Keen angler Simon Francis has taken over the chairmanship of the Wild Trout Trust’s board of trustees.
After an in-depth recruitment process, Simon succeeds Dr Graham Coley, who served for more than 20 years on the trust’s board and five as chairman, and was responsible for guiding the charity through a period of growth and resilience – including the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Simon has a love for rivers and wild trout that began early in his life, nurtured by days spent exploring the UK’s smaller streams. After completing a degree in biological sciences at the University of Exeter, he pursued a career in advertising that culminated in leadership roles at Saatchi & Saatchi and Dentsu. He then founded the consultancy Flock Associates, guiding global organisations through complex change.
Alongside his professional career, Simon has contributed to freshwater conservation as a riverfly monitor, habitat volunteer, and a supporter of grassroots initiatives. He also holds a STANIC instructor qualification and is an enthusiastic angler and brings to the trust a combination of strategic leadership and financial acumen, along with a passion for protecting rivers and the species that depend on them.
He said: “I want to thank Graham for his leadership – he steered the trust through the coronavirus pandemic and helped shape it into the strong charity it is today. I’m really looking forward to working with the team and our supporters to drive the next phase of impact for wild trout and healthy rivers.”
Trust director Shaun Leonard added: “It’s been an honour to work with Graham. He led our charity to the place where it is now: a focused, professional organisation, doing our bit for rivers and their trout.
“I’m delighted to welcome Simon, and we’re both looking forward to taking the trust through its next phases. We are excited to continue with our expert advice and practical projects, and to make more noise about why everyone should care for – and about –wild trout.”
