Gavin Robertson?Elected As Royal Kennel Club Chair

The Royal Kennel Club (RKC) Board has today, June 30, elected Gavin Robertson as the Royal Kennel Club Chair and Yvonne Rawley MBE as the Royal Kennel Club Vice-Chair

Gavin has served on the board since 2024 and has been a member of the RKC for 22 years. He awards Challenge Certificates in more than 70 breeds and judges the Hound, Gundog, Utility and Working groups in addition to Best in Show at championship level.

He has been involved in breeding and showing dogs since he was a child and has both bred and owned over 90 UK champions across five groups, including Best in Show at Crufts in 2013 with the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen (Ch Soletrader Peek A Boo). He also bred the Westminster 2023 Best in Show winning Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen (Am Ch Soletrader Buddy Holly).

Alongside his involvement in the dog world, Gavin is an owner and co-owner of multiple companies.

Gavin?said following his election: “I am thrilled to have been elected as Chair of the Royal Kennel Club?and would like to thank my fellow Directors for their support. 

“I?am committed to working with colleagues across the organisation to build on our successes, champion responsible dog ownership and breeding, and to ensure that?the Royal Kennel Club continues to thrive for future generations. 

“It is an honour to take on this important role, and I look forward to engaging with the leadership team and Board over the coming weeks as we build on the strong foundations already in place to deliver for the dog community.” 

Gavin will make a further announcement in due course.

The new Royal Kennel Club Vice-Chair, Yvonne Rawley MBE, was elected to the Board in 2025 having been involved in the showing world of pedigree dogs since the 1970s. She has enjoyed success with Tibetan Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Pekingese and Poodles, breeding or owning champions across all of these breeds. She also awards Challenge Certificates in these breeds and has judged at Crufts and around the world.

The RKC would like to thank former Chair Ian Seath, for his leadership and commitment to the organisation over the past year. Ian has chosen to step down from the RKC board. The RKC would also like to thank Paul Eardley, who has stepped down as Vice-Chair, a role he has held since 2022, for his valued contribution. The Board is grateful to both for the significant roles they have played during their tenure.

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Posted by Liz on Jun 30 2026. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.