The Welsh Government has named Professor Peter Matthews as the first Chair to the Board of Wales’ newly-formed environmental body, which combines the former Environment Agency Wales, Countryside Council for Wales and Forestry Commission Wales.

The new, single-body environmental agency was first announced in May and is forecast to save the Welsh government £158 million over the course of 10 years.

Matthews comes from a background in chemistry, where he had a career in the pharmaceutical industry, and later the water industry. He was the Deputy Managing Director of Anglian Water before joining the board of the Environment Agency in 1999. In 2006 he joined the board of the Port of London Authority as well as became Chair of the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation.

"I am delighted to announce Professor Matthews' appointment”, said Environment Minister John Griffiths. “He has had a long and distinguished career in the environmental sector and his wealth of experience will provide an excellent foundation for driving forward our new single body."

Top of the to-do list for Matthews as Chairman will be finding a name for the new Welsh agency.

More details of the single-body agency can be found on the Welsh Government’s website.