The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has announced the planned departure of chief executive Julie Harrington at the end of this year. after four years.
Harrington is stepping down after fours years at the helm of the BHA, with the search for her replacement now underway.
During her time as CEO, Harrington oversaw significant changes to the BHA and British Horseracing, including a new governance structure, achieving cross-industry support to help the sport’s long-term strategy, and setting its underpinning architecture in place.
Harrington also helped create a new people strategy with the introduction of the Horeracing Industry People Board, as well as a new focus on improving commercial opportunities for the sport.
“With so much now in place to develop and grow the Industry Strategy, which will secure a brighter future for British horseracing, it felt like the right time to move on and let someone else steer the sport through its next exciting phase,” Harrington said on her decision to step down.
“It has been a huge privilege to lead the BHA during what has been a period of real change as the sport has developed and implemented shared strategies for a sustainable future and an ability to speak with one united voice.
“I am proud of the progress the industry has made over the past three years, especially in improving the governance structure, and I hope that racing’s stakeholders will continue to work together cooperatively to attract new audiences, further improve the customer experience and grow the sport.”
Harrington added: “My future plans are likely to include a move to a varied non-executive career. Although I took the decision to stand down some time ago, I have agreed to stay on until the end of the year to allow a smooth transition to a new CEO.”
In addition to the search for a new chief executive, the BHA is also looking for a new chairperson to replace Joe Saumarez Smith, who will step down at the end of May 2025.