Lord Allen of Kensington CBE is today confirmed as the new Chair of the British Horseracing Authority.

As a highly experienced Chairman, and one of the most prominent business leaders of his generation, Lord Allen brings a wealth of experience to the role including in the financial and commercial sectors, Government, broadcast, international companies and global sports events.

He is due to assume his post on 1 June 2025 and will work closely with current Chair Joe Saumarez Smith in the months ahead of taking up the role to ensure a smooth transition.

Lord Allen is currently Chairman and Trustee of the Invictus Games Foundation and was Chairman of the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2000-2003 for which he was awarded a CBE.

He oversaw London’s bid for the 2012 Olympics and was Board Director on the Organising Committee. His ability to deliver critical projects that made the Games such a success saw him knighted in 2012.

He was a Chief Adviser to the Home Office from 2006 to 2008. In 2012, he was appointed by Ed Miliband to the position of Chairman of the Management Board of the Labour Party.  In 2013 he was made a Life Peer, taking the title Baron Allen of Kensington.

Lord Allen began a distinguished career in broadcasting and media with Granada TV in 1991 before going on to have senior roles in leading companies in the sector including EMI, Virgin Media and Endemol. He is currently Chairman of Global Media and Entertainment Limited.

He is currently Advisory Chairman to global independent investment bank Moelis & Company, Chairman of multinational infrastructure group Balfour Beatty PLC, and Chairman of e-commerce retailer THG (formerly The Hut Group).

Lord Allen said: “I am honoured to be appointed to the role of Chair of the British Horseracing Authority at this important time for the organisation.

“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.

“My love of horses stems from learning to ride as a youngster and enjoying the sport of horseracing over many years.

“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.”

Chair of the BHA Nominations Committee and the BHA’s Senior Independent Director, David Jones, said: “Lord Allen is a very experienced Chairman, and I am delighted that we have appointed a candidate of such outstanding calibre.

“His record speaks for itself and 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.”

In a joint statement Charlie Parker, President of the ROA, and Wilf Walsh, Chair of the RCA, said “On behalf of the shareholders we undertook an exhaustive search for the new BHA Chair. We are delighted to have secured Charles Allen. He brings experience of an exceptional business career as well as overseeing successful international sporting events. Alongside his business acumen, his political experience will be a significant asset as the BHA engages with the new Government on a range of pressing issues for the sport and the industry of horseracing including its funding.”

The appointment of Lord Allen follows an extensive and competitive process overseen by the BHA’s Nominations Committee, which makes recommendations to the BHA Board on suitable candidates. The Nominations Committee is comprised of representatives from the Thoroughbred Group and racecourses, as well as independent members.

Notes to editors:

1. Current membership of the BHA Board can be viewed here.

2. The BHA’s Nominations Committee makes recommendations to the Board on suitable candidates for appointment to the Board and the role of Chief Executive. The Nominations Committee consists of:

• Joe Saumarez Smith (C) [recused from this selection process]
• David Jones (C)
• Wilf Walsh (appointed by the Racecourse Association)
• Charlie Parker (appointed by the Racehorse Owner Member, the Thoroughbred Breeder Member and the Licensed Personnel Member)
• Raj Parker
• Kyrsten Halley