Eade Named CEO of Britain's Racecourse Association

The Racecourse Association, in Great Britain, confirms that Alex Eade will become its new CEO. In addition, Sir Philip Davies will join the RCA Board as a non-executive director. Founded in 1907, the Racecourse Association serves the interests of its 58 member racecourses by providing leadership and representation across a multitude of areas to empower tracks to be the best venues they can be and a frontrunner in the governance of the sport. Both Eade and Davies are expected to take up their new roles in the first quarter of the new year. Eade will enter his new role following a comprehensive recruitment process that yielded a strong pool of candidates. He will succeed David Armstrong as CEO. Eade is the current vice chair of the RCA and secretary general of the Large Independent Racecourse Group. Prior to this, he held senior leadership positions at Goodwood Racecourse, Lloyd Webber Theatres, and Betfair, plus two spells with the Royal Engineers, rising to the rank of Major. The RCA Nominations Committee believes Eade's deep knowledge of the British horse racing and gambling sectors make him an outstanding choice. They believe he is well-positioned to lead the RCA and its members through the current challenges facing the sector in collaboration with other stakeholders in the sport. As part of the same recruitment process, Davies was appointed non-executive director of the RCA and will provide counsel to the RCA Board and RCA executive. His career includes 19 years as a Member of Parliament for Shipley, during which time he undertook Parliamentary leadership roles including joint Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Betting and Gaming, Chair of the APPG for Customer Service, vice chair of the APPG for Racing and Bloodstock, and a member of the Women and Equalities Select Committee, Davies' extensive expertise in horse racing, greyhound racing, and gambling mean he is well-placed to offer guidance and support to the RCA following roles as chair of the Great British Greyhound Board and Star Sports plus a period on the Racehorse Owners Association Board. In the period between David Armstrong's departure and Alex Eade joining, the RCA's Senior Leadership Team will undertake the necessary responsibilities with additional support from chair Wilf Walsh.