THE Thoroughbred Breeders Association (TBA), Chair, Susan Rowett, has announced the appointments of Kevin Woolward as Chief Executive Officer and Peter Gibson as Director of Breed Affairs and Public Relations. Both appointments are effective 1st September 2014.

This marks the retirement of CEO Jan Naude after 18 years. Naude willstand down as CEO at the end of August and Rowett thanked him for his service, noting: “ Jan will act as Consultant to the CEO until the end of 2014 thereby ensuring a smooth transition over the end of the current financial year.”

Rowett discussed the new appointments and commented: “Kevin Woolward joined the TBA earlier this year and has made an immediate impact with the adoption of policy and control procedures.  Kevin’s formal qualifications are B.Compt and MBL.  Kevin is a member of the South African Institute of Professional Accountants and the Turnaround Management Association of Southern Africa.  He is also a registered Tax Practitioner and spent over twenty years with Croda SA, the local subsidiary of Croda International, including seven years as Financial Director and six years as Managing Director.  In recent years Kevin has worked as a freelance consultant to a number of business including Reckitt Benckiser.  He has been a lifelong follower of racing and is a keen studier of bloodlines.

Peter Gibson, new role.

“Peter Gibson joins us following the closure of Horseracing South Africa (Pty) Ltd and the subsequent dispersal of Kenilworth Quarantine Station which he managed since 2003.  Apart from his intimate involvement with the development and promotion of South Africa’s international export ambitions, Peter has built up an unparalled breadth of knowledge of the breeding and racing industries in South Africa and on the global stage, with a widespread network of contacts locally and internationally.

“The Association has long been in need of someone to drive forward the interests of breeders in general – veterinary liaison, government relations, industry liaison, training, seminars, grooms co-ops, breeder liaison, etc, and we are fortunate indeed to have Peter join us at this time. His Breed Affairs role will be combined with a Public Relations role covering BSA’s client relations and marketing (in conjunction with the CEO) including representing BSA’s interests as a Director on the SA Equine Trade Council.

“Council are confident that in these two men, we have the skills, knowledge and leadership to take our Association forward to the benefit of the breeding industry.”