Two new directors were welcomed to the OATA Board at the trade association’s Annual General Meeting held on 14 January.

Kevin Barton, of ALF Aquatic Distribution Ltd, has returned to the Board after a few years away, and the Revd David Walker, of Birley Moor Aquatics Centre in Sheffield, also joins the 14 other voluntary Directors who make up the OATA Board.

Dr Donna Snellgrove, of Mars Petcare, begins her two-year stint as the new Chair, taking over from EcoMarines’ Laura Carlin, while Maurits van de Pol, of Aquidistri, also stepped  into the Vice Chair role.

OATA Chief Executive Dr Matt Bond thanked outgoing Chair Laura Carlin, of EcoMarines, for her time at the helm, particularly in her support of the staff team over a period of change in 2025. “Laura has been an exemplary chair, serving longer than the usual two-year stint. She has been a real support to the team over the past year, when we’ve undergone so many changes. And we’re very grateful to all our Directors who volunteer their time to sit on our Board. We cannot do it without them.

“And we’re very pleased to welcome Kevin Barton of ALF Aquatic Distribution Ltd back on the Board and also newcomer the Revd David Walker, of Birley Moor Aquatics.”

OATA’s Board of Directors is currently made up of 16 people who represent the whole of the industry, from wholesalers and manufacturers to importers and retailers. The complete OATA Board of Directors is now made up of:

  • Kevin Barton, ALF Aquatic Distribution Ltd
  • Laura Carlin, EcoMarines
  • Robert Edgecock, Independent Aquatic Imports Ltd
  • Caroline Everett, Anglo Aquatic Plants Co Ltd
  • Neil Hardy, Neil Hardy Aquatica Ltd
  • Phil Jones, Kingston Koi Company
  • Simon Langdale, Maidenhead Aquatics
  • Philip Lawton, Kidsgrove Tropicals
  • Rob Peck, The Coral Centre
  • Max Pedley, Ornamental Aquatics Wholesale
  • Brian Schaff, TMC
  • Mark Smith, Pets at Home
  • Dr Donna Snellgrove, Mars Petcare
  • Matt Stevenson, Seneye
  • Maurits van de Pol, Aquadistri UK Ltd
  • Revd David Walker, Birley Moor Aquatics Centre

There are still vacancies on the Board, which is usually made up of 18 people. If you are interested in finding out more about what it takes to join the OATA board then you can join as an observer under the New Blood scheme. To find out more about what this involves call the OATA office on 07946 167121.

OATA members can watch the AGM highlights video in the Members’ area of the OATA website.