Tamara Finkelstein has been appointed as the new permanent secretary at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Previously the department’s director general for EU exit, Finkelstein has most recently been serving as the interim permanent secretary.
Environment secretary Michael Gove, who has been eliminated from the Conservative leader contest, described her as an “outstanding public servant”.
Cabinet secretary Mark Sedwill welcomed the appointment. He said: “Tamara has been appointed as the permanent secretary to continue building on the great work she is already leading at Defra.
“This appointment reflects not only the significant contribution she has made to the department to date, but also the knowledge and experience she brings with her from an array of other important roles in government.”
Finkelstein said: “I am truly thrilled to be leading Defra at this time, as we tackle the challenges and opportunities ahead to improve our environment, support our biodiversity with thriving rural communities and food, farming and fisheries sectors.
“I look forward to building on Defra’s culture of community and inclusion, and to working with permanent secretaries across government and public service leaders to deliver for government and the public together.”
Gove added: “I know she will provide superb leadership to a great department and I am very much looking forward to working with her on our exciting agenda.”