News published 10 September 2025

A message from Paul Smith, BGCI’s Secretary General

After more than 10 years as Secretary General of BGCI, I feel that both I and the organisation are ready for a change of leadership. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at BGCI, and believe that the organisation is in a good position with a strong senior management team, growing membership and impressive conservation impact. Furthermore, I feel that I have achieved all I can in this role at BGCI, and that new leadership can take the organisation to the next level. My reasons for wanting to step down from the Secretary General role are also personal, and include the toll that frequent international travel takes, and the desire to spend more time at home and pursuing my interests related to African botany and wildlife conservation.

During my time at BGCI I have had wonderful support from BGCI’s Board, as well as from BGCI staff, and colleagues in our member and partner organisations. I’d like to pay particular tribute to both Board Chairs during my tenure – Steve Blackmore and Peter Wyse Jackson. I couldn’t have asked for better working relationships with them, and their support has been invaluable and deeply appreciated. I would also like to thank the many wonderful BGCI staff, past and present, that I have had the pleasure of working with over the last decade. They are a truly remarkable group of people, who through their dedication and abilities, have made BGCI the successful organisation it is today. It’s been an honour to work with them.

The appointment of a person to the position of Secretary General will be made when a suitable candidate has been identified and when a starting date is agreed. This is likely to take several months. I will remain in post until the appointment is made, and the Board has asked me to factor in a handover period, which I am happy to do. I will also remain engaged with BGCI as an external advisor on some of BGCI’s projects, and look forward to working with many of you in that capacity.

Finally, I would like to thank you – BGCI’s members, partners and all the individuals I have worked with in the botanic garden community over the past 10 years and more. As I have said many times before, ours is a very special community, comprised of people who not only love the plants they protect but who are also collaborative and kind to each other. It has been a privilege to work in this community, to visit so many beautiful gardens and to meet so many wonderful people.