Peter Stovold, 53, a trustee of the Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE) and a Surrey farmer with interests in beef, sheep, cereals, horses and farm diversification, has been appointed to the new post of executive show director to stage the Royal Show this year.
The society's chairman, Thomas Wheatley-Hubbard says the appointment of an executive director charged with planning and staging the 2007 event is a logical development following changes to the society's show management structure.
"The new executive director will now manage the team staging the 2007 show, and during the event will work alongside the honorary show director and the 400-odd stewards and other volunteers without whom this iconic show simply would not take place.
"The appointment of a director with a proven track record both in the show ring and as a steward and official at the Surrey County Show and the Royal Show is a major fillip for the society's show and conference programme," says Mr Wheatley-Hubbard. "I'm delighted that Peter Stovold offered his services and that the board of trustees appointed him. He has very many years of involvement with the RASE, NFU and CLA at national and county levels, as well as with the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs, the Game Conservancy Trust and other farming and rurally-connected organisations."
Prof John Moverley, chief executive of the RASE, emphasised the need for the society to stay loyal to its purpose and to facilitate dissemination of best practice through shows and other means.
"Since the early 1880s, the society has played a leading role in the development of British agriculture and a vibrant rural economy through the uptake of good science and the promotion of best practice. Not least in achieving these goals has been the staging of the Royal, the international showcase for agriculture, the countryside and rural life, bringing the farming industry and rural community together."
