BHA appoints Sir Paul Stephenson as Independent Regulatory Director

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA), the sport’s governing and regulatory body, today announces that former Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service Sir Paul Stephenson has been appointed to its Board.

Sir Paul will take up his role as an Independent Regulatory Director on 1 July, and will replace Ben Gunn in this capacity. Gunn, who has been involved with the BHA and its predecessor bodies since 2002, is to stand down from the BHA Board on 30 June.

Sir Paul had a highly distinguished career as a police officer over more than 35 years, holding senior command positions in Merseyside, Lancashire and London.  In his roles with the Metropolitan Police Service – where as Commissioner he was the most senior officer in the UK – he advised governments on issues ranging from counter terrorism to serious organized crime and national police improvements, with a focus on modern, transparent and collaborative policing.

Sir Paul has served as Trustee for a number of charities, and is currently a Trustee of Crimestoppers UK. He will lead the BHA Board’s efforts in its priority areas, ensuring that British Racing is regulated to the highest standards, and seen by all to be fair and clean.

The appointment completes a set of changes to the BHA Board designed to position the sport for future growth and the next step in its modernisation. Individuals with a broad range of expertise and backgrounds have been recruited, with regulation remaining core to the BHA’s responsibilities.