A former president of Manchester Anglers’ Association and CEO of a major PLC, Eric Prescott, has been named as the new chair of the Angling Trust, the sport’s governing body.

Eric has also experienced the challenges involved in running a fishing club after taking control of his local club in Sussex when an outbreak of KHV devastated its premier water. 

It led to a drop in membership and management issues, and for the past seven years Eric has led the construction of a three-lake fishery covering seven acres on a limited budget. The venture has been so successful the club’s membership is now full and has an eight-year waiting list to join.

Eric said: “As a lifelong angler who is passionate about all forms of our sport, I am delighted to have been appointed Angling Trust chair and look forward to contributing to the amazing work the Trust does to protect, promote and grow fishing.

“I have experience of managing both a grassroots angling club and being CEO of a major PLC, and I am excited at the opportunity to help build a sustainable future for all aspects of angling and the environments we support.”

He manages to fish a couple of times a week and enjoys the social and fun side of local club competitions, particularly if he can occasionally beat his friends.

He recently retired from an extensive career in construction and manufacturing that started with a trade apprenticeship and finished as a CEO.

He is a former member of the CBI’s President Committee and has held numerous non-executive directorships, including with the British Waterways Board where he supported the executive in the transfer of British Waterways to the Canal and Rivers Trust. In these former roles, Eric has worked alongside Government and other relevant agencies.

Angling Trust CEO Jamie Cook said: “Eric brings to the role extensive business experience at the highest level having successfully led large international organisations for many years. His experience of working with central and local government, coupled with his knowledge of angling clubs, fisheries and societies, made him the standout candidate to chair the Angling Trust.”

He replaces interim chair Stephen Beverley, who will remain on the board as lead anti-doping director.