The British Equestrian Federation (BEF), the national governing body for equestrian sports in Great Britain, announced the appointment of Clare Salmon as its new chief executive.
An experienced commercial head, Clare joins the BEF having previously worked at Royal London where she was Group Brand Director for two years and successfully led a high-profile rebrand. Prior to this, she held a number of global, board-level posts at ITV, Royal & Sun Alliance, Prudential and the AA.
Clare will arrive at the BEF in June, after the retirement of current chief executive Andrew Finding following his exceptional seventeen-year tenure. Under Andrew’s guidance, together with the BEF board, executives and member organisations, British equestrianism has achieved remarkable success and continues to thrive both at home and internationally.
On her appointment, Clare remarked: "It is a great privilege to take on the leadership of the BEF, given the international stature and achievements of the organisation – a legacy owing much to the determined and tenacious efforts of Andrew Finding. Equestrianism plays a unique role in the British psyche, attracting diverse audiences and capturing the imagination of a range of participants and spectators. Sustaining this legacy, and building on it, will be a compelling challenge. As a committed sportsperson and a passionate equestrian, I am honoured to have the opportunity to use my commercial and leadership skills to drive the next stage of equestrian growth in Great Britain."
Keith Taylor, Chairman of BEF, said: “As Andrew Finding retires, my Board and I are delighted to welcome Clare Salmon as his successor. She brings a depth of commercial experience. She has a deep passion for the horse and knows what it takes to be a high performance athlete. Clare embodies our values of professionalism, performance, passion and partnership; we extend a very warm welcome to her.”
Clare will guide the BEF, and its new-look executive team, as it seeks to uphold its enviable record at Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio and looks forward to a promising future as it strives to engage and excite new and particularly younger audiences with equestrian sports.
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