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Lord Allen of Kensington, CBE, has been confirmed as the new chair of the British Horseracing Authority.
Lord Allen, a very experienced Chairman and one of the leading business leaders in his generation, brings to this role a wealth experience, including the financial and commercial sector, government, broadcasting, international companies, and global sporting events.
In the months leading up to his appointment, he will work closely alongside the current chair Joe Saumarez Smith to ensure that the transition is smooth.
Lord Allen was the Chairman of the Manchester Commonwealth Games from 2000 to 2003, for which he received a CBE.
He was the Board Director of the Organising Committee and oversaw London’s bid for 2012. In 2012, he was knighted for his ability to deliver key projects that helped make the Games a huge success.
From 2006 to 2008, he was the Chief Adviser at the Home Office. Ed Miliband appointed him to the position as Chairman of Labour Party’s Management Board in 2012. In 2013, he became a Life Peer and took the title Baron Allen.
Lord Allen began his distinguished career in media and broadcasting in 1991 with Granada TV. He then held senior positions in companies such as EMI, Virgin Media, and Endemol. He is the Chairman of Global Media and Entertainment Limited.
He is the Chairman of THG, a retailer of ecommerce, as well as Chairman of Balfour Beatty PLC (formerly The Hut Group).
Lord Allen stated: “I feel honoured to have been appointed as Chair of the British Horseracing Authority in this crucial time for the organization.
“I am looking forward to establishing a strong partnership with the new CEO, the Board, and all of our stakeholders in order to deliver the vision for building the reputation and commercial aspects of the sector.
“My love for horses comes from my early riding lessons and many years of enjoying horse racing.
“My skills, knowledge and experience in various sectors including media, entertainment and sport, as well as having led many regulated sporting and governing organisations, will hopefully put me in a good position to bring a new perspective to this amazing sport.”
David Jones, Chair of the BHA Nominations Committee, and Senior Independent Director of the BHA, said, “Lord Allen has a lot of experience as a Chairman and I’m delighted that we appointed someone of this calibre.
His record speaks for itself. His impressive leadership skills, commercial and financial acumen, broadcasting experience, and understanding of Government, will bring a new and independent perspective to BHA’s works.
Lord Allen’s perceptive understanding of racing challenges and his vast experience at global sporting events impressed the committee. He will be a powerful ambassador for the sport.
