Horse Racing Ireland, the commercial semi-state body responsible for the overall governance, development, promotion and administration of thoroughbred racing in Ireland, has begun a recruitment campaign for the role of Chief Executive Officer.
The current CEO, Brian Kavanagh, will conclude his term at the end of his contract in September, having served at the top level of the sport for 20 years.
Kavanagh has been a leader at a global level as well as maintaining and growing the industry at a level that few might have thought possible through a period of real challenge.
On the track, last week’s stunning level of success at Cheltenham is a testament to how the industry has been built and strengthened from the ground up while racecourse developments at Leopardstown, Galway, Punchestown, Naas, Galway and many more have kept the level of facility available to racegoers at the highest level as well.
Kavanagh stepped up to the role having previously been CEO at the Curragh Racecourse. He is still only in his mid-fifties and the fact that Pat Keogh is stepping down at the Kildare track in the coming months may provide a means of maintaining Kavanagh’s presence within the sport.
He has always proven an accessible and very open leader, always willing to be interviewed as he has been on many occasions on Sport for Business.
“I would like to thank Brian Kavanagh for 20 years of incredible service and deep commitment to Horse Racing Ireland and to the industry in Ireland,” said Nicky Hartery, Chair of Horse Racing Ireland.
“Brian was the first CEO of Horse Racing Ireland when appointed in 2001, and during his time he has played a huge role in Irish racing and breeding, enabling it to become a leader on the global stage while domestically overseeing the growth of a vital rural-based industry.”
“His knowledge and expertise, at home and abroad, will no doubt ensure that Brian will continue to play a significant part in the industry, and we wish him well.”
“It has been a privilege to serve as Chief Executive of Horse Racing Ireland and to work under three different Chairmen who each promoted a strategic vision for the Irish horse racing and breeding industries,” added Kavanagh.
“It is a sector full of variety and of really talented people and I have nothing but good memories of the projects and people that I have dealt with on the way. I would like to pay particular tribute to the Board members and staff of Horse Racing Ireland, past and present, whose commitment and dedication to the improvement of the industry has been a constant during my time as Chief Executive.”
“Last week was a good week for racing, but we cannot rest on our laurels and there is much work to do between now and September. While Brexit and Covid-19 are currently providing significant challenges, there are wonderful opportunities facing the sector also. Our horses and our people are our greatest strength.”
We will carry details of the role in our weekly round-up of Jobs in Sport on Monday.
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