Dominic Savage, director general of the British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA) has today announced that he will retire in 2016, from the role he has held for 30 years.

The statement, made at the education sector trade association’s annual members’ insight day, was followed by the announcement by the chairman of BESA’s executive council, Andrew Thraves, that Caroline Wright, current director of BESA has been unanimously selected by the Executive Council to be Dominic’s successor.

Caroline will take up the position of director general designate until Dominic steps down next year.

BESA’s executive council chairman, and director of education at the Prospects Group, Andrew Thraves said, “In choosing Caroline as Dominic’s successor, the Executive Council members have selected a high-performing individual offering not only continuity but also a vision for change, to ensure that BESA remains as vibrant and as relevant in these fast-changing times as it has been in the past.  Caroline will maintain and build further the Association’s excellent links with policy makers and sector stakeholders while also delivering new services and new initiatives to support current and future members. Caroline was the ideal and obvious choice. As Chairman of the Association I am proud that as a group we have made the right decision.”

Dominic Savage added, “The UK educational supplies sector is a wonderful industry to work in, really making a difference to the life chances of young people in the UK and worldwide. It has been a privilege to lead BESA for so long and a delight that Caroline will be next to have the opportunity to bring innovative ideas and services to the sector. BESA is on a high at this time, with membership growing, but the changes already happening and those to come for our schools and colleges bring new challenges and opportunities for how our industry engages with our customers. They mean change for our member companies and for BESA itself and Caroline has all the skills and the vision to make it happen.”

Caroline Wright commented, “I feel honoured and privileged to be given the opportunity to lead BESA, and to support our members through, what will undoubtedly be, a challenging period for the education sector.”

~ends~

About BESA

BESA, the British Educational Suppliers Association, is the trade association representing over 300 educational suppliers in the UK, including manufacturers and distributors of equipment, materials, books, consumables, furniture, technology, ICT hardware and digital-content and related services to the education market.

With 82 years of experience, BESA offers unparalleled support, research, events and advice on both UK and International markets, and the future of the education supplies industry.  BESA is focused on promoting and providing support and advice to their members, the industry and to schools.

BESA has a Code of Practice to which all members must adhere, along with a stringent membership process, both of which assure buyers of a high standard of quality in both product and customer service.

For more information, please visit www.besa.org.uk.

For further press information contact:

Sue Murray

Mango Marketing

T: 01932 829 077    E: sue.murray@mangomarketing.com

For information from BESA contact:

Caroline Wright

BESA

T: 020 7537 4997   E: caroline@besa.org.uk