Exeter Cathedral is pleased to welcome Paul Netherton and John Byfield as new non-executive members of Chapter. Both Paul and John bring proven expertise and skills, aiding Chapter in their decision making as they seek to care for Exeter Cathedral and its community for future generations.
Paul Netherton
Paul officially joined Chapter on 24 September 2026
Paul Netherton was a police officer for 32 years, retiring as the Deputy Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall. He was the national lead for civil contingencies and resilience for over 15 years and dealt with many major incidents and public events such as the Olympics, UK flooding, terrorism and maritime security. He continues to support the emergency services, military and the UK government around UK resilience.
He was President of the Christian Police Association for ten years and worked with multi-faith organisations to promote church and other faith groups supporting the police around community safety. He was instrumental in bringing Street Pastors into Devon and promoting faith and police activity.
In 2020, Paul was awarded an OBE by Her Majesty for his work in relation to Police and civil contingencies, and in 2021 was awarded the title of Honorary Member of the Public Health Faculty for his national role with the Covid Pandemic. In 2024, he was made a Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon and works supporting the emergency services, community and environmental groups across Devon.
He acts as a non-executive director for Exeter Cathedral, and Spiritus – an organisations that helps train clergy in the South West. Paul is still passionate about making the church relevant and a force for good in modern society.
Paul lives in East Devon with his family and, when he can, enjoys sailing, skiing and walking around the wonderful Devon countryside.
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John Byfield
John will officially join Chapter on 1 November 2026
John qualified as a solicitor in the late 1970s and formed his own law practice in Southampton. In the following 20 years he grew the practice and specialised in commercial and sports law. From 1990, John was also heavily engaged in F1 with roles ranging from helping to run two F1 teams and negotiating driver contracts.
In 2002, John moved to Jersey having retired from his law practice. He formed a sports business which he listed on the AIM market in London in 2006 and remained its executive chairman until he negotiated its eventual sale in 2009. Amongst other things, the company became the world’s largest manager of professional cricket and ruby players and also managed F1 drivers.
John then sat on the boards of various companies, both private and public, which he continues to do.
In 2018, John moved to East Devon with his family and dogs. Having had his fill of F1 and sports generally, he now prefers the gentler pursuits of walking, touring and classical music. He was confirmed at Exeter Cathedral in 2022, and volunteers as a sidesman and a steward.