Commission welcomes AtkinsRéalis Director Lisa Littlefair as new co-Chair

Lisa Littlefair, a senior director with global engineering consultancy AtkinsRéalis has been appointed co-Chair of the Leeds Climate Commission, joining Cllr Katie Dye in the role. 

Lisa, who has recently taken up a new position as Practice Director at AtkinsRéalis for the Buildings and Places team across the North of England, brings experience of infrastructure and regeneration projects across the world to the voluntary role, together with an intimate knowledge of Leeds’ business community.  

She has previously worked for engineering consultancy Mott MacDonald on international projects including flood alleviation and transport schemes. Her career spans roles in the public sector making the case for investment in places, and she was Chair of the Leeds Chamber Property and Economic Forum and a founder member of Leeds Business Anchors.  

Purposeful activity

“I am delighted to take up the role of co-Chair of the Leeds Climate Commission alongside Cllr Katie Dye, and I’m looking forward to rolling my sleeves up and making a positive impact,” Lisa said.

“The challenge of climate change is one of the biggest we face as a city and as people. We are now seeing the impacts across the world and closer to home with tangible changes to the fundamental systems that support us. To respond to that challenge, we need to be co-ordinated and purposeful in our activity, and this is where the Commission comes in.  

 “The Leeds Climate Commission has a proud track record of getting things done – it was the first to exist after all – and I am really pleased to be able to support, facilitate and steer the great work they do.  

“The principle of developing resilient, healthy, and thriving places is what drives me and that aligns directly with the work of the Climate Commission.  

“I want to bring my experience of business and of local and regional government to enable the Commission to achieve its ambitions of accelerating joined up action and co-ordinated, evidence-based decision making.” 

Pivotal moment

Since being founded nine years ago the Leeds Climate Commission has blazed a trail for other place-based climate commissions, including Yorkshire & Humber Climate Commission, the only regional commission in the UK. Both share a core team based at the University of Leeds.  

Climate Commissions Director Rosa Foster said:   “Lisa joins us at a pivotal moment, as the Commission continues to bring together organisations and leaders from across Leeds through its new role as Convenor of the Leeds Resilient City Ambition.  

 “Her experience, energy and commitment to partnership will be a tremendous asset as we work to turn ambition into action and create new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.  

“Leeds has shown it can tackle complex challenges by working together. Through connecting expertise from across sectors and focusing on practical, achievable solutions, we can help build a city that is more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous.  

“I look forward to working with Lisa as we continue to support collective action that delivers real and lasting impact for Leeds.”  

Strategic leadership

 Commission co-Chair Cllr Katie Dye said: “I am delighted to welcome Lisa to join me in co-chairing the Leeds Climate Commission. Her experience in infrastructure, regeneration and local government will be invaluable in enhancing our role in the Leeds Ambitions resilience focus.  

 “Her proven business expertise will provide valuable insight and strategic leadership, helping us to strengthen partnerships and accelerate action across the city.  

 “This is an exciting moment for the Commission, and I look forward to working together to realise our shared ambitions for a sustainable and resilient Leeds.”