Businessman and British Dressage (BD) member Keith Taylor will be the next British Equestrian Federation (BEF) chairman, taking over from Hugh Thomas, who has stood down after his first three-year term in office.

 

Taylor is currently the managing director and CEO of Guinness Nigeria Plc, which is part of Diageo Plc, one of the world’s leading spirits, wine and beer companies. He is taking early retirement in August. His 30 years of international managerial experience also include working for Mars Inc.

 

A lifelong passion for horses has seen Taylor go through the ranks of the pony club and riding club. He also joined the British Horse Society and he is currently a member of British Dressage. He has hunted, competed in point-to-points and was awarded full university colours for equestrian achievements.

 

Taylor, who is planning to develop the Seagry Stud in Chippenham, Gloucestershire, as a breeding centre for dressage horses, said: “I am delighted that the members of the council of the federation have shown their confidence in me to lead the board of directors as chairman. I will be working closely with them and the executive as the federation and its member bodies take the next vital steps in building on the success achieved to date.”

 

BEF chair of the council Linda Whetstone said: “I believe that Keith Taylor’s considerable management experience and lifelong interest in different aspects of equestrian sport will be important assets in his new role.”

 

The other candidates were Jane Holderness-Roddam and Toby Vintcent. It was the first time the position had been advertised and the first time a ballot was used to choose the chairman.