Lord Allen of Kensington becomes Chair of BHA

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has confirmed Lord Allen of Kensington CBE as its new Chair.

Due to assume his position on 1 June 2025, Lord Allen will work closely with current Chair Joe Saumarez Smith in the months ahead of taking up the role in the hopes to ensure a smooth transition.

On his new role, Lord Allen said: “I am honoured to be appointed to the role of Chair of the BHA 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.”

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.

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

“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.”

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

“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.”

The authority detailed that the appointment follows an ‘extensive and competitive’ process overseen by the BHA’s Nominations Committee, which makes recommendations to the BHA Board on suitable candidates.