New chairman for British Equestrian Federation

The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) has elected businessman and keen equestrian Keith Taylor as its new Chairman, following the decision of Hugh Thomas to stand down after his first three year term in office.

Taylor won out in a ballot at this week's BEF Council meeting over Jane Holderness-Roddam and Toby Vintcent.

"I am delighted that the members of the Council of the Federation have shown their confidence in me to lead the Board of Directors as Chairman," Taylor said. "I will be working very closely with them and the Executive as the Federation and its member bodies take the next vital steps in building on the success achieved to date."

Taylor is currently Managing Director and CEO of Guinness Nigeria Plc and has 30 years of international managerial experience with Diageo Plc and Mars Inc and is taking early retirement in August. He was awarded full University Colours for Equestrian achievement and has had a lifelong involvement in equestrian sport. He owns and is currently developing Seagry Stud as a breeding centre for dressage horses.

Before the election, all three candidates met with the current Chairman, and separately the Chief Executive, to discuss the demands and nature of the role. Further to this informal discussion a panel comprised of the current Chair of the BEF Council, Linda Whetstone and Council representatives Diana Bown (British Eventing), Tim Forrest (British Show Jumping Association) and Graham Corey (British Horse Society) interviewed the candidates who also provided manifestos for the Council Members to consider. The interview panel reported back at the BEF Council meeting yesterday when it was decided, by a formal ballot, that Keith Taylor would be Hugh Thomas's successor.

"We were very pleased to have such strong candidates to choose from," said Linda Whetstone. "It was a difficult decision for the BEF Council to make and I know I speak for the Council as a whole in saying how grateful we were that three such well qualified people were prepared to stand. I believe that Keith Taylor's considerable management experience and his lifelong interest in different aspects of equestrian sport will be important assets in his new role."