BHA appoints former ITV CEO and Labour peer as new chair
Lord Allen of Kensington will replace Joe Saumarez Smith next summer, with the horseracing body still searching for a new CEO
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has named former ITV CEO Lord Allen of Kensington as the body’s new chair, effective from 1 June 2025.
Lord Allen will replace the outgoing Joe Saumarez Smith next summer as the BHA enters a new era of leadership, with CEO Julie Harrington also stepping down at the end of the year.
As the hunt for a new CEO remains ongoing, Lord Allen will now work closely with Saumarez Smith in the coming months to ensure a “smooth transition” to his new appointment.
A Labour peer, Lord Allen is the current chair for Balfour Beatty and THG, as well as the advisory chair to investment bank Moelis & Company.
He is also chair of the Invictus Games Foundation and played a key role in bringing the Commonwealth Games to Manchester in 2002 and the Olympics to London in 2012.
Lord Allen served as a chief advisor to the Home Office between 2006 and 2008 and previously spent time as chair of the management board of the Labour Party.
With an extensive career in TV and media, including as CEO of Granada Group between 1996 and 2000 and as the boss of ITV from 2004 to 2007, he will now play a key role in the future of the sport.
Speaking on his appointment, Lord Allen said he was “honoured” to take on the chairmanship of the BHA, noting it was an “important time for the organisation”.
“I look forward to building a strong relationship with the new CEO and the board and all our stakeholders, delivering the vision of building the commercial and reputational aspects of the sector,” he said.
“My love of horses stems from learning to ride as a youngster and enjoying the sport of horseracing over many years.
“My knowledge, skills and experience from various sectors, including media and entertainment, and having led many regulated and sporting organisations, will hopefully stand me in good stead to bring a fresh perspective to this incredible sport.”
David Jones, BHA nominations committee chair, added: “Lord Allen is a very experienced chairman and I am delighted we have appointed a candidate of such outstanding calibre.
“His record speaks for itself, and his impressive leadership skills, financial and commercial acumen, broadcast experience and an understanding of government will bring a fresh and independent perspective to the BHA’s work.”
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