New CEO for BNG specialist Environment Bank

Catherine Spitzer has taken over at the helm of the York-headquartered nature restoration and biodiversity net gain provider, joining from Bidwells.

Spitzer, who was managing director of consulting firm Bidwells, replaces James Cross, who served as chief executive of Environment Bank from 2018.

The firm said Spitzer joins with a proven track record in scaling businesses and implementing successful growth strategies.

In her new role, she will oversee Environment Bank’s strategic direction, working closely with stakeholders to develop innovative BNG solutions for developers in England. She will also develop the company’s voluntary ‘Nature Shares’ proposition, aimed at large organisations with nature-positive ambitions.

Spitzer said: “I am delighted to join Environment Bank and to have the opportunity to contribute to such important work. This is a very exciting new phase for the company with the BNG regulations coming into force in February. I am looking forward to working with developers and delivering the highest integrity BNG solutions in the market.”

The departing Cross said: “Working alongside Professor David Hill and building such an amazing team has been a career highlight for me. With the BNG regulations passing into law in February 2024, the time is right for me to now pass on the baton to Catherine and I wish her and the whole team the very best of luck for the next phase of their journey.”

Founder and chair of Environment Bank, Professor David Hill, said: “We extend our thanks to James for his many years of service and leadership. His passion for conservation and his strategic focus and expertise across the land-based sectors has been instrumental in shaping Environment Bank’s success. We wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.

“Catherine brings a unique combination of private equity investment, leadership, commercial experience and delivery to Environment Bank and we are excited to have her on board to lead the next stage of growth,” he added.

Environment Bank describes itself as a one stop shop BNG solutions provider consisting of ecologists, land managers, planners, legal and commercial experts providing solutions for developers and corporates, collaborating closely with Defra, Natural England, and other stakeholders to shape environmental policy and guidance.

The organisation is directly investing £240m of secured funding provided by the Gresham House Sustainable Infrastructure Fund into an expanding national network of landscape-scale ‘habitat banks’ for the BNG market.