New chairman for Smithfield Show

Bob Humphrey, 56, managing director of Renault Agriculture Ltd and President - elect of the Agricultural Engineers' Association, has been appointed Chairman of Smithfield 2004, which takes place at Earls Court, London, from Thursday, December 2nd to Sunday, December 5th.

Bob has been in the farm machinery industry for most of his working life. Raised on a small dairy farm in Buckinghamshire, he attended Lackham Agricultural College before starting his working career in the agricultural machinery trade as a salesman.

In 1980 he joined Renault Agriculture, where he rose to become sales and marketing director. In 1990 he moved to Fiat Tractors as sales and marketing manager and after 18 months was appointed marketing manager with New Holland.

Five years ago he returned to Renault Agriculture as managing director.

In his spare time, Bob enjoys running a smallholding in Wales and is a keen follower of cricket and rugby.