David Cowden has been appointed BSIA executive chairman in the wake of current chairman David Fletcher's decision to retire next Spring.
Cowden's appointment – ratified by a BSIA Council meeting held on 30 May – will take effect from April 2002, with Council deciding that he will remain in the post for a maximum of two years.

Cowden will be responsible for overseeing the Association's general day-to-day operations while the BSIA sets up a sub-committee to look at long-term succession planning. "This will help to pinpoint the specific skills-set required by the individual who takes over when David Cowden steps down," said David Fletcher.

Commenting on his new role, David Cowden told SMT: "I'm delighted, and feel privileged to have been chosen to manage the Association at such an important stage in its development."