17 October 2011 Waley-Cohen Stands Down as PPA Chairman
by Point-to-Point Racing Company Ltd Staff
Robert Waley-Cohen, an Independent Board member and Chairman of the Point-to-Point Board since January 2005 and the Point-to-Point Authority, since its inception in June 2008, has retired after nearly seven years at the AGM of the Point-to-Point Authority held on 14th October. His term of office was due to end on 31st December but in light of increased commitments in other areas of the racing industry, he with the support of the Board, decided stand down earlier.
Interviews were held in July of this year for a new Independent Board member, after which it was announced Simon Claisse had accepted the opportunity so would therefore take up the role as of 1st January 2012 when Robert Waley-Cohen was due to step down. However in light of Robert's decision, Simon Claisse will take up his term of office with immediate effect.
At the Board meeting held on the same day to elect a new Chairman, the Board resolved to ask Simon Claisse to assume the role and is delighted to announce that further to his role as an independent Board member, Simon has accepted with immediate effect the role of Chairman of the Board.
Robert Waley-Cohen said: "It has been honour to serve as Chairman of the Point-to-Point Board and the Point-to-Point Authority for nearly seven years. The implementation of the Hunting Act in February 2005 could have resulted in major changes in the structure of the sport but the hunting community's determination to continue to hunt within the law has meant this did not occur. However the decision to establish the Point-to-Point Authority to assume responsibility for the governance, whilst Regulation remained the responsibility of the BHA, has resulted in the modernisation of the administration of the sport as a result of the undivided focus the Point-to-Point Authority has been able to provide. Simon Claisse has a great knowledge of the sport both from being an active participant and as an administrator, so I am delighted he has accepted the role as Chairman."
Simon Claisse said: "I am looking forward to returning to the Board [Simon sat on the Board from 2004 to 2009 in the capacity as the member representing the PPORA] and working with fellow Board members and the Executive to further enhance the way in which the Board supports Point-to-Point Organisers, Owners & Riders, encourages participation, the promotion of sponsorship and attendance at fixtures along with the continued guarantee to demonstrate accountability transparency and open communication to all involved."
"Having long been an advocate of the sport's governance, administration and direction being in the hands of its constituents, the sport should be proud with the way in which the PPA has performed since its creation in 2008. This has been achieved along with hard work and commitment as well as by the wealth of "grass root" experience and knowledge of the Board members."
Existing members of the Board are:
- Richard Russell (The Jockey Club)
- Michael Felton (Master of Foxhounds Association)
- Steven Astaire (Point-to-Point Secretaries Association)
- Richard Fuller (Point-to-Point Owners & Riders Association)
- Heather Kemp (Independent Member)
- Tabitha Cave (Independent Member)
For further information please contact the Point-to-Point Authority: 01285 841920 / info@p2pa.co.uk
