Hydro UK's managing director John Speirs has been appointed as the only business representative to the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution (RCEP).
Speirs, who will retire from Norsk Hydro (UK) at the end of June 2002 after almost 21 years with the company, will serve a three-year term on the RCEP.
The RCEP is an independent standing body established in 1970 to advise the government, Parliament and the public on environmental issues.
There are 14 members, including its chairman Sir Tom Blundell. Speirs will be the one member with a business background.
The RCEP recently published its 23rd report, which is on Environmental Planning, and is currently working on its next report, which will be on the long-term effects of chemicals in the environment.