Paul Bittar To Leave Bha In 2015

Chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority, Paul Bittar, has confirmed he will leave the organisation in early 2015 after three years in the role.

Appointed to head British Racing’s governing and regulatory body in September 2011 following an extensive search, Paul was previously chief strategy officer at Racing Victoria, and chief executive of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing.

According to the BHA, he will be closely involved in the appointment of his successor, the process for which is now underway, with an announcement due in the autumn.

Steve Harman, chairman of BHA, said: ‘Paul is reviewing a number of options which he is considering for his next role, and I know he will make a big impact in whichever of the positions he chooses.’

The BHA added in its press release that Paul Bittar’s tenure has been marked by an improvement in the sport’s financial position, the re-establishment of BHA’s leadership role within British Racing in both regulatory and strategic matters, and the development of closer working relationships between stakeholders across the sport.

Bittar also oversaw a five-year commercial funding agreement worth £40m between British Racing and Betfair, the reaching of a four-year Levy arrangement with the big four retail bookmakers, including additional voluntary contributions, and the establishment of Prize Money Agreements.

With cross-party support Government also amended the Gambling (Licensing & Advertising) Act in March 2014 to provide for enforceable Levy contributions from all remote operators in the British market and is set to consult later this summer on long-term options to fundamentally reform or replace the Levy.

Also underway, as recently announced, BHA in conjunction with its shareholders is making a number of changes to its Board and way of working, developing clearer consultation mechanisms and tripartite structures between BHA, racecourses and horsemen.

Harman continued: ‘Paul has been instrumental in building the foundations for Racing’s future growth, has established stronger regulation and integrity of the sport and improved its overall health. His wisdom and knowledge of racing matters is hugely valuable and he has contributed much to the next steps of both BHA and Racing generally.’

‘On my arrival in summer 2013, I was delighted that Paul agreed to stay on until early 2015, and by having planned this timing we are in a good position with simultaneous developments with the BHA Board, Shareholders, Executive team and the implementation of the industry’s growth strategy. The search for a new CEO has started and Paul’s successor will be announced in the autumn.’

‘Paul, supported by his team, will continue to work hard on some key objectives in 2014, including finalisation of the 2015 Fixture List, the current and forthcoming Government consultations on the Levy, and support to various aspects of the industry’s growth strategy.’

Bittar commented: ‘I am proud of what BHA has achieved in the past few years and it will be with some sadness that I will leave early next year.’

‘Despite its obvious challenges and complexity of structures, British Racing is a world class sport to be involved in and it has been a privilege to have held the post of Chief Executive of BHA as well as lead such a committed team. I love the quality and diversity of the racing staged in this country, I’ll never tire of it and nowhere else can rival it in that regard.’

‘There are many areas in which we have made significant progress. The opening weeks brought the challenge of resolving the dispute over the whip rules, followed by a difficult Grand National. It is encouraging and satisfying that the collaborative approach adopted by BHA with the relevant parts of the industry, and the subsequent steps taken, mean that neither topic has since generated the levels of negative coverage that can impact on the sport’s well-earned and good reputation.’

‘We’ve consciously sought, and have seen, a fundamental change for the better with regard to our relationship with the betting industry, while our strategy of engagement with Government over the funding of British Racing has also started to pay dividends.’  

‘The outlook for British Racing is significantly more positive now than it was at the close of 2011 and I firmly believe that the reputation of BHA has also improved. We have created a platform from which the sport can really grow and thrive.’