The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has announced Brant Dunshea as acting CEO while it continues its search for a permanent replacement for Julie Harrington.
Harrington revealed in June she would be stepping down as CEO of the BHA after four years in the role. Her term is due to conclude at the end of 2024, with Dunshea to then take on the role in the interim.
Dunshea currently serves as chief regulatory officer at the BHA, a role he has held since April 2018. He joined the Authority in 2015 as head of raceday operations and was also director of integrity and regulatory operations.
Prior to his time with the BHA, Dunshea spent over seven and a half years at the authority for Harness Racing Victoria in Australia. Here, he was general manager for its integrity services and later its chief operating officer.
Confirmed yesterday (3 December), Dunshea will assume temporary charge of the BHA from January, with Harrington’s term to end on 31 December. The Authority said it is hoping to appoint a full-time replacement in the New Year.
Acting CEO appointment support new BHA chair
This, the organisation added, will allow new BHA chair Lord Allen of Kensington to assist with CEO recruitment.
News of Harrington’s departure in June was accompanied by the announcement that Joe Saumarez Smith would also exit as chair. Last month, the BHA appointed Lord Allen as his replacement, with effect from 1 June 2025. Smith will remain in the role until the end of next May.
Lord Allen has worked across the financial and commercial sectors, as well as government, broadcast, international companies and sports. He is currently chairman and trustee of the Invictus Games Foundation.
Other sporting roles include leading London’s bid for the 2012 Olympics and serving as board director on the organising committee. He was also chairman of the Manchester Commonwealth Games between 2000 and 2003, for which he was awarded a CBE.
Outside of sports, Lord Allen was a chief adviser to the home office from 2006 to 2008.
Gambling Commission also reveals leadership changes
The BHA is not the only betting-related regulator in Britain to announce changes to its leadership. Last week, it was revealed that Marcus Boyle will depart as chairman of the Gambling Commission after more than three years in the role.
