The charity that runs the Eden Project has appointed Andy Jasper as its next chief executive.
Jasper, who is director of gardens and parklands at the National Trust, returns to the Eden Trust having spent almost 13 years as head of research and evaluation from 2001.
He has since held roles including programme director of RHS Garden Wisley, the Royal Horticultural Society’s flagship garden, and director of the National Tropical Botanical Garden in Hawaii, USA.
Jasper succeeds Rob Chatwin, who is stepping down after three years in the role.
Jasper said that, as a Cornishman, he was looking forward to returning to the Eden Project.
“It is such an honour to be chosen to lead the Eden Project, one of the most important, unique and forward-looking organisations of this century,” he said.
“We will pull out every stop to deliver the innovative new Eden Projects in Morecambe – where I have family links – and Dundee.”
Orna NiChionna, chair of the Eden Trust, said of Jasper: “His career is completely aligned with our mission, ethos and level of ambition and he comes with a compelling track record of leading, motivating and empowering teams as well as delivering major capital projects that result in true transformation.
“He will be building on the excellent work carried out by our outgoing CEO, Rob Chatwin, who led our successful £50m Levelling Up Fund bid for the forthcoming Eden Project Morecambe and initiated our transition to a global, multi-site operation, including projects in China, Costa Rica and Dubai.
“Rob will work closely with Andy on the handover – ensuring that there is no loss of momentum as Andy picks up the reins in this next phase in our growth.”
Jasper will take up his new role in September, when Chatwin is due to step down.
Nobody from the Eden Project was able to confirm what Chatwin intends to do next.