Sir Andrew Steer appointed as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Sir Andrew Steer, GSoS Professor in Practice and Executive Director of the Global Impact Group, has been announced as the new Chair of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sir Andrew’s appointment is for four years and will run from 1 February 2026 to 31 January 2030.

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a world-famous scientific organisation, internationally respected for its outstanding collections and scientific expertise in plant and fungal diversity, conservation, and sustainable development in the UK and around the globe.

Sir Andrew Steer of his appointment: '"I am deeply honoured to be appointed Chair of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew — one of the world’s great scientific institutions and a global steward of plant and fungal knowledge. At a time of accelerating biodiversity loss and climate change, Kew’s science, collections, and partnerships are more vital than ever. I look forward to working with the Board, management, staff and global partners — and with Defra and the UK Government — to strengthen Kew’s impact for conservation, livelihoods, and a sustainable future."