The British Horseracing Association (BHA) has announced the appointment of Lord Allen of Kensington CBE as its new chairman, replacing the outgoing Joe Saumarez Smith.
Lord Allen will assume the role of chairman with effect from 1 June 2025. Smith is due to step down as chair of the British Horseracing Association in May 2025, as announced in June.
The highly experienced Lord Allen has worked in 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 overseeing 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. He also spent time as chairman of the management board of the Labour party and was made a life peer in 2013.
Lord Allen also had a distinguished career in broadcasting and media. This included serving in senior roles with EMI, Virgin Media and Endemol. On top of this, he is currently chairman of Global Media and Entertainment, Balfour Beatty and THG.
Lord Allen eyes fresh perspective for horseracing
Speaking about the role, Lord Allen said he plans to focus on building the commercial and reputational aspects of horseracing.
“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,” Lord Allen said.
“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, chair of the BHA nominations committee and senior independent director, said Lord Allen impressed the organisation with his understanding of the challenges facing racing.
“His record speaks for itself,” Jones said. “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.
“Combined with his wealth of experience in global sporting events, Lord Allen impressed the committee with his perceptive grasp of the challenges facing racing and will be a powerful advocate for the sport.”
BHA still seeking new CEO
The chairman appointment comes as the BHA continues it search for a new CEO. Current CEO Julie Harrington’s departure was confirmed at the same time as Smith.
Harrington, who has served as CEO for four years, will officially wrap up at the end of 2024. She has agreed to stay on until the end of the year to support the transition to a new CEO.
During her time as CEO, Harrington oversaw a number of changes within the BHA and wider British horseracing. This included introducing the Horseracing Industry People Board.
