Dr. Dowbiggin has been the Chief Executive/Principal since 1986, having previously been Vice Principal between 1982 – 1986.  Prior to being appointed at the College he was Head of Department at Hadlow College of Agriculture (Kent) from 1977 – 1982.  His background included periods of academic research into pollution bio-chemistry, management consultancy and a period employed as a farm manager for a major vegetable production company. He is a past Chair of the Institute of Horticulture’s Standing Committee of Education and Training and was made a Fellow on the Institute in 1988. He is member of the Livery of the Worshipful Company of Gardeners and has recently been elected to their Court of Assistants