Florence Rabier is a highly respected leader in weather and climate science with over 35 years’ experience, most recently as Director-General of the European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). She brings extensive experience of implementation of AI weather prediction models, Earth System forecasting, satellite data assimilation and strategic engagement internationally, including with the UN, space agencies and scientific bodies. 

Head and shoulders image of Florence Rabier wearing a blue jacket and white top.

Speaking on her appointment, Florence said: "I am delighted to have been appointed as Non-Executive Director to the Board of the MetOffice. I look forward to bringing my experience from previous roles at both Meteo-France and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts in research, operations and leadership to this great organisation." You can find further details in Florence Rabier’s biography below.   

Florence joins the Board following the retirement of Professor Alan Thorpe at the end of his six year term.  

Commenting on the appointment, Simon Thompson, Non-Executive Chair of the Met Office, said: “I would like to thank Alan Thorpe for his outstanding contribution to the Met Office Board over the past six years and welcome Florence Rabier. Florence brings deep knowledge of meteorology and technological innovation, outstanding leadership experience and a broad international perspective. We look forward to benefitting from her expertise and experience.”   

Professor Penny Endersby, Met Office Chief Executive, said: “I welcome Florence’s appointment to the Met Office Board. She brings extensive expertise in all aspects of weather and climate prediction, and especially in how to harness the latest AI and Machine learning techniques, and a strong track record of scientific and operational leadership from her outstanding tenure as Director General of ECMWF.” 

The Met Office Board 

The Met Office Board is our governing body, responsible for the longterm strategic direction and overall stewardship of the Met Office. As members of the Board, Non-Executive Directors support and challenge the Executive Directors in setting the organisation’s strategic objectives and monitor delivery against agreed Key Performance Indicators. Non-Executive Directors are also encouraged to assist in raising external awareness of the Met Office and its work, and build relationships with key stakeholders 

This appointment has been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments. The Met Office is a Trading Fund of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). 

Florence Rabier biography  

Florence is a strategic leader in weather and climate science, with over 35 years’ experience driving innovation, operations, and governance in meteorology. As Director-General of the European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) for 10 years, she steered major expansion and transformations, including a radical development and implementation of AI weather prediction models, formed global partnerships, and delivered high-quality services to 35 member and cooperating states.  

She is recognised globally for pioneering contributions to AI, Earth System forecasting and satellite data assimilation, with a strong record of board service, programme leadership, and engagement with meteorological services, UN, space agencies and scientific bodies. 

She is an internationally recognised scientist, whose leadership has contributed to delivering major scientific advances and operational improvements at both ECMWF and Météo-France, notably in the use of AI and of satellite data.  

She is an honorary member of the American Meteorological Society, a member of the French Academy of Technology and a “Chevalier de la légion d’honneur”.