KACT Trustees to Appoint New Council Chairman in 2013

Rob Dean chosen by KACT Trust Council to lead organisation from January next year

The Kennet and Avon Canal Trust (KACT), is to appoint a new Chairman of its Trust Council at the end of this year. Existing Trustee Rob Dean was chosen by the Council to take over from Mike Rodd from 1st January 2013.

Rob has been actively involved with the KACT for more than five years, first as Treasurer then Chairman of the Newbury Branch of the KACT, and he has successfully directed the annual Newbury Waterways Festival. This year he led the launch of the KACT trip boat Jubilee in the town. With 35 years' experience in the diplomatic service, Rob, who was awarded a CMG in the 2012
New Year's Honours List, was chosen to succeed Mike Rodd due to his wide-ranging skill set, drive and capacity to lead the organisation into the future. He says: "I am extremely honoured to be asked to chair the KACT Trust Council and I am looking forward to building on the excellent work by
Mike to ensure that the Trust continues to protect, enhance and promote the Kennet and Avon during these difficult economic times."

Mike Rodd re-organised much of the KACT's infrastructure to enable it to be run more efficiently after his appointment as General Manager in 2009. That goal was reached in 2011, when the organisation came under the management of a full-time administrator in conjunction with Trustees, rather than a salaried executive.

Mike Rodd subsequently become chairman of the Trust Council, and guided the organisation's engagement with Defra over the latter's intention to move British Waterways into the charitable sector by creating the Canal and River Trust (CRT). He was also fundamental in highlighting important aspects of the emerging CRT's governance structure by leading the Kennet and Avon trial Waterways Partnership. The KACT and CRT have since signed a formal agreement about the roles each will play in the future and intend to cooperate closely.

Mike says, "I feel this is an appropriate point at which to hand over the leadership of the KACT. I know that Rob, with his passion for, and commitment to, the Kennet and Avon will do an excellent job, and will bring a number of exciting ideas to the organisation."

Mike is to concentrate on leading innovative fund-raising activities and public awareness initiatives for the KACT in conjunction with the organisation's President, David Bruce. He will also continue his long-standing commitment as Boatmaster running frequent trip boats for the KACT.