO of the World Resources Institute and held senior roles at the World Bank and as Director General at the former Department for International Development. In 2025, he joined the Global School of Sustainability at the London School of Economics and Political Science as Professor in Practice. 

ENDS 

Announcement link - New Chair appointed to the Board of Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew - GOV.UK 

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