Brant Dunshea Appointed Interim CEO of British Horseracing Authority
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has appointed Brant Dunshea as acting CEO from January 2025. The search for a permanent CEO to replace Julie Harrington who will be leaving at the end of 2024 after 4 years in the role continues.
BHA Leadership Transition
Brant Dunshea, current chief regulatory officer will become acting CEO when Harrington leaves. Dunshea has been with the BHA since 2015 as head of raceday operations and then director of integrity and regulatory operations. He was in leadership roles at Harness Racing Victoria in Australia for over 7 years before joining the BHA.
The BHA will appoint a full time CEO in the New Year and Dunshea will oversee the transition.
This interim appointment coincides with the arrival of the BHA’s new chair, Lord Allen of Kensington who joined last month. The BHA said Lord Allen will be involved in the recruitment of the permanent CEO.
Julie Harrington’s departure was announced in June and Joe Saumarez Smith’s exit was announced in June as well. Smith will stay on until May 2025 to provide stability during this period of change.
Lord Allen’s Broad Expertise
Lord Allen has a long career in finance, government, international business and sport. His sporting experience includes leading London’s bid for the 2012 Olympics, chairing the Manchester Commonwealth Games and chairman of the Invictus Games Foundation.
The BHA is not the only regulator in change. The Gambling Commission announced last week that Marcus Boyle will be stepping down as chairman after over 3 years in the role.