Horse Racing Ireland has announced two key senior hires, with the appointment of Connie Costello as Group Chief Financial Officer and Peter Roe taking up the new role as Head of Racing – HRI Racecourses.
Costello has a strong financial background and extensive experience in the private and public sector, joining HRI from the Central Bank of Ireland and having previously held senior positions in First Active PLC, Ulster Bank, An Post and the Department of Public Expenditure.
A racing fan, she has a proven record in strategic financial leadership, developing effective financial strategies, implementing operational efficiency across regulated environments, and leading transformation programmes.
“With a wealth of commercial experience and expertise, Connie is a significant addition to the team at HRI,” said Suzanne Eade, CEO of Horse Racing Ireland.
“Her career to date has included high-level roles in both the private and public sector, and this, combined with an appreciation and understanding of racing and thoroughbred breeding, gives her the platform to make a telling contribution to our industry.”
Reporting to Paul Dermody, CEO of HRI Racecourses, Peter Roe will be stepping down from his role at Fairyhouse Racecourse to take up the new role of Head of Racing – HRI Racecourses.
Among his key duties, Roe will lead, manage, and coordinate all racing and track operations across the four HRI racecourses, Leopardstown, Fairyhouse, Navan, and Tipperary, in conjunction with each of the respective track foremen.
He recently marked 25 years with HRI, initially assuming the racecourse manager role at Tipperary in December 1999. Peter has been General Manager of Fairyhouse Racecourse since 2010.
“We are proud that Peter has built a strong reputation with all our key industry stakeholders in his roles at Tipperary and Fairyhouse,” said Paul Dermody.
“Fairyhouse has seen strong growth under Peter’s guidance, and the BoyleSports Easter Festival has evolved over his tenure to maintain its iconic status in the Irish sporting calendar.”
“Peter will ensure consistency, quality, and innovation across the four racecourses while maintaining a strong focus on individual track development, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement.”
“He will be responsible with the track management for ensuring optimum ground conditions for each fixture, race planning, and attracting overseas runners and industry stakeholder engagement on behalf of HRI Racecourses.”
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SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
Bringing the right people on board is a core element of maintaining success, and both of these appointments fit the bill to a tee.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
We anticipate key position notifications on our Jobs in Sport page from HRI in the coming days.
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