GERARD Campbell has been voted in as Showjumping Ireland’s new chairman after a meeting of the board this week. He takes over from Ronan Corrigan, who said he wished Campbell all the best in his new role.

“I always intended to finish last October,”Corrigan said. “But I was asked to stay and fill a gap, while we were waiting for the board to be in a position to elect a new chair and I had no issue doing so.

“The fun and games that went on, delays and other issues were unfortunate, but that comes with the job and had to be dealt with properly. It has been an interesting role, tough and tricky at times as it is for everyone. Gerry will bring a different perspective and I wish him all the best.”

Campbell was CEO of Linesight Global Construction Consultants (formerly Bruce Shaw) for 13 years and spearheaded that company’s growth from a small quantity surveying company to a global construction cost management, advisory and project management consultancy, with over 2,000 employees in 50 locations around the world.

Support

Linesight was the first sponsor of the seven- and eight-year-old class at the Dublin Horse Show, helping the RDS get the competition up and going at a time when the event needed support.

Campbell has had a lifetime involvement with SJI and has competed his own horses, both nationally and internationally, to a high level. Now retired, he is still active on the competition circuit as a show sponsor and is currently building a home in Kildare.

Speaking about the appointment, SJI CEO Pat Hanly said: “The SJI team and I look forward to working with Gerard, who I know is deeply passionate about show jumping with a lifetime of involvement in the sport. He also brings the experience and knowledge of growing successful businesses.”

Two other changes to the make-up of the board are that Derek Reid replaces Aldyth Roulston as an Ulster Region representative and Robert Fagan of Mullingar Equestrian replaces Taylor Vard for Leinster.

The full board now includes: Gerard Campbell (chairman), Marguerite Ryan (vice chair), Melvyn Kennedy, Robert Fagan, Tony Hurley, Tomas Ryan, Aideen Kirby, Derek Reid, Neal Doherty, Dessie McFadden, Tommy Gibbons, Audrey Geraghty and Ken Feeney.