BHA appoints first-ever strategy and change director

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has named its interim director of comms and corporate affairs Alison Enticknap as the director of its new strategy and change department. The new unit was devised following discussions between the BHA, the Racecourse Association and the Thoroughbred Group. The unit will develop future industry strategy for the sport including programme management and planning. The team will also be responsible for developing capability and capacity in areas such as insights and analysis and project delivery. In her role as director, Enticknap will lead the coordination of the strategy and work closely with various stakeholders throughout the industry. Enticknap originally joined the BHA in June 2018 as head of stakeholder and internal engagement before taking on her interim comms leadership role in November 2021. She will assume her new role in August. The BHA has confirmed the search for a permanent comms director is underway and announcements regarding appointments to the strategy and change department will be disclosed in due course. Speaking on her appointment, Enticknap said: “I see this role as a huge opportunity for racing to work together to address our biggest challenges and to seize important opportunities. “I look forward to working across racing, with its wealth of knowledge and expertise, and helping to secure the outcome we all want – a thriving and sustainable sport,” she added. Joe Saumarez Smith, BHA chair, said: “The creation of the new strategy and change department will be crucial for our sport’s agreed plans to develop a new industry strategy. “I am delighted that we have appointed Alison to lead this department. Her proven leadership ability and capacity to build relationships and drive change will be integral to the success of this work,” he added.