The PMC is placed under the overall responsibility of the PMC Lead (PCL or PI). The PCL constitutes the formal interface of the consortium to ESA. The PCL ensures that the performances of the mission meet the science requirements set by the PLATO Science Working Team (PSWT). The PCL also constitutes the main scientific interface of all consortium sub-structures with ESA and the Project Scientist. The PCL is one of the members of the PSWT nominated by the PMC and appointed by ESA, and  the chair of the PMC Board.

The PCL is supported by the PI Office.

Prof. Heike Rauer, DLR Berlin, has been PCL since October 2012, when succeeded to Dr. Claude Catala, Observatoire de Paris, who led the Consortium since the submission of the PLATO concept to the Call for proposal for M1/M2 missions in 2007.