
Emma Bourne
Director, Circular Economy Directorate
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
With nearly 20 years in the civil service, Bourne has led major government programmes, including a nationwide initiative for families with complex needs and Defra’s EU exit strategy. As the UK’s lead negotiator on agrifood for the Windsor Framework, she played a key role in shaping trade agreements. Now, she oversees Defra’s circular economy portfolio, including packaging reforms and strategy development. She is also the Defra group honours and parenting network champion and was awarded an OBE for services to public administration.