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Committee on Climate Change Chief Executive departs – 23 May 2014

Lord Deben has today announced that David Kennedy, Chief Executive of the Committee on Climate Change will be leaving to take on a new role. He will be handing over to Adrian Gault as interim Chief Executive until a substantive appointment is made to replace him.

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As Chief Executive of the Committee since it was set up in 2008, David has been pivotal in establishing the CCC as an independent, effective and trusted adviser on climate change. Under his leadership, the CCC has successfully influenced mitigation and adaptation policy in the UK, including the legislation of ambitious carbon budgets and fundamental reform of energy policy.

The work of the CCC is recognised internationally and David has advised the governments of many other countries including Australia and in Europe, Asia and Latin America, on the development of similar organisations and the setting of carbon targets and abatement policies.

David Kennedy, Chief Executive of the Committee, said:

“After seven wonderful years setting up and establishing the CCC, it is time for me to take up a new challenge. I am very proud of what we have achieved together, including setting economically sensible carbon budgets in legislation and most notably catalysing the Electricity Market Reform.

“I have greatly enjoyed and benefitted from working with a highly talented and dedicated team in the Secretariat and Committee, including Lord Turner, Lord Deben and Lord Krebs and the Committee members. I believe with this team and our wide network of stakeholders, the CCC is in a very strong position to continue providing advice based on evidence and analysis to the government and parliament.”

Lord Deben, Chairman of the Committee, said:

“David Kennedy created the team at the Committee on Climate Change, he established its reputation for scientific rigour and accuracy, and he has maintained that reputation throughout his seven years of service. He is the best kind of civil servant; intellectually robust and technically proficient, bringing sound judgment and careful evaluation to every issue. We owe him a great debt for a job well done. He leaves the CCC in a very good position and his successor will have the firmest of foundations from which to take the organisation forward.”

Until a new Chief Executive is announced Adrian Gault, Chief Economist at the CCC will act as interim Chief Executive.

Recruitment consultants, Saxton Bampfylde are leading on recruiting a new Chief Executive for the CCC.

For more information on the recruitment process and application details please visit Saxton Bampfylde at www.saxbam.com/jobs using job reference DCCCA.