Executive

John Hirst, Chief Executive

I was appointed Chief Executive in 2008. It is exciting leading this highly respected and successful science organisation at the forefront of one of the world's great issues. The challenge for us is to harness the Met Office’s world-leading weather and climate science for even greater business and customer benefit.

Before joining the office I was CEO of Premier Farnell, from 1998-2005, where I built an excellent leadership team; redefined the business, both operationally and financially, and repositioned it so as to grow market share and earnings. Before that I was with ICI where I held many senior positions, including CEO of the global Specialty Chemical Division during a period of high revenue growth, and undertook a series of successful acquisition and merger negotiations.

Professor Julia Slingo OBE, Chief Scientist

I am responsible for providing scientific and technical strategy; ensuring the organisation adheres to good scientific and technical standards and directing and managing research and development with the Met Office. I also represent the office, on science and technology, across government.

My role sees a return to the office — I started my career here in 1972 before leaving to raise a family in 1980. Between 1981 and 1990 I worked at the European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and on climate science at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in America. Prior to rejoining the office I was Director of Climate Research at the National Centre for Atmospheric Science and Professor of Meteorology at the University of Reading. In 2006 I became the founding director of Reading’s Walker Institute for Climate System Research.

Professor John Mitchell OBE, Director of Climate Science

I am accountable to the Chief Executive for providing the climate science strategy and delivery, and contributing to overall corporate management and strategy. My role is to ensure that we retain our world-leading position in climate, and use this to develop a thriving business giving advice on climate change.

I joined the Met Office in 1973 after completing a PhD in atomic physics in Belfast. I have spent most of my time since then trying to understand and predict climate changes, apart from two short spells forecasting in Bracknell. In 2002 I became Chief Scientist with substantially greater management responsibilities. This gave me a much broader view of research and the wider workings of the Met Office. In 2006 I moved to the newly created post of Director of Climate Science.

Diana Chaloner, Director of Human Resources

I joined the office in July 2007 as Director of Human Resources (HR). I take responsibility for all people-related issues across the Met Office. This covers the recruitment, development, support and reward of all our staff, as well as ensuring we remain an employer of choice within the region.

I am a qualified Human Resources professional with many years’ experience across the public sector. I started my career in generalist human resources at Kent County Council, where I spent my first 10 years. Increasingly, I have moved towards organisational change and strategic HR.

Alan Dickinson, Director of Science & Technology

I am accountable to the Chief Scientist for the development and implementation of our Science and Technology strategy, ensuring that it supports our short- and long-term business objectives. My job is to provide executive leadership for the research and development leading to new or improved products and services.

Before joining the Met Office in 1975 I trained as an applied mathematician and also have a PhD in fluid dynamics. Prior to becoming a director I was Head of Numerical Modelling, with responsibility for the scientific and numerical optimisation of the weather forecasting models used in operations.

Keith Groves, Operations & Customer Service Director

I am responsible for the end-to-end process for the production and delivery of data and services to Met Office customers. This responsibility includes Forecasting, Observations, and Operational Service Delivery.

I joined the Met Office in 1974 after completing an MSc in Meteorology and Applied Climatology at Birmingham University. After a short spell in Long Range Forecasting, I worked in Atmospheric Chemistry for four years before moving into operational forecasting, spending five years as a Chief Forecaster. From 1986 to 1998 I worked in the Defence area, in a number of management roles, including tours to the Falklands and Germany. In 1998 I moved to the Ministry of Defence as Head of the Met Support Group, returning to the Met Office in 2001 as part of the Relocation Team. In 2002 I took over responsibility for the Observing area of the Met Office. In late 2003 I became the Forecasting Programme Manager, and took up my current role in December 2007.

Nick Jobling, Finance & Planning Director

I am responsible for the delivery of all financial advice, planning and support. On the Executive I provide financial leadership and control.

I joined the Met Office in March 2004 as Head of Financial Management Information. I am an ACA qualified Finance Director with 17 years' experience across a broad range of financial disciplines in high tech manufacturing and telecom sectors. Previously I worked at Cable & Wireless, where I was Finance Director; was European Region Controller at fibre optic network company Global Crossing and held a number of positions at Alcatel Submarine Networks.

Phil Johnston, Commercial Business Director

I joined the Met Office in May 2006 as Director of Sales and Marketing, accountable for business development; commercial sales and marketing; international business, and marketing communications. A key area of my remit is to ensure a more customer-focused commercial function, in addition to leading and developing both the Met Office brand and the sales and marketing teams.

Prior to joining the Met Office, I spent 15 years at GlaxoSmithKline, working in a variety of roles covering sales, marketing, business development and regulatory in both pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare sectors. Before I moved to GlaxoSmithKline I worked for a small generic healthcare company for four years, in sales, marketing and business development.

Alan Shepherd, Strategic Marketing & Product Director

I joined the Met Office in January 2009. I am responsible for revitalising our product offering, as well as providing strategic direction in our customer delivery.

I have a strong and varied marketing and commercial management background, including 10 years at Kraft Foods; spells at Marketing Director level at Kwik Save, Somerfield and Iceland, and general management experience at Sainsbury’s and with the banking organisations Lloyds TSB and The Co-operative Group.

Rob Varley, Government Services Director

I am the single point of focus for all public sector users of Met Office services: from daily weather forecasts to climate change advice for policymakers. I am particularly keen to ensure decision-makers across Government are making effective use of our world-class expertise and advice in weather and climate. I am also the Executive lead on Corporate Responsibility, helping to ensure we are meeting our objectives in a sustainable way and acting in a positive manner in our dealings with our staff, customers, suppliers and the wider community.

I have worked for the Met Office for more than 26 years. Before joining the Executive I worked in a variety of roles, starting as a weather forecaster, then 10 years at the Met Office College overseeing the training and development of forecasters. I then moved on to project manage the procurement and construction of the new headquarters building at Exeter. Since the move to Exeter in 2003 I have worked with Government customers, heading the Public Weather Service.