The Peak District National Park Authority has confirmed that Phil Mulligan has been appointed as its new chief executive, taking on the role from early September 2022.

Mr Mulligan joins the Authority following the departure of former chief executive Sarah Fowler in March, to the position of chief executive at the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust.

Currently Director, East Midlands, for the Canal & River Trust (CRT), Mr Mulligan has an extensive background across the voluntary and environmental sectors having held executive and board positions in organisations ranging from The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), the United Nations Association UK, the Landscape Institute, Environmental Protection UK and as a member of the National Trust’s Council.

Phil was also the vice chair of Defra’s Civil Society Advisory Board when the government first considered the creation of the Canal & River Trust; following on from the former British Waterways with the organisation transitioning from a centrally funded body to a registered charity as the Canal & River Trust operates today.

Mr Mulligan joins the National Park Authority following the publication of the government’s Landscapes Review looking at the role of England’s protected landscapes, and as all National Parks have been part of a ‘green recovery’ from the pandemic and have welcomed increasingly new audiences following the impacts of Covid lockdowns.

Chair of the Authority, Andrew McCloy, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Phil Mulligan to the position of chief executive at such a pivotal moment for the Peak District; where the spotlight is on our protected landscapes perhaps more than at any time since their creation over 70 years ago.

“Phil’s extensive leadership credentials – often with volunteer support at its heart – will be invaluable to meeting the challenges and aspirations of a Peak District that stands ready to deliver for our protected landscapes and all that they offer.”

Phil added: “Joining the National Park Authority at such a pivotal moment for protected landscapes is a huge responsibility and I am honoured and excited to be joining the team. The need for nature recovery and climate mitigation has never been greater, nor has the opportunity to engage the National Park’s residents and visitors. The Peak District has a special place in the nation’s heart and we need to ensure nature, climate, residents and visitors are at the heart of our work.”

The Head of Law Andrea McCaskie will continue as interim chief executive until Mr Mulligan takes up his post in September.

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