News story

David Hill appointed as Interim Defra Permanent Secretary

David Hill will lead the department as the recruitment process for a Permanent Secretary continues.

David Hill has been appointed as Interim Permanent Secretary at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

David Hill has been appointed as Interim Permanent Secretary at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

David’s term will begin on 30 June 2025 and will run until a new Permanent Secretary is in post. The recruitment process for a new Permanent Secretary is ongoing.

David brings a wealth of experience to the position, having held several Director General roles at Defra since 2019. 

This appointment follows outgoing Permanent Secretary Tamara Finkelstein’s decision earlier this year to step down after six years in the role.

Updates to this page

Published 30 June 2025