British Equestrian Federation announces new appointment

28th June 2010

The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jane Holderness-Roddam CBE LVO to the position of Chair of the BEF Council, following a unanimous election at the BEF's AGM, held on Wednesday 16th June 2010.

Jane's appointment marks the end of Linda Whetstone's term in office, the first since the Federation was modernised. As the Council's first Chair, Linda has been pivotal in supporting the 16 Member Bodies while enabling the Board to manage the day to day implementation of the approved policy in conjunction with the Chief Executive and his team.

On her departure Linda said; "The first five years following the modernisation of the BEF has been a challenging time but one during which communications and cooperation between the Member Bodies and the central organisation have improved significantly. The next few years will undoubtedly produce different challenges one of which will surely be downward pressure on the generous government funding that supports so many of the BEF projects".

Andrew Finding, Chief Executive of the British Equestrian Federation commented; "We are immensely grateful for all the work Linda has undertaken over the past five years. In her leadership of the BEF's Council, Linda has always encouraged debate and has made a huge contribution to the broader Federation and its desire to work cohesively for the betterment of all. We are all better for it."

On her appointment, Jane Holderness-Roddam said; "I look forward to continuing the good work already achieved toward making the BEF one of the world's outstanding equestrian federations. I consider myself privileged to have been elected to Chair the BEF Council. Since modernisation we have seen the Federation expand with considerable successes being achieved in many quarters.

I am thrilled to be taking on this Chair over a period which will see us hosting the greatest show on earth - the Olympic Games."