David Rooke,will lead the Environment Agency’s work in protecting people and property from the risks of flooding, and managing the changing coast. With over 30 years experience in flood and coastal risk management, Mr. Rooke has been acting Director of FCRM for the past 18 months, replacing Robert Runcie, who had held the post since April 2009.

David Rooke has been involved with the Environment Agency’s response to a number of major flood events and led the organisation’s contribution to the Flood and Water Management Bill - he has worked for the Agency since it was formed in 1996 in various operational and head office roles.

Priorities for the future

David Rooke said he is focused on better protecting England and Wales from flooding and managing coastal erosion:

“I am pleased to be leading flood and coastal risk management in the Environment Agency to ensure that we create a better place for people and wildlife.

“Specifically, I am committed to providing better flood and coastal erosion protection to more than145,000 households by March 2015, to meeting the Water Framework Directive targets and to ensuring a timely and high-quality reliable incident response when called upon.

“We need to work in more partnerships and build technical skills and career development opportunities to address national skills shortages in the sector.”