Key points:
- The BHA has appointed Brant Dunshea as its acting CEO
- He is set to take over from Julie Harrington form 31 December
- Dunshea will hold the position while the search for a permanent executive continues
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has announced the appointment of Brant Dunshea as its Interim Chief Executive Officer.
Dunshea will take over from current CEO Julie Harrington following the end of her four-year tenure on 31 December 2024. Harrington announced that she would be stepping down from the top job in June, however, the recruitment process for a new CEO is ongoing. Therefore, Dunshea is set to step in as Acting CEO to allow the newly appointed BHA Chair – Lord Allen of Kensington – to play an enhanced role in the selection process.
After joining the Authority in 2015, Dunshea was then promoted to Director of Integrity and Regulatory Operations in Septemeber 2016. Two years later, he was promoted again to the role of Chief Regulatory Officer (CRO).
Now, after a total of nine years with the organisation, he will assume the role of acting CEO alongside his pre-existing responsibilities for the duration of the recruitment process for a permanent head of the company.
Good to know: Before joining the BHA, Dunshea worked in the Australian horseracing landscape for 20 years, holding a variety of senior roles within the industry
Prior to Harrington’s resignation notice this summer, the BHA partnered with the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) for the introduction of a new equine anti-doping & medication control initiative.
Shortly after, in July, the BHA recruited additional new members of its leadership team, appointing Katie Carr as Head of Environmental Sustainability and Tom Baker as the new Head of Social Impact.
Most recently, the Authority revealed a new online safeguarding and human welfare education guide, in an effort to promote a safe working environment within the British horseracing industry.
