Orna NiChionna has been charge as the unexampled Chair of the Eden Trust , the charity responsible for the Eden Project . She will get together the Board of Trustees later on this month ( March 2023 ) and will succeed Edward Benthall in the role in June .
Orna ’s life history has cross business and the not - for - net income sphere , where she has focussed on environmental and biodiversity issues .
Orna was a Partner at refer firm McKinsey and Company for many twelvemonth , and since leaving McKinsey , she has served on the boards of a bit of well - know companies , including Royal Mail , HMV , Bupa , and Saga . She is presently the Senior Independent Director at Burberry .
She has also played leadership roles at several charitable organizations , including the Soil Association , where she was Chair of Trustees for six years and a Council member for 13 years , and at the National Trust , where she was Deputy Chair for seven age and Acting Chair in the last yr of her full term as a Trustee .
Edward Benthall was appointed Chair of the Eden Trust in 2015 and has been an Eden legal guardian since 2014 .
The arrival of Orna as the new Chair come at a pivotal moment for the Eden Project , stick with the announcement in January that Eden Project Morecambe has been granted £ 50 K from the Government ’s Levelling Up Fund .
Eden ’s expansion to raw site will run in parallel with development at the project ’s Cornwall rest home , include the establishment of a state - of - the - artwork new industrial plant nursery and further work on Eden ’s ground - discontinue geothermic heat and energy project .
Orna said : “ I am truly delighted to be join the Eden Project team at this exciting time . For more than 20 years , hoi polloi have flocked to our unique Cornwall site , the result of Sir Tim Smit ’s imaginativeness and drive .
“ We want to build on that strong foundation to inspire even more people around the world to apprize and protect our awe-inspiring natural world , our biodiversity , our real - life Eden . I look forrard to working with our CEO Rob Chatwin and with Tim on this next phase . ”
Edward said : “ I am entranced that Orna has gibe to take over from me as Chair of the Eden Trust . She will have the chance to lead a wonderful team of trustees , executives , and staff at a very exciting meter for the Eden Project .
“ Eden is vivid at the big things and the small , from host the G7 and members of the majestic crime syndicate to plant a tree in memory of a friend . I will lead with the fond of memories , certain that Eden will continue to delight , surprise and inspire . ”
Rob Chatwin , Group CEO of the Eden Project , said : “ It is with great pleasance that we receive Orna to the Eden household . Her wealth of experience and her passion for the issues that are central to the Eden Project ’s charge - to process with nature to respond to the planetary emergency - make her a perfect fit for this role .
“ I ’m sure everyone at the Eden Project will bring together me in expressing our gratitude to Edward Benthall as he follow to the end of his terminal figure as Chair . His punishing work , support , and guidance have been invaluable , and we wish him all the in force for the future . ”
Sir Tim Smit , Co - founder of the Eden Project , read : “ We receive Orna as the incoming chair of the Eden Trust with a bounce in our step . We calculate out on a earthly concern that is waking up , not only to the risk of our planetary emergency but also to the incredible chance that lie in look at the world afresh and show in a new green enlightenment led by a matrimony between corporates and the public sector .
“ Orna brings across-the-board experience , real accomplishments in leaders , and , most important of all , a passion for the environment and a sentence that the future persist ours to make . We are captivated to have her unite us and wish our outgoing Chair huge thanks for his contribution over the geezerhood and much achiever in his succeeding try . ”
