Journalist and agri-communications specialist Caroline Stocks has been voted in as the new chairman of the Guild of Agricultural Journalists.
Managing partner of international communications agency Consus Communications, Caroline takes over the role from Ben Pike, who has stood down from the role after a two-year term.
She was voted in to the position at the Guild’s AGM, held at the FarmED Centre in Oxfordshire (27 May), after spending two terms on the Guild’s council – most recently as communications director.
Having started out her career as a trainee reporter at Farmers Guardian, Caroline worked as a business reporter and deputy news editor at Farmers Weekly before completing a Nuffield Scholarship on communication with farmers in 2014.
After her scholarship she set up her own communications agency before temporarily relocating to the US, where she joined forces with her business partner, Meghan Feeks, to create Consus.
Speaking to delegates at the AGM, Caroline said she was delighted to be taking on the role of chairman so she could continue to give back to the Guild.
“Thanks to the Guild I’ve benefited from training and professional development, attended IFAJ Congress through the Young Leaders programme, and travelled the world thanks to ENAJ and IFAJ press tours.
“The Guild’s given me incredible opportunities, which is why I’ve always thought it was important to give back by joining council for the first time in 2015.”
Caroline said the changing media and agricultural landscapes meant that the Guild’s role in helping members was more important than ever.
“I want to make sure we’re helping members in ensuring their skills remain relevant, making sure their knowledge and efforts are valued, and that they feel supported,” she said.
“I also hope more members will have the opportunity to travel and see agriculture from new perspectives, and I want young journalists, photographers and communicators to see that this industry can offer long and rewarding careers.
“I’m really looking forward to the next two years, and I hope members will support me and council in helping the Guild continue to thrive.”
