Sir Andrew Steer named as Chair of the Board of Trustees
Sir Andrew Steer has been appointed as Chair of the Board of Trustees of Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sir Andrew is a globally recognised leader in sustainable development, environmental economics and climate action, serving as President and CEO of the Bezos Earth Fund from 2021 to 2025. He previously spent eight years as President and CEO of the World Resources Institute. He was knighted in 2024 for services to sustainable development and climate action.
His appointment is for four years and will run from 1 February 2026 to 31 January 2030.
Nature Minister Mary Creagh said:
Sir Andrew Steer brings a wealth of global leadership experience and a deep commitment to tackling the climate and nature crises. His distinguished career across international development, environmental policy and philanthropy will be a huge asset to Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
I am grateful to the outgoing Chair, Dame Amelia Fawcett, for her inspirational leadership and contribution to Kew's global standing as a centre of scientific excellence.
I look forward to working with Sir Andrew and the Board to support Kew in their mission advancing world-leading science, protecting biodiversity and inspiring people to care for the natural world in the UK and around the world.
Richard Deverell, Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew said:
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.
This appointment has been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments published by the Cabinet Office. In accordance with the Code, there is a requirement for appointees' political activity (if any) to be made public. Sir Andrew has not declared any political activity.
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.
