Tricia Henton is to be the new Chief Executive of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

At its meeting this afternoon, the Board of SEPA confirmed the appointment of Ms Henton, who is currently SEPA's Director of Environmental Strategy. She will take up her new post in the next few weeks.

Announcing the appointment, SEPA Chairman Ken Collins said

"I am delighted that Tricia has accepted the challenge of becoming our new Chief Executive. We are at the threshold of a new era in which SEPA will be recognised not only as force for environmental protection but also as a major player in sustainable development. We intend to forge a new partnership between SEPA Board members and its management team. Through that partnership we will aim to put SEPA and the environment much higher on the public and political agendas. Protecting the environment through regulation will always be important, but we also need a culture shift in Scotland. People need to be aware of environmental issues and of their role, with SEPA, in making things better. Tricia will spearhead our effort.

"I would like to thank Alasdair Paton, SEPA's first Chief Executive, for his substantial contribution to the establishment of SEPA and to its development into a successful and smooth running organisation. He is now retiring to pursue other interests and I wish him well for the future."

1. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is the official body responsible for environmental protection and improvement in Scotland.
   
   
2. The post of Chief Executive was advertised in the national press and has been undertaken as an open and competitive process.
   
   
3. Ms M Patricia (Tricia) Henton (50) is a chartered geologist and has been Director of Environmental Strategy with SEPA since its inception in 1996. Formerly Director for Scotland and Northern Ireland with Aspinwall Consultants, her previous experience also includes work with the Forth and Clyde River Purification Boards. She is a Past President of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management and sat on the Secretary of State for Scotland's Advisory Group on Sustainable Development. She is a Council Member of the Natural Environment Research Council. Married with 2 children, Tricia lives in Edinburgh.
   
   
4. The principles of sustainable development lie at the core of SEPA's remit. Essentially, this involves integrating the needs of people, the economy and the environment.
   
   
5. Photographs of Tricia Henton are available from SEPA Public Affairs.
   
   
6. Interviews with Ken Collins and Tricia Henton can be arranged. Contact SEPA Public Affairs.