The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) has announced two new appointments to its senior management team, in the roles of Fundraising & Partnerships Manager and Society Secretary.

Jo Andrews has been appointed to the position of Fundraising & Partnerships Manager. She has previously worked in this field at UNICEF for 16 years and is currently with English National Ballet. Jo will join RHASS in November.

“I have many years of experience in fundraising and managing corporate partnerships and this is an exciting and important industry to be joining at this time. It is vital to promote and support rural industries in Scotland and to educate and inform Scotland’s young people about their hugely important role and impact on people’s lives. I am thrilled to be bringing my skills and experience to such a motivated and driven organisation as RHASS. I am very much looking forward to building on RHASS’ strong relationships within the industry and establishing new partnerships for future growth and success.” says Jo.

Taking over the role of Society Secretary is Marie Livingstone, a Chartered Secretary who has worked at Barnardo’s, the UK’s largest children’s charity, for eleven years and has held the position of Company Secretary for the past three years. Marie, who is originally from Glasgow, will join at the beginning of January 2018. Her role at RHASS will involve developing and promoting membership of the organisation and supporting and advising the Board, CEO and senior team.

“RHASS offers an amazing opportunity to make a difference,” says Marie. “This is an important industry, vital to Scotland’s economy, which is steeped in tradition but with an incredibly positive and progressive outlook. RHASS has an ambitious remit and I look forward to working in a strong team, led by a young and ambitious Chief Executive and a new Chairman that is passionate about his industry. I am very much looking forward to this new challenge.”

Commenting on the new appointments, Alan Laidlaw, RHASS Chief Executive said: “Both appointments were drawn from an incredibly strong field of candidates, and are currently working in London with large not-for-profits. Their willingness to relocate to Scotland demonstrates not only the strength of the Scottish brand and our sector but also the appeal of RHASS as a good employer and charity with clear ambitions, remit and a positive future.

“Their experience, in both the charitable and corporate sectors, is incredibly valuable to us as a leading Scottish charity and will bring a wealth of knowledge that RHASS will benefit from immensely.”