The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) in the UK has announced that Paul Finch will succeed Sir John Sorrell as Chair in December.

The prolific architecture enthusiast was formerly editor of Architectural Review and Architects' Journal. He has chaired CABE’s London 2012 design review panel since 2006 and spent five years as chair of CABE’s design review panel, also chairing its regional committee.

Sir John Sorrell said he was delighted by Paul Finch’s appointment as his successor: ‘He will be a powerful advocate for good design. He brings an encyclopaedic knowledge of architecture and urban design, and he knows the work of every leading designer, internationally as well as nationally. Most importantly he knows how to get the best out of them, which is exactly what we need in difficult economic times.’

CABE chief executive Richard Simmons welcomed the announcement as good news for CABE and for the people CABE works with: ‘Paul always speaks his mind with great clarity and incisiveness, so I think his appointment demonstrates how much the government values CABE’s independent voice. As chair of CABE’s London 2012 design review panel, he has led one of our toughest, leading edge programmes superbly well, ensuring that good design and value for money have been at the heart of the project. He will bring that professionalism and understanding of contemporary design issues to all he does at CABE.’

The four year appointment was announced by Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw today, who said that Paul Finch 'brings a wealth of experience and a formidable understanding of the world of architecture and the built environment to the role'.

Ben Bradshaw thanked the outgoing chair, Sir John Sorrell, 'under whose assured leadership CABE has gone from strength to strength'.