OATA’s Chief Executive Dominic Whitmee has announced his intention to retire in September after nine years at the helm.

Dominic joined the trade association in July 2016 from the civil service where he had worked on the CITES team in the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

OATA’s Scientific and Technical Adviser Dr Matthew Bond now becomes the Association’s Deputy Chief Executive and will step up to take on the top job from 1st October, having shadowed Dominic for the past year.

Dominic said: “It has been a privilege to lead OATA over these past years and I hope I have helped to further strengthen the industry and the trade organisation so that it continues to be in a solid place for the future. I am very pleased to hand the reins over to Matt. We have worked closely over the past years and Matt has ably represented OATA on a range of subjects, including UK Border issues and at international meetings. I know he will bring his scientific expertise and personal love of fishkeeping to the trade association and he’ll be a positive driving force in guiding our sector to a productive and profitable future.”

Matthew joined OATA in June 2020. He was the main author of the organisation’s 2021 Fishing For Facts: an introduction to the UK ornamental fish trade report and has taken the lead to represent both OATA and the European Pet Organisation at a number of international meetings over the past couple of years, most notably around the plans by CITES to examine the trade in marine ornamental fishes.

Matthew, a longtime fishkeeper who has also worked on the aquatics shop floor, said: “I’m excited to step into this role and build upon the strong foundation laid by Dominic, and Keith Davenport before him. Having worked closely with Dominic over the past four to five years, I greatly appreciate the vital work OATA does to champion and safeguard our industry. I am committed to continuing this mission, supporting our members in the UK and those involved in the trade internationally, to ensure a thriving future for the trade in pet fish.”

OATA Chair Laura Carlin, of EcoMarines, said: “The Board wishes Dominic well in his retirement and we thank him for his dedicated, passionate work over the past decade.  Dominic has been intrinsic in guiding OATA through a particularly turbulent time, whilst also facilitating new connections in government which will serve our future.  He has also been instrumental in including an otherwise under-represented demographic and promoting inclusivity allowing for a richer conversation.  It has been a real pleasure and privilege to work alongside Dominic during my time as Chair. I am confident he leaves us in great hands with Matt, leaving a legacy of clear strategic direction which will help us continue to represent our members and the industry in what continues to be a challenging time.”