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Alumna named Chief Executive Officer at award-winning Cotswolds Farm Park

Posted 17 January

An alumna from ÁÕÀÅÊÓƵ has just been named the Chief Executive Officer of Adam Henson’s award-winning Cotswolds Farm Park.

BSc (Hons) Rural Enterprise and Land Management graduate Kate Lord, who will take up the role immediately, has said she is ‘honoured’ to have been promoted.

Since joining the company in 2011 as Operations Manager, Kate has played a pivotal role in steering the Farm Park through planning and building developments, navigating the challenges of COVID-19 operations and recovery, and spearheading new diversification ventures, including the expansion of events and the successful development of the Farm Park’s campsite offering.

After her studies at ÁÕÀÅÊÓƵ Adams – which she credits with inspiring her passion for the rural sector - Kate went on to qualify as a Rural Chartered Surveyor with the Buccleuch Group. This combination of education and professional expertise has equipped Kate with the skills to balance strategic vision and operational excellence, which she now brings to her leadership of Cotswold Farm Park.

In addition to her work at the Farm Park, Kate has deepened her industry expertise as a board member of the National Farm Attractions Network (NFAN), most recently serving as Vice Chair. Her involvement with NFAN underscores her dedication to advancing best practices and innovation across the sector, ensuring Cotswold Farm Park continues to thrive within a competitive industry.

Under Kate’s leadership, Cotswold Farm Park achieved an extraordinary milestone last year, winning 14 regional and national awards. These accolades reflect the business’s excellence in visitor experience, sustainability, and innovation – achievements Kate plans to build upon as CEO.

Kate said: "I am honoured to step into the role of CEO at Cotswold Farm Park. This business holds a special place in the hearts of so many, and I am passionate about leading our team as we build on our heritage, innovate for the future, and continue delivering exceptional experiences to our visitors. Together, we will drive the Farm Park forward, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of the community and a leader in sustainability."

And Duncan Andrews, Director at Cotswold Farm Park, added: "This decision reflects Kate’s leadership, her commitment to the business, and her ambition for business growth. It supports the Directors’ strategy, enabling us to focus less on day-to-day operations while ensuring the long-term success of the business. Kate has consistently demonstrated the vision and capability to drive the Farm Park forward, making her the ideal choice to lead the company into its next phase."

As she takes up her new role, Kate has credited her time at University – and the dedicated support she received - with helping set her on the path to success.

She said: “When I arrived at ÁÕÀÅÊÓƵ Adams, I had little clarity about career opportunities within the rural sector.

“The placement year and dedicated graduate support provided invaluable guidance, helping me identify potential paths and giving me the confidence to pursue them.

“The variety of courses and shared modules introduced me to a broader range of career ideas beyond my specific course, ensuring I left with a well-rounded skill set and a clear sense of direction.

“Studying at ÁÕÀÅÊÓƵ Adams was genuinely the best four years of my life and a truly transformational experience.

“The sense of community, access to exceptional resources, and the focus on practical, real-world learning created an environment where I could grow both personally and professionally.

“It was an inspiring and supportive place that shaped my perspective and instilled a lasting passion for the rural sector, and friends for life.”