ROB Woodward, former chief executive of broadcaster STV, is to chair the Met Office.
His appointment to the UK’s national meteorological service was announced yesterday by the UK Government.
Mr Woodward will take over on July 1 from Sir John Beddington, who has been chairing the Met Office on an interim basis and will remain on its board.
The UK Government said Rob Woodward would “work with the Met Office board and executive team to ensure the organisation continues to offer global leadership in the fields of weather and climate science”.
Mr Woodward, who left Glasgow-based STV at the end of last year, said: “I’ve long admired the work of the Met Office and the impact it has on so many people from all walks of life. It is a privilege to be selected to be the next chair of this world-class organisation.
“I look forward to working with the executive team and staff to help the Met Office build on its successes whilst continuing to transform to face the challenges of the future.”
The UK Government said that, through its weather and climate services, the Met Office was expected to make a £30 billion contribution to the UK economy over this decade, “protecting lives and supporting productivity and growth across the country”.
Mr Woodward chairs the Court of Glasgow Caledonian University.
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