Nigel Annett, Dame Jenny Abramsky and Tim Reeve have been put forward by our Appointments Committee for approval by the Council at its AGM in September.
Of the candidates, Nigel Annett is available immediately and the trustees have resolved that he be appointed with effect from 1 June 2016, to replace Steve Shine who stepped down in January. This is in accordance with our constitution, with formal approval for the ongoing appointment made in September by the Council.
Tom Franklin and Simon Thurley will rotate off the Board in September, having served two terms in line with our constitution.
Allan Leighton, Canal & River Trust Chairman, said: “We have been hugely impressed by the calibre of individuals coming forward to join our Board, which is a strong vote of confidence in the progress the Trust has made in just four short years. As a Board we are looking for the best mix of people with an interest and passion for the waterways, together with new ideas and approaches. I believe the candidates selected do just that, and it will be fantastic to welcome them to the Trust.
“I'd like to place on record my huge thanks to both Tom and Simon for all they've brought to the waterways over the past four years. They have been absolutely fundamental to the successful transition from public corporation to charity and have helped create a formidable legacy.”
Nigel Annett: Nigel recently stepped down as managing director of Welsh Water and is co-founder of Glas Cymru, the not-for-profit company that successfully took over the ownership of Welsh Water back in 2001, a move which resulted in the water industry in Wales being owned on behalf of its customers. Nigel is a keen cyclist which includes regular rides along the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal.
Dame Jenny Abramsky: A 35-year career at the BBC saw Jenny rise to the corporation's director of Radio and Music. Prior to that, as director of Continuous News, she ran the BBC's 24-hour news services. She is chair of the Royal Academy of Music and the Board of Governors of the Royal Ballet, as well as having served six years as chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund/national Heritage Memorial Fund, among other voluntary roles.
Tim Reeve: Tim is currently deputy director and chief operating officer of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This follows 17 years at English Heritage, latterly as director of Historic Properties with responsibility for the management of the National Collection of 420 historic properties. Tim is a former trustee of the Hadrian's Wall Trust and the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions, and is special advisor to the board of the National Memorial Arboretum.