THE former chief executive officer of the Henley Festival is retiring after more than a decade.
Sam Gordon Clark, 65, was CEO for 10 years before becoming director of development for three years.
Mr Clark, of South Kensington, used to be in the wine trade and became involved with the festival after sponsoring a champagne bar at the event in the late Eighties.
He was then invited to run the business side of the festival in 1996.
Gill Mitchell, who has been general manager for six years, is the new chief executive.
Mr Clark plans to pursue new business ventures, including re-entering the wine trade.
He said: “I thought it was probably time to move on. Perhaps securing sponsorship is for someone a little younger.
“I got as much of a buzz from the activities of the Henley Festival Trust as from the festival itself because the trust runs some wonderful projects.
“The festival is five days of terrific excitement every year but the trust’s activities go on the whole year round.”
Mr Clark added: “I’m delighted that Gill has been appointed CEO. I feel the festival will go from strength to strength and look forward to coming next July to check up on it.”
Mrs Mitchell said: “We wish Sam all the best in his new pursuits using his skills in arts, management, fund-raising, wine and particularly music.
“We thank him for his years of success in bringing valuable sponsorship to the festival.”
“Next year will have one of the most exciting line-ups in recent years, which will be announced in January. We are looking at new ways to make it exciting and even more special.”
For more on the new CEO, watch the Standard’s latest video at www.henleystandard.co.uk/me
Published on 16 November 2009
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