Neil Hornby, Chief Executive of Cefas (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science) will take up the role of Natural England Chief Executive in Autumn 2026.
Neil Hornby has been appointed as the next Chief Executive of Natural England.
This follows a recruitment exercise conducted by Natural England's board and with approval by the Defra Secretary of State.
Neil will officially join Natural England in the autumn, ensuring a smooth transition following Marian Spain's retirement. He is currently Chief Executive of Cefas (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science).
He joins Natural England at a pivotal time, as the organisation continues to implement its new strategy: Recovering Nature for Growth, Health and Security, working on the Nature Restoration Fund, Landscape Recovery and other major projects.
Neil Hornby said:
Natural England has a vital mission: championing nature for the benefit of our health, wellbeing, and economy.
It's a huge honour to be able to build on Marian's impressive legacy and the successes of Natural England in restoring nature, unlocking sustainable growth, and ensuring that everyone, wherever they live, can benefit from nature.
Environment Secretary, Emma Reynolds said:
Marian has been an exceptional leader and has taken Natural England from strength to strength.
I have the utmost confidence that Neil will build on those strengths and lead the organisation in delivering its mission to restore our natural environment while unlocking economic growth across the country.
Chair of Natural England, Tony Juniper said:
I am delighted that Neil will be joining Natural England at such a crucial time for the organisation.
Having seen his achievements at Cefas and at the Rural Payments Agency, I have no doubt that Natural England will benefit from his vast expertise and experience.
Neil Hornby Biography:
Neil is the Chief Executive of the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) in January 2026, a role he has held since February 2021.
He was appointed the Rural Payments Agency's (RPA) Interim Chief Executive Officer between June 2025 and January 2026.
Prior to this, he held a number of senior positions within central government, most recently as Director of Marine and Fisheries at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). His earlier roles included leading areas such as flood policy and nuclear energy.
Notes:
Natural England is the government's adviser for the natural environment in England.
Marian Spain has served as Chief Executive of Natural England since 2018. She will remain in post until her retirement in autumn 2026.
The recruitment was carried in line with Civil Service recruitment principles of open and fair competition.
