James Gower, Director of Marketing at the British Marine Federation and National Boat Shows, is to leave the organisation after seven years in the post.

During his time at BMF, James negotiated television and radio opportunities to promote the federation, boat shows and boating as a leisure activity. Sponsorship and media partnerships were exploited and James was instrumental in securing a seven-figure contract with Schroders as the first title sponsor for the London Boat Show. The Shows have continually been developed and enhanced, with the Collins Stewart London Boat Show winning ‘Exhibition of the Year’ at the recent Trade Association Forum Awards earlier this week.

Reflecting on the last seven years James commented: “I feel very lucky to have been part of the BMF and NBS team working on two of the country’s leading consumer events and in a fascinating industry. The introduction of the indoor Windsurfing Championships at the London Boat Show was a highlight for me, and an engineering triumph for the whole team. Teams are what make the exhibition industry tick and I am privileged to work with some of the best in the business.”

Gower’s departure means the BMF will advance its current restructuring plans aligned to its Federation, London and Southampton brands. Instead of replacing Gower directly the BMF aims to strengthen its resources below director level in the marketing department.

James leaves the federation and NBS on 17 August 2007 to take up a senior position at EMAP in their construction division. At its heart is Interbuild, The UK’s building show, which will come under Gowers’ management.