The UK Government has appointed Alan Lovell as Chair of the British Steel board.
Alan, who starts the role with immediate effect, trained as an accountant working with PWC, and has been finance director for several companies.
In his executive career, Alan was Chief Executive Officer of six companies, including two in the renewable energy sector (Infinis in landfill gas and Tamar in anaerobic digestion) and three in the construction sector, including Costain Group plc.
In his non-executive career, Alan has been a Non-Executive Director and Chair at several companies and organisations including Interserve Group, Lloyd’s of London, SIG, and the Consumer Council for Water.
In the not-for-profit world, Alan is a lay Canon of Winchester Cathedral. He has previously chaired the Hampshire Cultural Trust, the University of Winchester and the Mary Rose Trust. He was High Sheriff of Hampshire in 2010-11 and is a Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire.
Alan was appointed Chair of the Environment Agency in September 2022 and will be in post at the Agency until December 2026, combining duties with his new role at British Steel.
Alan, and our board of directors, will work with our executive leadership team and the UK Government, to shape the future of British Steel, ensuring we can manufacture the steel Britain needs now and for decades to come.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: "Alan is bringing a wealth of experience to British Steel at a crucial time for the business. He understands what it takes to lead companies through major change, and I know he will work closely with the workforce, the Board and local communities as British Steel enters its next chapter.
"When we stepped in to secure British Steel's future, it was about far more than a single company. It was about backing the industries, skills and communities that will help drive Britain's reindustrialisation. I'm pleased Alan has agreed to take on this role and look forward to working with him to secure a strong future for steelmaking in the UK."
Alan said: “I am proud to have been appointed into this role at such a pivotal time for the company. The world-class steel we produce is vital to Britain’s defence, infrastructure and buildings, and is a cornerstone of the UK economy. Together with my fellow board members, I am looking to the future with great optimism. We are focused on building a sustainable business for our dedicated employees, valued customers and suppliers, and the tens of thousands of people in our supply chains. And with the resolute support of the UK Government, and the highly skilled team at British Steel, we will deliver the world-class steel Britain needs now and for decades to come.”
Further Board appointments will be announced in due course.
You can read more about our board of directors here Our Board - British Steel