A NEW chief executive has taken over the helm at the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, based at Pakefield Road, Lowestoft.Dr Richard Judge, who took over on March 5, was formerly a group director with AEA Environment, where he was responsible for a division that delivered a diverse portfolio of environmental consultancy, high value technical services and IT products to the public sector and industry.

A NEW chief executive has taken over the helm at the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, based at Pakefield Road, Lowestoft.

Dr Richard Judge, who took over on March 5, was formerly a group director with AEA Environment, where he was responsible for a division that delivered a diverse portfolio of environmental consultancy, high value technical services and IT products to the public sector and industry.

He brings wide-ranging leadership and business transformation experience, gained in market-leading science and engineering businesses in the UK and internationally. He is a chartered engineer and a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

Dr Judge said he was looking forward to leading and developing Cefas, particularly at hits stage of its transformation.

“The commitment from DEFRA (the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) for our transformational programme and for the development of new fit-for-purpose laboratory facilities means that there is a bright future ahead for the agency,” he said.

“The organisation has grown significantly in recent years and its strong international scientific reputation provides a great opportunity for further success. I'm delighted to be taking the reins at this exciting stage.”