The current ESSA director, Chris Skeith, will now assume responsibility for both associations in a bid to "increase effectiveness, communications and value for money for members".
The associations already work together on a number of joint working parties and see Skeith’s dual role as a natural development.
"We are always mindful that the association has to deliver value to members and having a single director who can manage ESSA and be knowledgeable about issues facing the AEV will make us all more effective by bringing us closer together," said ESSA chairman Steve Barratt.
Barratt added that, despite Skeith’s role, the associations would maintain independence.
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