The National Western Stock Show recently said goodbye to its retiring CEO Paul Andrews. Now it’s found his replacement in time for its 120th anniversary next year.

Wes Allison, a Texas livestock show leader, will take over as president and CEO of Denver’s famous event celebrating Colorado’s agriculture and livestock industry, the National Western Stock Show announced Friday.

Allison was the president and CEO of the Heart O’ Texas Fair and Rodeo for 23 years, and previously oversaw livestock exhibits at the Houston Livestock Show. He expanded the Heart O’ Texas Fair and Rodeo into a year-round and multi-event venue, which the National Western Stock Show said is currently pushing itself to do.

“After an extensive search, we are excited to welcome Wes Allison as our next president and CEO,” said Douglas Jones, board chairman of the National Western Stock Show, in a press release.

“Wes is a proven, innovative leader in the livestock industry and his deep roots in agriculture — coupled with his commitment to youth scholarships and vast experience in event development — make him the perfect fit to lead National Western into the future,” he added.

Allison was raised in West Texas and graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and a master’s in agriculture.

Allison follows after Andrews, who ran the show for 15 years. A replacement has some “big boots to fill,” Jones said when Andrews announced his retirement.

Andrews played a large role in turning the National Western Stock Show Complex into a year-round destination shared by Colorado State University and the city of Denver for concerts and festivals, farmers’ markets, sporting events, trade shows, conventions and classes. 

The $100-million urban construction project to transform the grounds takes up 2.2 million square feet of indoor and outdoor space. The first building, the Live Stock Center, is set to finish construction by the end of 2025 and open in time for the 2026 Stock Show.

 “The National Western Stock Show is a pillar of agriculture and Western heritage, and I am honored to join this legendary organization,” Allison said in the release. “With new facilities and a bright future ahead, I look forward to expanding our impact, growing our programs and ensuring this institution continues to thrive for generations to come.”

Reporter Sage Kelley contributed to this report.