The British Horseracing Boar?_x0019_s Communications Director, Peter Bell, has decided to leave Portman Square next month.

Bell, formerly a senior executive at BBC News, joined the BHB when the post of Communications Director was created in 1998. He will leave on 18th February.

Commenting on his decision, Bell said: “”After a fascinating year at the heart of an industry which deserves the wholehearted commitment of all who work in it, I have decided the time has come to move on.

“”The job of Communications Director was a new one when I joined. With the interests of the Board in mind as well as my own, I have been concerned for some time about the way the role has evolved and the effectiveness of the contribution it makes to the aims and objectives of the organisation.

“”It is for the Board to decide how the function might best be performed in future and, after much reflection, I have come to the conclusion that the Directors should be free to make that judgement on the basis of a blank sheet of paper.

“”I wish the BHB, and particularly good friends on its highly professional executive team, every success for the future.””

BHB Chief Executive, Tristram Ricketts, said: “”Peter is a popular and trusted colleague who has worked with enthusiasm and commitment to further the BHB’s goals during an important and eventful period for the industry. We shall miss him, but we understand and respect his reasons for deciding to step down.””