BHA Turn To Agency For Chair Search; Candidate Expectations Revealed

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has hired a renowned consultancy agency to assist in overseeing the appointment of a new chair. Picked by the five-member BHA’s Nominations Committee, Elevate Talent will begin the recruitment process immediately.

Finding a permanent chair has become a pressing matter for the BHA, as they have been without one for three months following Lord Charles Allen’s resignation in March. His failure to garner enough support for a fully independent board caused political infighting, and criticism was levelled at Allen for his lack of racing knowledge.

Elevate’s proven track record in headhunting

Electing Elevate to guide the hunt for a new chair was a sensible decision by the BHA, as Elevate has developed a reputation for sourcing exceptional leaders for prominent sporting bodies.

In the past, Elevate has worked with a multitude of organisations, such as the Jockey Club, Hong Kong Jockey Club and Racing Victoria to fill senior vacancies.

Away from racing, Elevate has worked with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Cricket Australia, Ferrari, and Premier League club Brentford.

Founded in 2021, Elevate quickly grew into a global executive and search talent consultancy, and it has offices scattered across the US and Europe. Although Elevate has a proven track record in the sports industry, it has also headhunted for roles across a variety of other sectors, covering commerce and technology.

BHA set strict candidate brief

As far as the new BHA Chair is concerned, prospective candidates have been set high expectations. Apart from holding significant board experience, the BHA stipulates the successful candidate will need to have an “active knowledge of racing, stakeholder environment, political relationships, and the interdependence between racing and gambling”.

Added to that, as outlined in the job spec, the successful applicant should create “impactful board agendas” and run meetings efficiently. Ensuring the highest standards of corporate governance is a must, as is prioritising areas such as focusing on equine safety to make the racing product a morally responsible and compelling product for audiences.

Industry veterans mooted for post

While the recruitment stage for the new chair has begun in earnest, a couple of prominent names have been earmarked for the post. Peter Savill, who previously served as the British Horseracing Board (BHB) Chair, the forerunner to the BHA, has received over 200 formal written pledges of support, and he has a concerted five-point plan in place to take the BHA forward if appointed.

Meanwhile, Nigel Payne, who worked as the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) Chair for eight years and co-owned 1998 Grand National winner Earth Summit, has thrown his hat into the ring.

When asked for his thoughts on the positions earlier this month, Payne said:

“I think I could do something useful for the industry because I know and love it, and I’m very passionate about it.

“I know a lot of people in racing and I felt that I could get the best out of people. I wouldn’t do it by forcing this, forcing that. The great thing when you run a board with so many different vested interests is to try to find common ground. This isn’t difficult, it’s just a question of finding it in the right context.”

Application deadline looming

Interested candidates don’t have long to submit their applications with the closing date set for June 19. Candidates can contact Elevate for a confidential discussion about the role, but in the meantime, David Jones will continue as BHA interim Chair until a permanent appointment is confirmed.