THE chief executive of the Angling Trades Association has resigned to look after his sick wife.
John Loftus took up the role only last March, and was making strides to tackle the problem of declining numbers in angling.
The former UK boss of Daiwa, Shimano and Marukyu was initially able to breathe new life into the trade organisation.
He held a large meeting of major players in the industry, and a think-tank was appointed to take it forward.
Mike Heylin, vice chairman at the ATA, said: “It’s obviously a major blow to lose John so soon after his appointment, just as he was fully settled into the role, but totally understandable that he should want to spend more time looking after his wife.
“He has said that he will work out his notice period, which ends in March, but I’m not sure how much he will realistically be able to do, given caring for his wife is understandably a bigger priority.
“The ATA will hold a board meeting in January or early February at which we will discuss recruitment of John’s successor.”
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