• Paul Caldwell has announced that he is stepping down as Chief Executive of the Rural Payments Agency and retiring from the Civil Service this summer.
• Paul has served Defra and the RPA for 40 years, with eight years as CEO of the RPA.
• During that time he has striven to shape RPA’s future aligned to Defra group and to make a difference for customers and the wider rural economy. 
• He has steered the agency to overcome various challenges, such as exiting the European Union, as well as significant achievements in improving the capability of the organisation, increasing trust and collaboration, and overseeing a record number of farm businesses benefitting from farming schemes.

Paul Caldwell, Chief Executive of the Rural Payment Agency, said:

“For just over eight years I have been privileged to lead the RPA as Chief Executive, and I am proud of what we have achieved together in that time.

“I leave the agency in a great position to further maximise its grant-making and deliver for its customers.

“In the time I have left here, I remain committed to doing the best we can for our customers.”

Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said:

 "I want to thank Paul for his outstanding service for Defra and its predecessor departments - culminating with eight years at the helm of the RPA.  

"I am grateful for the dedication and expertise he has shown, and his work in overseeing a record number of farm businesses benefitting from farming schemes.”