Robin Evans, the Trust’s first, and BW’s last, Chief Executive died suddenly last week after a short illness.
Robin joined British Waterways in 1999 as Commercial Director, becoming Chief Executive in 2002. Alongside Chairman Tony Hales, Robin led the work to develop the concept of a new charity for the waterways, and was then able to navigate through all the political hurdles to successfully create and launch the Canal & River Trust in July 2012. His leadership, vision and tenacity was instrumental in this, the culmination of years of painstaking effort and skilful negotiation. A year later, in May 2013, he stepped down from his role, having seen the new charity fully established and the long-term future for our canal network secured.
Many colleagues who worked under Robin will have their own personal memories of him. He was thoughtful and courteous, whilst also fiercely determined to achieve his goals for the waterways. Those of us who have joined since 2013 didn’t know Robin, but we all owe him a debt of gratitude for creating the great organisation we are a part of today.
I know many colleagues will be shocked and saddened at Robin’s tragically early death and we will mourn his loss, remembering the vital role he played in the history of the nation’s inland waterways.
Richard Parry
Canal & River Trust chief executive
