Former Exeter Airport boss joins Buckfast Abbey

Buckfast Abbey has announced the appointment of Matt Roach as its new Chief Operating Officer.

Mr Roach is the former Managing Director of Exeter Airport and has strong links with Devon’s business community. He succeeds Jonathan Deacon, who is retiring after 30 years with the Abbey.

Fr. Francis Straw, Buckfast Abbey’s Prior Administrator and Chair of Trustees says:” We look forward to welcoming Matt among us and to working with him to make Buckfast Abbey the best it can be for the benefit of everyone. Matt inherits a thriving operation, thanks to the talent, energy and commitment of Jonathan Deacon, who will maintain his connection with us.”

Fr. Francis adds that Mr. Roach’s work will involve supporting the way of life of the monastic community and consolidating the position of Buckfast Abbey as a centre for the Catholic Church in the South West, while developing the commercial side of one of Devon’s top tourist attractions: “ Matt looks to the Abbey being ever more an employer of choice, whose successful financial performance enables  increasing provision of the pastoral and charitable endeavours which are the central aims of the Abbey.”

Devon born and Bred, Mr. Roach worked in the hospitality and leisure industries before joining Exeter Airport. His recent work has also included serving as a board member of Exeter College and chairmanship of Exeter Chamber of Commerce in addition to membership of the South West Business Council Advisory Board and the South West Infrastructure Board.

He says:” I am delighted to be taking up this role at one of Devon’s most iconic and inspiring places. I am eagerly anticipating meeting the team and building on the great work that has been done over many years. Buckfast Abbey has many exciting projects to be brought to fruition, including plans for the care village and the ongoing work on the redevelopment of part of the conference centre, as we navigate our way out of the pandemic and current restrictions.”