- David Hill named as Chief Executive to lead Greater Cambridge Development Corporation
- Appointment confirms government’s infrastructure-first approach to accelerate economic growth in Greater Cambridge
- New body will bring land together for development, invest in key sites and unlock stalled land to realise Cambridge’s full economic potential
David has been appointed today (Friday 12 June) as the first Chief Executive of the proposed Greater Cambridge Development Corporation – a new regeneration body being designed to drive infrastructure-first growth at scale and deliver thousands of new homes and jobs across the region.
David brings extensive senior experience from central government, including as interim Permanent Secretary at DEFRA and Director General with national responsibility for water policy. He has also served in local government as Director of Strategic Commissioning and Policy at Essex County Council. He will take up the role in September 2026.
Subject to parliamentary process, the Development Corporation will coordinate strategic delivery across Greater Cambridge – from community facilities and utilities to housing – giving the region certainty and securing its status as an engine of national growth. The statutory instruments establishing the Development Corporation have been laid before Parliament.
This is another step in realising the government’s ambitions for Cambridge and the wider OxCam Growth Corridor, building on the announcements made by the Housing Minister and Chancellor last week.
Housing and Planning Minister, Matthew Pennycook said
“I am delighted that David has agreed to become the first Chief Executive of the Greater Cambridge Development Corporation.
“Building on his strong track record in government, I know David will work closely with local partners to ensure the region is equipped with the powers and authority needed to deliver new housing, jobs and infrastructure at scale.”
Chief Executive of the Greater Cambridge Development Corporation, David Hill said
“I’m honoured and excited to be taking up this new role, and look forward to working with all our partners to deliver the jobs, infrastructure and homes needed to enable Cambridge to grow and to benefit local communities.”
Chair of the Cambridge Growth Company, Peter Freeman CBE said
“I am delighted that David will become Chief Executive of the Greater Cambridge Development Corporation in September. His experience will be invaluable in ensuring the Development Corporation is set up to succeed. Our overriding aim is to enable Greater Cambridge to deliver the economic growth the country needs by making it the most liveable city in Europe.”
The appointment supports the government’s mission to accelerate economic growth, ramp up housing supply and fast-track infrastructure delivery across England.
Further information
The Chief Executive appointment was made following a fair and open recruitment exercise carried out by Homes England and the Cambridge Growth Company.
Biography
David Hill has held Director General roles at Defra since 2019, leading on water, environment and strategy. He was interim Permanent Secretary from June to October 2025. Prior to joining Defra, David was Director of Strategic Commissioning and Policy at Essex County Council, leading a range of place-based initiatives. He has held senior roles across Government, including leading on apprenticeship reform at DfE, and served as Principal Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and as Private Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister.
