British Showjumping Announces New Chair and Board Directors
Friday 04 April 2025
British Showjumping is pleased to announce the appointment of Kirsty Pearce as its new Chair.
Following an extensive and successful career in both showjumping and business management. Kirsty, who has previously served as a Showjumping Specific Director on the British Showjumping Board, brings a wealth of experience to the role.
With over four decades of competing both nationally and internationally, Kirsty’s deep knowledge of the sport will be invaluable in her new role as Chair. Having worked closely with many stakeholders within the sport, including the British Equestrian Federation (BEF), Kirsty’s diverse experience is further complemented by her corporate expertise in managing her own businesses and multimillion-pound companies.
Commenting on her appointment, Kirsty said: “I am excited to take on the role of Chair at such a pivotal time for British Showjumping. I am deeply involved in the sport, and I look forward to continuing to work with my fellow board members, the team at British Showjumping, and all stakeholders to drive the sport forward.”
British Showjumping is also delighted to welcome three new directors to the Board, each bringing a wealth of expertise from various fields to support the continued growth of the sport.
Jenny Quirke joins the Board as a qualified Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). Jenny brings extensive financial and risk management experience, having held senior roles within financial services organisations such as Santander and Nationwide. She is currently Chair of the Audit Committee for The Vernon Building Society, Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee for the Council for Licensed Conveyancers, and Chair of the Mersey Gateway Crossings Board. Jenny has a long-standing passion for equestrian sport and looks forward to applying her skills to further support the development of British Showjumping.
Edward Bunn, who has been involved in showjumping for over 40 years, joins the Board bringing a wealth of knowledge gained from his time at Hickstead. Having started as the Showground Manager in 1983, Edward became a Director in 1998 and later Executive Director in 2009 after the passing of his father, Douglas Bunn. He was instrumental in the refurbishment of the International Arena in 2010 and the addition of all-weather facilities at Hickstead. Edward remains an owner and his daughter, Lucy Townley, competes for Billy Stud. His long-term commitment to the sport will be of great value to the Board.
Matt Broome joins the Board having previously served as the Rider representative on the Members Council and two terms on the National Sport Committee. Matt is well-known for running shows at all levels, including CSI 2*, at Wales and West with his family. His competitive achievements include winning Junior Team Gold at the Youth European Championships in 1999 and Young Rider Team Gold in 2002. Matt has also successfully produced horses who have gone on to compete at top levels, such as Kandleford and Diskoboy DN, the latter who won medals at the Children on Horse and Junior European Championships. His passion for the sport and his expertise in producing top-level horses will be a great asset to the Board.
The appointment of these new directors marks an exciting chapter for British Showjumping, and their combined expertise will ensure the continued success and development of the sport.
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