BASC appoints new chief executive

BASC has appointed a new chief executive, due to join the team in February 2018.

Ian Bell, a brigadier in the British Army, will take up the role at BASC when his current deployment as Commander British Forces Germany comes to an end.

Mr Bell has a huge enthusiasm for fieldsports and first joined BASC as a Young Shot. He is currently president of the British Forces Germany Game Shooting Association and a long-standing member of the Defence Deer Management Organisation.

Honour and privilege

“It is a huge honour and privilege to be appointed chief executive of an organisation which has worked over many, many years to protect and promote shooting,” he said.

“I am passionate about shooting and fieldsports and determined to ensure the association remains at the forefront of the UK’s shooting community. BASC’s membership is at record levels because it is fiercely committed to representing the interests of its members.
“For the future well-being of shooting sports, it is essential that BASC continues to connect with its members and continues to be a vibrant organisation that can deal with all the challenges ahead,” he added.

Mr Bell will take over from acting chief executive Christopher Graffius, who has been holding the position since Richard Ali left the role earlier this year.

Vision for the future

BASC chairman Peter Glenser said: “We are delighted to have chosen Ian to fill the biggest job in shooting. Throughout a rigorous recruitment process, it was obvious he has a passion for shooting and a clear vision for where he wants to take BASC.

“Shooting is enjoying a golden period of popularity, but there are many challenges in the months and years ahead, not least of which is the uncertainty surrounding Brexit. BASC’s council is confident that, in Ian, it has found an outstanding individual with a huge amount of leadership and strategic experience and the drive to ensure BASC remains the voice of shooting.”