New trustees for Royal Botanic Gardens Kew

Professor Sir William Stewart and Mr Marcus Agius have been appointed as Trustees to the Board of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sir William Stewart is part time Chair of the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and was Chief Scientfic Advisor to the UK Government from 1990-1995. Marcus Agius is Chairman of Lazard in London and also Chairman of the Foundation and Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

They will not be paid and their appointments run until 30 June 2009. Mr Agius holds no other Ministerial appointment. Sir William holds no Ministerial appointments other than the chair of the HPA.

Defra minister Jeff Rooker said:

"I am delighted to appoint Sir William Stewart and Marcus Agius to the Board of Trustees of RBG, Kew. They both have a passion and energy for the organisation and their breadth of experience and expertise will be invaluable to the Board. I know they will find their appointments interesting, challenging and worthwhile."

Notes to editors

The appointments have been made in accordance with the guidance set out by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees' political activity (if any declared) to be made public. Neither of the trustees has declared any political activity.

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body created by the National Heritage Act 1983, sponsored by Defra and which operates under a Board of Trustees.

The Board of Trustees for the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew comprises a Chairman and 11 members. Eleven members are appointed by the Secretary of State. Her Majesty the Queen appoints her own representative on the recommendation of the Secretary of State.

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