President Keith
Diversity and climate are key
KEITH Weed has been named as the new president of the RHS and has pledged to increase the gardening charity’s focus on sustainability and helping to mitigate climate change.
Keith said: “I feel privileged to serve the RHS as president and bring my passion for gardening and business experience to help shape the next chapter of the charity.
“The UK has led the world over many centuries in innovating and creating amazing gardens and now it is our time to lead again in the role of gardeners as the guardians of gardens and environmental and social sustainability.”
Keith, former chief marketing and communications officer for Unilever, is renowned for championing new ways of integrating sustainability into businesses as a key driver of growth and impact, while reducing environmental footprint and increasing positive social impact.
The role of science and flora
He said: “The very heart of what the RHS does, helping and inspiring millions of people to garden and grow a diversity of plants, is good for the environment, for our pollinators and helps to mitigate pollution and prevent flooding, but there is always more we can all do to support abating the Climate Change crisis.
“I look forward to furthering the great work Sue Biggs and her RHS team have already been doing, including the Greening Great Britain Campaign.”
Keith said: “In addition to beautiful gardens, I am particularly interested in the role of science and flora biodiversity. Another important priority for both the RHS and the wider horticultural world is to help increase diversity.
“We need to work with people from all backgrounds, all ethnicities, all ages, and the wider horticulture industry as a whole to shape the future of the RHS.”