More changes at the Trust

THE Canal & River Trust yesterday announced a series of changes to its senior executive team aimed at attracting new visitors and supporters to the waterways and 'strengthening the charity's focus on customer service, waterway maintenance and repair'.

 

Dr Sophie Castell has been appointed as the Trust's new Director of Marketing, Communications & Fundraising and starts on the 1st of December. Sophie has over 25 years' experience working with a mixture of commercial and charity organisations, including Coca Cola, RNIB and Save the Children.

A step up

Ian Rogers, the Trust's Head of Customer Services, will step up to become Director of Customer Service & Operations, following the retirement of Vince Moran at the end of the year. Ian will directly manage the Trust's 11 waterway managers, alongside its boating, museums, engagement and education teams.

Julie Sharman, Head of Asset Management & Performance, together with Simon Bamford Head of Asset Delivery 'will continue respectively to develop and deliver the Trust's maintenance, repair and asset improvement programme, including the prioritisation of major canal repairs and infrastructure projects'. They will step up to the executive team, reporting directly to chief executive Richard Parry. Julie will also take responsibility for Health and Safety.

Achievements

Chief Executive Richard Parry comments:

"The changes I am announcing today build on the Trust's achievements over the last three years and put in place the building blocks that will help us deliver our strategic priorities over the next decade. Our senior team combines a strong mix of experience and expertise of the waterways, with the knowledge of customer service and branding that we need to take the Trust forward.

"I'm delighted to welcome Sophie to the Trust, and her wide experience of the charity and commercial sectors will be invaluable to us. Bringing Ian, Julie and Simon into their new roles will equip the Trust with the skills we need for the challenges ahead."