HPower Group, the organisers behind equestrian events such as The London International Horse Show and Royal Windsor have today, Tuesday 3rd December 2024, announced the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer, James Shaw LVO.
James (feature image) joins HPower with an extensive background in leadership and national event organisation after 20 years’ service in the British Army. He led the team that delivered the military elements of Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee and Funeral, and His Majesty King Charles’s Coronation. Handling such high-profile and complex events, James was later recognised and appointed as Lieutenant of the Victorian Order (LVO) in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List.
James’ extensive operational leadership was widely gained in the Middle East and South East Asia. His knowledge and experience in the equine world come from taking part in multiple national events and playing polo. Aged 44, he will bring his energy and passion for equestrianism to HPower.
James said; “I am so excited to be starting as CEO of HPower Group and leading a Company I have worked closely with and have huge respect for. I hope to bring my experience in co-ordinating national events and continue to build on HPower’s reputation as a leading event management and production company.
HPower was established over 35 years ago by Simon Brooks-Ward CVO CBE TD. Aside from equestrian events that are relished by thousands of equestrians each year, the group is also known for its experience in running celebratory and commemorative events such as the BAFTA award-winning Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebration in Windsor (2016). In 2022 the group created and organised The Late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration at Windsor. This was the last event The Late Queen attended in full.
Simon Brooks-Ward will become Executive Chairman of the HPower Group and will continue to be involved in all of its events but will hand over the Event Directorship to James, for the Windsor and London Horse Shows.
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.