The City of London Corporation has appointed a new executive director for environment to help sustainably develop the Square Mile’s built environment and lead the organisation’s fight against climate change.
Katie Stewart, who joins the City Corporation from Surrey County Council, will help to deliver plans to future-proof the Square Mile through City Plan 2040. She will work closely with the city’s planning officers and planning and transportation committee.
Stewart will also work closely with local businesses, occupiers and local community groups to deliver the seven-day ‘Destination City’ vision, as well as address long-term issues such as climate silence and urban greening to deliver a sustainable city.
City of London Corporation’s new executive director environment, Katie Stewart
Her time at the Surrey County Council saw her serving as executive director for environment, infrastructure and growth, with responsibility for highways, waste, emergency planning, countryside estate and green infrastructure.
As well as the county’s planning service, economic development and corporate land and property.
Also included in Stewarts’ new role is the stewardship of the City Corporation’s open spaces, of which the organisation protects over 11,00 acres of parks, forests, heaths, gardens and historic open spaces across London and southeast England.
These spaces include a wide variety of important wildlife habitats, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Special Areas of Conservation, and National Nature Reserves, and are protected under legislation.
Stewart comments on her new appointment, calling it a “real privilege to join the Corporation at such a pivotal time.”
City of London Corporation town clerk and chief executive Ian Thomas CBE adds: “Stewart’s appointment represents a huge investment in the implementation of City Plan 2040 and our Climate Action Strategy, putting us in a strong position to face the challenges that lie ahead.”