Simon takes over the position from Rob Woodward CBE who has served two full terms as Chair, having taken up the position in 2018. 

As Chair, Simon will work with the Met Office Board and wider executive team in continuing to grow the weather and climate services and global leadership that the Met Office delivers. These services help Government, the public, industry and international partners achieve their goals, enabling people to stay safe and thrive.

Speaking of his appointment, Simon commented: “I look forward to working with the Board and the Executive at this exciting time, as the Met Office seeks to realise the full social and economic benefits of the recent investment in a new supercomputer.”

Simon has held a number of senior leadership positions in the finance, natural resources and energy sectors, including serving as chairman of 3i Group and Rio Tinto and as a director of Anglo American. Committed to public good science and sustainability, Simon currently serves as a director of the British Geological Survey and is a Defra-appointed member of the Peak District National Park Authority.

He is also a Senior Advisor to Rothschild & Co. and a member of the Energy Transition Commission. Simon’s academic credentials include a MA in geology from Oxford University, a PhD in history from King’s College London and an Honorary Professorship at the University of Exeter, Faculty of Environment, Science and Economics.

Met Office Chief Executive, Prof Penny Endersby CBE, said: "I'm delighted to welcome Simon on board with his wealth of experience at a very exciting time for the Met Office, I would like to acknowledge the outstanding job Rob Woodward has done steering us through the last six years."

Science Minister, Lord Vallance, said: “My congratulations to Simon Thompson on his appointment as Chair of the Met Office Board and I welcome the extensive leadership experience and commitment to applying scientific knowledge that he will bring to the role.

“The Met Office plays an important part in our daily lives and our safety through its weather and climate forecasts, for which it is recognised and valued globally.

“It is vital we have a leader in post who can make the most of the valuable insights its talented team can offer to benefit the UK and our planet.”

Simon will officially take over the role on 1 December 2024 but will attend a Met Office board meeting on 29 November as an observer. The appointment of the Chair of the Met Office Board is made by the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology.