Lord Charles Allen has been officially named as the incoming chair of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), succeeding Joe Saumarez Smith. The 67-year-old brings an extensive background in leadership across diverse sectors, and one former political colleague described him as a potential “breath of fresh air” for the sport.
Allen’s impressive career spans roles as CEO of ITV, chairman of Europe’s largest commercial radio group, Global, and head of the international infrastructure firm Balfour Beatty. He also serves as advisory chairman at investment bank Moelis & Company and leads the e-commerce retail company THG plc. While he will step down from his position at Global in March 2025, his other commitments reflect a wealth of experience in finance, media, government, and global sports.
His influence on the sporting world is notable—he spearheaded London’s bid for the 2012 Olympics and served on its organising committee. In politics, Allen was a chief adviser to the Home Office between 2006 and 2008, later becoming chairman of the Labour Party’s management board. His elevation to a life peerage in 2013, as Baron Allen of Kensington, underscored his leadership credentials.
Reflecting on his appointment, Allen expressed his gratitude and excitement for the role, accentuating his deep appreciation for horseracing, which began with learning to ride as a child. He noted that his varied experience across regulated industries, media, and sporting organisations would allow him to bring a fresh perspective to the BHA and its future challenges.
Allen will officially step into his new position on June 1, 2024, working alongside Saumarez Smith in the coming months to ensure a seamless transition. He is also expected to play a significant role in the final stages of the search for a new BHA chief executive, following Julie Harrington’s departure at the end of the year.
The BHA’s nominations committee, led by senior independent director David Jones, highlighted Allen’s exceptional leadership skills, business acumen, and understanding of government as pivotal factors in his selection. Jones remarked that Allen’s insight into the challenges facing horseracing and his global sporting experience make him a powerful advocate for the sport.
In a joint statement, Racehorse Owners Association president Charlie Parker and Racecourse Association chair Wilf Walsh praised Allen’s extraordinary career and his ability to handle the complexities of international sports management. They also pointed to his political background as an invaluable asset in addressing critical issues such as the sport’s funding.
Betting and Gaming Council chair Michael Dugher also extended his congratulations, describing Allen’s appointment as a smart choice. Dugher remarked that Allen’s outsider perspective could offer much-needed clarity for horseracing’s challenges, from marketing to modernisation. He stressed that reversing the sport’s decline would require significant reform and collaboration across stakeholders, a challenge Dugher believed Allen is well-equipped to tackle.
With a combination of political savvy, business expertise, and a passion for the sport, Lord Allen’s leadership aims to guide the BHA into a stronger future, addressing the pressing needs of horseracing while uniting its diverse stakeholders.