We are pleased to announce that Nick von Westenholz has been appointed as the new CEO of the GWCT with effect from March 2025.
Nick initially qualified as a barrister and for a time worked for a public affairs agency in London. Since then, he has held a number of senior positions within the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), including Head of Government Affairs and Director of EU Exit and International Trade.
He also served as Chief Executive of the Crop Protection Association (CPA) for four years. He is currently Director of Strategy for the NFU, working on international trade, business, and agricultural policy.
Nick lives in Hertfordshire with his wife and children on the family farm, which is run in partnership with neighbouring farms.
Our current CEO, Teresa Dent CBE, will be staying until she can handover to Nick next year.
GWCT Chairman Jim Paice says: “We want to thank Teresa for the wonderful work she has done through her 22 years as CEO at GWCT. She has made a lasting impact on the game and wildlife sector and leaves an incredible legacy for farmers, gamekeepers and other land managers.
“Finding her successor was not an easy task, but after an extensive search we were pleased to appoint Nick to the role. He brings a genuine love of the countryside, wide business experience and strong policy knowledge to the role, which will help GWCT continue to meet its strategic aims. We look forward to helping him get settled in the spring and introducing him to our members and supporters.”
Nick comments: “I am thrilled to be joining the GWCT and look forward to getting started in March. I have been a member for many years and have always had a huge respect for the work the Trust does.”
We hope you will join us in wishing both Teresa and Nick well as we move through this process.