NTF chief Paul Johnson appointed to BHA board as it works towards independence

Paul Johnson, chief executive of the National Trainers Federation, has been appointed to the BHA board following the conclusion of John Ferguson’s three-year term.

Johnson has been nominated to represent licensed personnel, owners and breeders on the BHA board alongside Charlie Parker, president of the Racehorse Owners Association.

The BHA board, which is the ultimate decision-maker in British racing, is in the process of being reformed after new chair Lord Charles Allen negotiated changes to make it independent of racecourses and the sport's participants. 

In July, Brant Dunshea, acting BHA chief executive, said the plan was to have an independent board in place “by the end of the year”, with Johnson acknowledging that this transition was taking place.

He said: “I'm pleased to be able to join the BHA board as a member-nominated director and consider it a great privilege to contribute to the ongoing development of the sport and its governance as we work towards the formation of a fully independent board.

“My thanks to the previous holder of this seat on the BHA board, John Ferguson, who has contributed a great deal during his three-year term.”

As well as two directors representing racing professionals, two racecourse representatives – David Armstrong and Wilf Walsh – also sit on the ten-member BHA board.

David Jones, a senior independent director on the board who had overseen its running as interim chair following the death of Joe Saumarez Smith in February and the delayed start to Lord Allen’s tenure, welcomed Johnson’s appointment.

“Paul will be a valuable addition to the BHA board during the period of transition as we work towards the agreed approach to establish independent directors,” said Jones. 

“This is an important step for the sport, and Paul’s background and knowledge of the industry will support our efforts to secure a sustainable future for British racing, our people and horses.

“I’d also like to thank John for his significant contribution to the work of the board over the past three years. We have benefited considerably from his industry expertise and he has brought invaluable insight and perspective from his career in training and bloodstock.”

Read more: 

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Lord Allen finally joins the BHA at a critical time for racing - but this 'born survivor' faces a 'hero's task' 

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