James Bevan (diplomat)

Sir James David Bevan KCMG (born 13 July 1959) is the Chief Executive of the Environment Agency and a former British diplomat.

Sir James Bevan

KCMG
Chief Executive of the Environment Agency
Assumed office
2015
Preceded byPaul Leinster
High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to India
In office
2011–2015
MonarchElizabeth II
Preceded byRichard Stagg
Succeeded byDominic Asquith
Personal details
Born (1959-07-13) 13 July 1959
NationalityBritish
Spouse(s)Janet Purdie
ChildrenJo, Lottie and Rosie
EducationRoyal Grammar School, High Wycombe
Alma materSussex University
OccupationDiplomat

Early life

Bevan was born on 13 July 1959. He was educated at the Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe and Sussex University.

Career

He joined the British Diplomatic Service in 1982 and served in Kinshasa, Brussels, Paris, and Washington, as well as various posts in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. He was a Visiting Fellow at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard (2006–07) and the Chief Operating Officer of the FCO (2007–11). He was the UK's High Commissioner to India from 2011-15.[1][2]

Bevan became Chief Executive of the Environment Agency in 2015.[3] Under his leadership the Environment Agency has stepped up its work to tackle climate change, promote sustainable growth, enhance the nation's resilience to flooding and drought, and protect the environment. He has been outspoken[4][5] on the need to tackle the climate emergency and its consequences, and on the benefits for business and wider society of doing so successfully.

Personal life

Sir James is married to Janet Purdie. They have three daughters: Jo, Lottie and Rosie.

Honours

Bevan was appointed CMG in 2006 and knighted KCMG in 2012.

References
  1. High Commissioner's biography – UK in India
  2. Change of British High Commissioner to India, Foreign and Commonwealth Office press release, 9 May 2011
  3. "Sir James Bevan has been appointed chief executive of the Environment Agency".
  4. "Speech - Climate change: too true to be good". GOV.UK. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
  5. "Escaping the jaws of death: ensuring enough water in 2050". GOV.UK. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
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