Shake up at the top of the RHS sees amalgamation of roles

A major reorganisation of the way the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) operates has been announced.

In a statement the RHS has said that it will amalgamate its three divisions of gardens, shows and retail into one unified division.

A new role, RHS Director of Gardens, Shows & Retail, has been created that will have responsibility for horticulture and visitor experiences, which generates income to invest into RHS initiatives.

RHS Head of Retail, Will Havercroft, will report into the RHS Director of Gardens, Shows & Retail, but it means there will no longer be a separate RHS Director of Shows, currently occupied by Stephen Bennett, or RHS Director of Gardens, currently overseen by James Rudoni, as both roles will be made redundant, however the two will continue in post until the end of the year.

RHS director general Sue Biggs said: "These changes will put us in a great position to deliver one of the most exciting phases of growth in the charity’s history.

"The newly structured leadership team will have a clear focus on delivering our incredible projects and driving efficiencies, whilst making sure our members and visitors get a warm RHS welcome and even more inspirational horticulture and experiences across all our visitor destinations and activities.

"This will also enable us to inspire more people to garden and get involved with horticulture, and to continue our commitment to drive the all-important Horticulture Matters campaign forward, raising the profile of horticultural careers."

Jim Gardiner, currently director of horticulture, will take on a new role as executive vice president, and be a primary ambassador to promote and share horticultural excellence.

And the RHS has also placed greater emphasis on getting its message out to new and potential members as the RHS head of PR role will be upgraded to RHS head of communications with Hayley Monckton promoted to be a member of the RHS leadership team.

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