Brass Bands England has announced the appointment of Andrew Coe as Chief Executive with immediate effect.

With wide experience of managing businesses based in sports governance and major events, Andrew joins the executive team on an interim basis in order to provide a focus to the organisation's operational functions.

Renewed focus

BBE Chairman Mike Kilroy told 4BR: "Andrew was appointed as a Trustee to BBE late last year.

With the recent increase in membership activity resulting from the successful BBE Conference in December and new initiatives such as Bandsafe, the Trustees have recognised that the professional experience that Andrew brings to BBE would be valuable in helping to bring a renewed focus to the organisations operational activities.

Crucial time

He added: "This is a crucial time in the development of BBE as we look forward to expanding the services which we plan to bring to the brass band community and in advance of a substantial new funding bid from the Arts Council for 2018.

The overwhelming will of the Trustees is that the organisation is fully fit for purpose and that we deliver a truly professional service to all our stakeholders, members and to the banding community as a whole.

Andrew's business and leadership skills will ensure that this happens and I look forward to working with him through what is the most exciting period in our organisations history".

Major event experience

From 2001 until 2014 Andrew Coe held the position of CEO to the commercial arm of the governing body of motorsport in the UK and according to BBE was responsible for managing some of the nation's largest annual sporting events, including the British rounds of the World Rally Championship and the F1 British Grand Prix.

Originally from Yorkshire, he played cornet for a number of bands in the 1970's and 80's, including Horbury Victoria and Yorkshire Imps. He took up the cornet again two years ago and currently enjoys playing alongside his daughter with LGB Brass in Suxssex.

From 2001 until 2014 Andrew Coe held the position of CEO to the commercial arm of the governing body of motorsport in the UK and was responsible for managing some of the nation's largest annual sporting eventsBBE

Real privilege

Talking about his appointment, Andrew added: "I was delighted to be asked to work alongside the great group of people at BBE.

I am from a banding family and to have the opportunity to share my professional experience with an organisation which is passionate about promoting the benefits which brass bands bring to the wider community is a real privilege."