Tom Warth appointed as Chief Operating Officer
The UK Planning Inspectorate has appointed Tom Warth as permanent Chief Operating Officer after eight months in an interim capacity, following a competitive recruitment process.
The Planning Inspectorate announced Tom Warth’s permanent appointment as Chief Operating Officer (COO) today, concluding a competitive recruitment process. Warth previously served as interim COO for eight months, overseeing five services within the Inspectorate. His appointment follows a career spanning multiple roles, including enforcement case officer and Head of the Planning and Environmental Appeals Service. The Inspectorate highlighted his extensive experience in planning and infrastructure casework as key to his selection.
Warth originally joined the Inspectorate as a case officer in enforcement before advancing through various roles. Prior to his interim COO position, he led the Planning and Environmental Appeals Service, which processes approximately 20,000 appeals annually. The Inspectorate noted his leadership in handling planning, enforcement, and other appeals as instrumental to his appointment. His permanent role formalizes his ongoing responsibilities within the organization.
In a statement, Warth expressed honor in accepting the permanent COO position, emphasizing his long-standing familiarity with the Inspectorate’s operations. He underscored the dedication of teams across all cases handled by the Inspectorate, committing to support staff and maintain service quality. Warth’s appointment reflects his deep institutional knowledge, having worked in multiple departments over many years.
Senior leadership at the Planning Inspectorate welcomed Warth’s permanent appointment, praising his steady and thoughtful leadership approach. They noted his understanding of the Inspectorate’s operations from the ground up, positioning him to effectively lead the organization’s services. The announcement signals continuity in leadership following his interim tenure.