British Horseracing Board appoints marketing supremo

The British Horseracing Board (BHB), the governing body of the sport, has appointed Chris John as marketing director after leaving the position vacant for more than a year.

John joins from Telewest Broadband, where he was marketing director for its business division. He has also held senior marketing roles at Scottish & Newcastle and Dunlop Slazenger.

John, who is a lifelong race-goer and equestrian competitor, will be responsible for all aspects of BHB marketing, including the promotion of racing, ownership and sponsorship. He will report to BHB chief executive Greg Nichols.

John replaces Teresa Cash, who left to become a consultant in September 2001. Her departure came just months after she oversaw the launch of Discover Racing, the &£10m programme that aimed to encourage participation in the sport by demystifying racing and betting. Race director Paul Greeves also left the organisation at the same time.

The Discover Racing campaign ends in March and one of John’s first tasks will be to create its successor. The campaign includes television, direct marketing and poster advertising. Mustoe Merriman Levy handles creative work for the campaign.

The BHB was formed in June 1993 and took over from the Jockey Club as racing’s governing body. However, the Jockey Club still holds responsibility for regulation, including disciplinary matters.