OATA on the look out for a new Chief Executive
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The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association has announced the retirement of its long-standing Chief Executive Keith Davenport after 25 years in the post.
Keith was recruited to help set up and run a new trade association, originally called OFI UK, to tackle a number of big issues facing the industry at the beginning of the 90s. Renamed OATA in 1997, he has taken the organisation from strength to strength, raising standards and awareness over a quarter of a century.
The trade association will now start the process of recruiting a new Chief Executive and the role will be advertised shortly.
“The OATA Directors are very sad that Keith will be leaving us but we understand that he considers it’s the right time to hand over the reins after a quarter of a century protecting and promoting the industry,” said OATA Chairman Mark Evenden.
“Keith came to us as a fresh-faced lecturer at Sparsholt Agricultural College where he taught the ornamental fish-related courses. He was recruited by Richard Sankey and Dave Keeley to help set up and take forward a new trade association to tackle a number of big issues threatening the industry in the 1990s. And frankly he hasn’t stopped since!
“The fact that our members – and indeed all companies that work within the ornamental aquatic industry – are still doing business is largely down to Keith’s tenacious efforts on our behalf. He’s represented UK businesses at national, European and even world level and we estimate that because of his work he’s saved the industry more than £250 million in that time. That’s quite an achievement but after two and half decades he’s probably earned a bit of a rest!
“We’ll certainly miss him but we have known this was on the cards so we’re now planning for the future. We’ll be advertising the role in the very near future and Keith will be with us as we plan a smooth transition for the new Chief Executive.”
Keith added: “After 25 years at OATA I feel it’s time to move on and do other things. It is purely down to the passage of time. It’s a great opportunity for OATA to take forward its development and increase its ability to promote and protect its members and the industry as a whole. I have a period of notice to serve so I’ll be around for some time and I hope I’ll continue to receive the tremendous support that I have to date and I will continue to do my best for OATA.”
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