The Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) has launched a recruitment drive after revealing the surprise departure of its boss Stephen Hutt.
The organiser of the Royal Highland Show yesterday announced its chief executive would leave the society in April.
Mr Hutt is set to join Perth-based hydro energy developer Green Highland Renewables as its chief financial officer.
The body said Mr Hutt has led it though “a number of significant changes” since he took over the role five years ago. These include the ongoing £30million redevelopment of its site at Ingliston, near Edinburgh, and a record number of attendees at its flagship agricultural event last year.
The Royal Highland Show attracted close to 190,000 visitors in 2015 despite unseasonably cold weather for much of the four-day event.
The group also credited Mr Hutt with having developed a successful strategy for the introduction of new commercial income streams on the 280-acre Ingliston site, which is adjacent to Edinburgh International Airport.
Mr Hutt said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the society and I’m proud of what has been achieved; particularly with regard to the development of the management team who are focused on delivering on the aspirations of the society. I am confident RHASS will continue to develop and grow under the stewardship of the RHASS directors.”
RHASS Chairman, Willie Gill said: “Stephen has been a huge asset to the society and will be sorely missed. Over the last five years we have seen record revenues, surpluses and capital investment and are pleased that he leaves the charity in such a strong position. We wish him every success in his new role.”
In its most recent accounts, the charity said turnover rose 9.1% to a new high of £7.256millionin the year to end of November 2014.