It is with sadness and a deep sense of gratitude that I share the news that Ian Mock is stepping down as CEO and Chair of BART. Ian quite rightly wishes to spend more time with his grandchildren and enjoying his passion for angling.
I met Ian at our BART launch event back in 2011 where he was keen to join the band of wannabe Barteers to do something positive to safeguard our ailing River Avon.
Ian became a founding member when BART was incorporated the following year and has worked tirelessly, well beyond the call of duty, ever since. It should also be noted that Ian has done this entirely selflessly, without being paid for all his hard work over the years.
Ian bought an invaluable skill-set, wealth of experience in accounting, finance and business management, coupled with a work ethic that is hard to match. Without him, BART would not be the thriving and successful force for good in the catchment that it is today.
Ian’s jovial and personable demeanour has helped build relationships with stakeholders across the catchment. But don’t be fooled. His steely, non-nonsense sense of judgement has ensured that these relationships are always mutually beneficial.
The whole team is exceptionally grateful to Ian and we’ll all miss him. I have personally enjoyed his friendship deeply over the years, both in BART and especially on our fishing trips together. Ian has always said that he “just wanted to learn something”. Well, I hope he has done just that. I have certainly learned a thing or two from him. I very much look forward to our continuing friendship and the odd word of advice in my shell-like from time to time, if he cares to give it.
Ian has spent the last couple of years building the BART team’s capacity for just this eventuality. I am delighted to say that Simon Hunter, who, as Head of Operations, has been instrumental in BART’s success over the last three years, has taken on the role of CEO. To support Simon in this capacity, we have been fortunate to appoint David Atkin as Senior Project Manager and are looking to make further appointments in the near future. I have returned to the role of Chair to work with Simon and the Board of Trustees to help guide BART’s strategy.
We have a very busy year ahead, with a full programme of impactful projects in the delivery phase and several really exciting irons in the fire. We look forward to sharing these with you as they develop. BART is now on solid foundations and looking forward to a period of steady growth, which will enable us to continue building a clear future for our river and yours.
Best wishes to Ian and deepest thanks from me and all at BART.
Julian Greaves, Chair of BART
