Banking executive William Rayner appointed boss of Royal Adelaide Show

In just over a fortnight, the Royal Adelaide Show opens the gates for the first time since 2019. And a major change has been announced at the Show’s head office.

The society behind the iconic Royal Adelaide Show has appointed a new boss ahead of next month’s event.

William Rayner, an executive at Bendigo and Adelaide Bank and vice president at the South Australian Cricket Association, will take over from outgoing chief executive John Rothwell in mid-October as the head of the Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society of SA, the organisation in charge of the Adelaide Show.

Outgoing boss Mr Rothwell has been with the organisation for 27 years, 20 of those as chief executive.

RA & HS president Andrew Hardy said Mr Rothwell had helped oversee “enormous changes and improvements to the Royal Adelaide Show”.

“John has made an outstanding contribution to the society, and the agricultural industry in South Australia,” he said.

Newly appointed Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society of SA chief executive William Rayner. Picture: supplied

Mr Rayner has worked as chief financial officer of Rural Bank, a regional division of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, as well as editor of The Stock Journal.

Mr Hardy said Mr Rayner was “in a great position” to lead the organisation into the future.

Mr Rayner said he felt privileged to be appointed to the role.

“I am thrilled to be given this opportunity to join such a iconic South Australian institution, which plays such an important role in our agricultural sector,” he said.

“I look forward to building on the fantastic heritage of the society and Royal Adelaide Show and to pursue opportunities for its continued growth and prosperity.”