Lis Astall to succeed John Hales as BSJA president

Businesswoman Lis Astall has been appointed as the new president of the British Show Jumping Association (BSJA).

Lis, who has worked at Accenture for 25 years and is currently European managing director for government, will succeed John Hales as president at the end of this year.

In her previous role as Accenture’s UK managing director she worked closely with the BSJA, helping young riders to reach their potential through the Accenture-sponsored Junior and Young Rider Pathway Programme, which was launched in 2000.

Michael Mac, chairman of the BSJA said: “We feel extremely fortunate to have someone of Lis Astall’s calibre joining us. Her support of British show jumping has always been invaluable and we look forward to working with her in the lead up to 2012.

“I would also like thank John Hales for the tremendous commitment, time and energy he has given the role in addition to the support he gives as one of the UK’s leading owners in both Arko III and Russel”.

Ms Astall said: “I feel honoured to accept the position of president within British show jumping especially bearing in mind the exciting time ahead with the London 2012 Olympics looming.

“I am extremely keen to be an active president and put something back into a sport which continues to bring me so much enjoyment”.

Lis currently competes at amateur level BSJA, British Eventing and British Dressage.

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