The British Eventing non-executive board serve on a voluntary basis and are responsible for the overall good governance of the sport and the financial health of the organisation. Members of the board often have a connection with the sport either as owners, riders or event organisers for example. There can be up to nine Board Directors and a Chairman appointed by the Board. Directors can be elected (up to four Directors) or co-opted (up to four Directors) to serve a term of four years. They can serve a further four years in direct succession if re-elected or re-appointed. However, they must retire for two years if they have served two consecutive terms. Following this break they can then be reappointed or stand for election again.
Co-opted Board Directors are chosen for their expertise in a chosen business environment. The Board meets a minimum of six times a year.
Our Board Directors
| Name | About | |
|---|---|---|
|
Fiona O'Hara (co-opted 2017) Chairman |
Fiona came onto the Board as an INED (independent Director). Fiona is a senior director with Accenture, where she is responsible for strategic account development. She is a horse lover and focuses on competing in dressage when she has the time. She chairs the ITTP Steering Group and is the Board lead on the Finance Committee. Contact Fiona - fiona.ohara@britisheventing.com
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Jude Matthews (co-opted 2018) Vice-Chairman |
Jude is head of operations at FundsLibrary, a data and insights resource organisation for financial professionals, and a subsidiary of Hargreaves Lansdown PLC. An avid eventing competitor, she competes two horses at BE90 and BE100 level, with a career highlight of reaching the Mitsubishi Motors Cup finals in 2015. Jude chairs the Commercial and Marketing Committee. Contact Jude - jude.matthews@britisheventing.com |
|
David Holmes Chief Executive |
David served in the army before focusing on a career in sport management, including being the CEO of British Dressage, Director of Sport at the FEI and Director of Sport with the Italian Equestrian Federation. He was appointed as BE's CEO in 2015 and is a trustee of the BE Charitable Foundation. He also sits on the IT Transformation Project (ITTP) Steering Group. Contact David - david.holmes@britisheventing.com |
|
Les Smith (elected 2016) |
Les has competed at the highest level of the sport, representing GB and is now a highly respected UKCC Level 3 coach across the levels, from BE80 (T) to 5*. He is also an FEI judge and is a regular ground jury member at FEI events in the UK and abroad. Les previously chaired the Training and Education Committee, and now acts as Chairman of the Sport Committee. He also sits on the Risk Management Committee as Board lead. This term marks his third, having served on the BE Board for two four-year terms previously. Contact Les - lessmith105@aol.com |
|
Jane Peters (elected 2017) |
Jane runs her own business in Northumberland supplying electronic advertising hording to stadiums across the UK. Jane has been involved in eventing for over 20 years, organising and mentoring eventing teams for her local Pony Club branch, leading to becoming their District Commisioner. Jane has been on the organising committee of her local BE event for 15 years. She has been part of the BE Under 18 Programme since 2002, becoming Chairman of the Programme in 2010. Jane is Chairman of the Training and Education Committee and the Board lead on Safeguarding. Contact Jane - jane.peters@britisheventing.com |
|
Chris Tattersall (elected 2018) |
Following a successful career as a banker and a consultant, Chris retired as Global Head of Financial Services for Grant Thornton and is now operating a 'portfolio' existence. He therefore has time to put back into a sport about which he is so passionate. His daughter Gemma is an International rider and he has been deeply involved in the sport for over 25 years. Contact Chris - chris.tattersall@britisheventing.com |
|
Nigel Taylor (elected 2014) |
Nigel is the owner of Aston-le-Walls Equestrian Centre which he runs with his wife Anne. Nigel competed at the highest levels, representing GB at Senior level. He is an organiser, course designer (BE list A) and coach. Nigel co-chairs the International Committee with Gary Parsonage and is part of the Senior selectors panel. Contact Nigel - nigel.taylor@britisheventing.com |
|
Gary Parsonage (co-opted 2018) |
Gary is an eventing coach following a very successful event career including representing Great Britain at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996. Gary is one of the two CCI3*-S European Cup British Team coaches, and gives clinics across the UK and abroad. Gary is also a technical advisor and delegate for events. He co-chairs the International Committee with Nigel Taylor. Contact Gary - gary.parsonage@britisheventing.com |
Director role description
Board meeting notes
Here you will find notes from recent board meetings and discussions.