Andrew Sells

Biography

Andrew Sells was appointed chairman of Natural England in January 2014. He also sits on the Defra Board.

Andrew was previously chairman of Wyevale Garden Centres group (2009 to 2012) and chairman of Linden Homes, a specialist brown field developer, from its start-up in 1991 until its sale in 2007. He has held trustee roles with the Royal Horticultural Society (of which he was treasurer) and Policy Exchange (of which he was also treasurer).

In his early career he qualified as a Chartered Accountant prior to spending some 10 years with Schroders plc and then almost 20 years managing venture capital funds. He also has an MBA from the London Business School.

Andrew and his family live on a small grass farm in north Wiltshire at the southern end of the Cotswolds where he has planted thousands of trees.

As well as his passion for the natural environment, Andrew has a keen interest in supporting charities helping young people into work. He chaired a Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) Task Force looking at ways of improving the efficiency of the DWP’s Work Programme, and the government subsequently published its response accepting almost all its recommendations.

Andrew has been appointed chairman of Natural England until January 2020.

Other positions held:

  • director of South Oxfordshire Crematorium and Memorial Park Ltd
  • director of Kirkleatham Memorial Park and Crematorium Ltd
  • fellow of the Royal Geographical Society
  • member of the National Trust, Royal Horticultural Society, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust

Previous roles in government

  • Ex officio Defra board member
  • Chairman

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