The Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society of SA has confirmed that Rothwell’s 27 years with the historic organisation – including 20 as CEO – will come to an end this year.

Rothwell had initially intended to retire in 2020 but was asked by the Society’s board to stay on as it dealt with the pandemic, which has forced the cancellation of the Show for two consecutive years.

Among Rothwell’s achievements during his 20 years in charge was the establishment of the weekly Showgrounds Farmers’ Market in 2006 and the development of the Kingsway event area and Goyder Pavilion.

Society president Andrew Hardy also credited Rothwell with the redevelopment of the Showgrounds’ southeast corner into a caravan park and horse precinct.

“John has made an outstanding contribution to the Society and the agricultural industry in South Australia,” Hardy said in a statement.

“During his years of service with the Society, John was appointed as Director on the board of Agricultural Shows of Australia and the International Association of Fairs and Expositions based in the United States.

“These appointments provided an opportunity to bring back ideas for South Australia but also to benchmark the Royal Adelaide Show with other events both nationally and internationally.”

“John may have been keen to retire some time ago but in 2020 when the pandemic landed at our doorstep, and at the request of the Society board John agreed to stay at the helm and steer the Society through unfamiliar territory.”

The Society is already advertising for Rothwell’s replacement, with Stillwell Management Consultants engaged to lead a national recruitment process.

Outgoing Royal Adelaide Show CEO John Rothwell with General Manager Michelle Hocking in 2019. Photo: Andrew Beveridge

Rothwell thanked “the Show community, many who are volunteers” for delivering the “successes the Show achieves”.

“The Show being loyal to its roots is front and centre with agriculture and food security, it is more important than ever,” he said in a statement.

“The story of the importance of agriculture needs to be continually retold to our community and it is the Royal Show that provides that annual opportunity, this platform is not replicated in scale by any other means.

“The Royal Adelaide Show is regularly benchmarked in respect of the strength of its competitive entries which are still today relevant to many elements of agriculture and human endeavour.”

The Show is set to make its return on September 3 after a two-year hiatus.