The Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum (FoWA) have announced the appointment of a new Chair, Neil Sachdev MBE, recognised for his exceptional contributions in the fields of Energy Efficiency and Sustainability.
This appointment is accompanied by the addition of new trustees, drawn from organisations such as the National Trust and Highgrove Enterprises, the arboretum’s immediate neighbours.
With a membership base exceeding 37,000, the Charity is devoted to safeguarding the renowned tree collection at the arboretum, fostering knowledge dissemination, and nurturing a deep-rooted connection between individuals and the natural world to enrich their lives.
These fresh appointments bring a spectrum of skills, perspectives, and expertise, thus reinforcing the strategic foundation for the Charity’s future in this pivotal phase for both FoWA and the arboretum. Collaborating closely with Forestry England to actualise a shared vision, the rejuvenated Board, and its newly appointed Chair, will work in tandem to empower the CEO in devising a novel three-year strategy set to debut in early 2024.
Neil Sachdev MBE, the incoming Chair, boasts a distinguished career marked by achievements in climate change sustainability, change management, strategy formulation, and corporate governance. Presently, he assumes the position of Chair for the HM Land Registry Board, the East-West Railway Company, and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation Board within the Ministry of Defence.
Notably, he held key leadership roles in major corporations, previously serving as the Group Property Director of Sainsbury and as a Board Director for Tesco, overseeing UK property and operations. His academic prowess includes an MBA from Stirling University.
Expressing his eagerness, Neil Sachdev remarks, “I am delighted to be taking up the role of Chair, here at the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum. The arboretum has been a favourite place of mine to visit for many years and I am looking forward to seeing what we can achieve through my tenure and work with the Board and Forestry England. It is an important time globally for tree conservation and managing the impact of climate change on the environment. The arboretum plays an important role in all our futures.”
Neil’s succession follows the remarkable stewardship of Mike Mintram, who presided over FoWA since 2016. Under Mike’s guidance, the Westonbirt 10-Year Vision was formulated in conjunction with Forestry England, outlining the arboretum’s evolution towards becoming a “world leader in trees.” This vision revolves around fostering engagement through the themes of “conservation, education, and participation.”
Mike Mintram reflects on his tenure, stating, “FoWA has had a major impact through supporting Westonbirt in a rapidly changing world. I’m confident that with the appointment of Neil Sachdev and new trustees FoWA can look forward to an exciting future and help Forestry England transform the Westonbirt experience.”
Notably, Mike, along with fellow trustees, played a pivotal role in securing the acquisition of Silk Wood House and its associated land—an unparalleled opportunity to expand the arboretum’s premises. During his tenure, the Friends’ membership burgeoned to an impressive 37,000 members, constituting indispensable financial backing and advocacy for the arboretum’s development.
Emma Griffiths, CEO of FoWA, expresses her enthusiasm for the Charity’s future, saying, “This is a really exciting time to be leading the Charity. We are building positive and supportive relationships with our partners at Forestry England and refreshing our vision and strategy for the future. The appointment of a new Chair and Trustees completes our expert Board and will add value to our strategy development and contributions to building a bright future for Westonbirt, the National Arboretum which is an incredible resource for the county of Gloucestershire and beyond.”
Andrew Smith, Director of Westonbirt Arboretum at Forestry England, shared his delight regarding the recent Board appointments. Acknowledging Mike’s impactful tenure as Chair, he envisions continued collaboration with Neil, Christian, and Nigel in realising the shared 10-Year Vision for Westonbirt.
Joining the fold as trustees are:
Nigel Frost, with a strong track record in retail and visitor attractions, Nigel brings to the table an extensive background. Presently the Head of Merchandising and Supply Chain for Highgrove Enterprises, with a prior stint as acting CEO, Nigel formerly held significant roles at English Heritage, including Merchandise Manager and Business Change Manager. Leveraging his profound expertise, Nigel will significantly contribute to the charity’s growth, especially in areas such as shop development.
Christian Walker, the General Manager of the National Trust’s West Oxfordshire Portfolio, oversees various prominent estates and properties. His leadership extends to regions like Buscot and Coleshill Estate, Chastleton House, Uffington White Horse Hill, and more. Before his tenure with the National Trust, Christian played pivotal roles in various consultancies, focusing on matters like land repurposing, environmental impact assessments, and historic building restoration.
