Planning Inspectorate welcomes appointment of new board Chair

Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook has confirmed the appointment of Ben Alexander as the new Chair of the Planning Inspectorate Advisory Board. His appointment is expected to commence on 1 July 2026 and run for a period of four years. In addition, the Minister has confirmed a one-year extension to the terms of two existing board members, Adrian Penfold and Oliver Munn, to September 2027.

Trudi Elliott CBE, who will hand over to the new Chair after completing two terms as Chair at the Inspectorate, said:

Congratulations to Ben Alexander on this appointment. I can say with complete sincerity that this is one of the best jobs in public service. The Planning Inspectorate is an organisation full of talented, dedicated people doing vital work, and I’ve been enormously proud to serve as Chair.
I’m looking forward to spending time with Ben to hand over smoothly, and I have absolute confidence Ben will carry this organisation forward with the same ambition and drive.

Welcoming the new Chair, Graham Stallwood, interim CEO, said:

I warmly welcome Ben to the Planning Inspectorate. He joins us at a genuinely exciting moment - our performance is at a high, we are growing to meet increased demand, and we are in the middle of some of the most significant digital improvements in the organisation’s history.
The Board plays a vital role in providing strategic oversight and challenge. Delivering the homes, infrastructure and major projects this country needs depends on a planning system that is fast, fair and trusted. I look forward to working closely with Ben to build on our progress and deliver even more for the nation, and the communities and applicants who depend on us.

Ben Alexander said:

I am delighted to be taking up the role of Chair at the Planning Inspectorate at a significant moment for the organisation. I am looking forward to working with the board and new colleagues.

Further information

Ben Alexander

Ben is currently Chair of the Industrial Development Advisory Board, an external member of the Cambridge University finance committee and serves as a commercial advisor at the Cabinet Office. He has previously held senior roles in international finance and asset management and brings extensive experience in governance, infrastructure and strategic decision‑making across both the public and private sectors.

For the other Planning Inspectorate board members, biographies are available here: Planning Inspectorate - GOV.UK