Nigel Evans, who has been at the helm in Cheshire for almost thirteen years, has been a member of the ASAO since 2007 and is its sponsorship champion.
Prior to his new role, he was vice chairman and takes over the reins from outgoing ASAO Chairman, Christine Knipe, Chief Executive Officer of the Westmorland Agricultural Society in Cumbria.
He will be assisted by newly-appointed vice chairman, Mark Stoddart, financial controller of the Great Yorkshire Agricultural Society.
The official handover took place at the Association’s AGM at the Royal Welsh Showground on April 23rd.
Nigel has a wealth of experience in the shows world, to include corporate sector fundraising, sponsorship, event management, marketing and business development. It’s expected that 2018 will be particularly busy as his appointment comes in the same year as the Royal Cheshire Agricultural Society celebrates its 180th anniversary.
Nigel is a firm believer in the power of good networking, mutually beneficial partnerships and the sharing of best practice.
He said: “I am proud to have been appointed ASAO Chairman and look forward to playing my part in serving the agricultural show industry, alongside Mark, the elected council members and secretariat in the form of Paul Hooper OBE and Katie Bradley Hudson.
“The ASAO is a truly unique membership organisation, with a collective, and somewhat vast, resource of knowledge, skill and experience in the running of the UK’s finest agricultural and countryside events.
“Good networking is vital to progress, and I will be encouraging ASAO members to talk to each other and share their expertise, for the benefit of all shows.
“Our industry enjoys exciting and sometimes challenging times. Thanks to the commendable support of its members, ASAO is best placed to ensure that this industry capitalises on its success and meets any challenges, head on, in a positive way.
“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Christine Knipe for her work as chairman, and look forward to continuing the many projects she has instigated during her term of office.”
Christine Knipe, who attended more than 40 shows and 12 regional events during her term, said she had every confidence that the ASAO would flourish under Nigel’s leadership.
Christine said: “Nigel has been a most supportive vice-chairman, who is always willing to share his vast experience and knowledge with others, and Mark has been a great asset to council since joining us. I have every confidence that the ASAO is in good hands. This industry is amazing and I wish all our members a successful 2018 season.”