The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has recently announced the appointment of two key figures to advance its long-term strategy: Katie Carr as Head of Environmental Sustainability and Tom Baker as Head of Social Impact. These roles, supported by the Racing Foundation and overseen by the Industry Programme Group, are set to play a pivotal role in addressing pressing environmental and social challenges within the sport.
Strengthening Environmental Stewardship
Katie Carr, formerly of the Goodwood Group, steps into the role of Head of Environmental Sustainability with a mission to lead British racing into a more sustainable future. Her appointment underscores the sport’s commitment to tackling environmental challenges head-on.
Carr’s responsibilities will revolve around crafting an industry-wide strategy to mitigate the impacts of climate change on racing and breeding operations. This involves developing practical measures to reduce the sport’s carbon footprint and adapt operations in line with evolving legal standards and public expectations. With her background in managing natural environments, Carr is well-positioned to leverage existing expertise to implement effective sustainability practices across the industry.
Enhancing Social Impact and Community Engagement
In another strategic move, Tom Baker has been appointed as the Head of Social Impact, transitioning from his role at The Jockey Club. This role is designed to amplify British racing’s positive influence on local communities and society at large.
Baker’s focus will be on defining and achieving collective social goals for the sport. This includes collaborating with established organizations such as Racing Together and Racing to School, aiming to maximize the sport’s impact on social issues and community welfare. His work will be instrumental in shaping how British racing engages with and supports its local communities, fostering stronger connections and promoting social responsibility.
Strategic Support and Oversight
The appointments of Carr and Baker are made possible by the support from the Racing Foundation and the oversight of the Industry Programme Group. This backing highlights the significance of these roles in the broader context of the sport’s strategy. The Racing Foundation’s involvement ensures that there is a structured approach to advancing both environmental sustainability and social impact within the industry.
Insights from BHA Leadership
Alison Enticknap, BHA Director of Strategy and Change, expressed her enthusiasm for the new appointments: “I’m very pleased to welcome Katie and Tom to their new positions. Both bring subject-specific knowledge, understanding, and expertise, alongside valuable experience of working in the racing industry—essential qualities for these cross-industry coordination roles.”
Enticknap emphasized the importance of environmental sustainability and social impact as priority areas for British racing. She highlighted that numerous individuals, organizations, and charities are already making significant strides in these areas. With the support of the Racing Foundation, the BHA aims to enhance and accelerate progress at the industry level.
The Future of British Horseracing
The strategic appointments of Katie Carr and Tom Baker mark a significant step forward for British horseracing. These roles are set to address some of the most critical issues facing the sport today, including environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
As the industry grapples with the realities of climate change, Carr’s expertise will be crucial in guiding British racing towards more sustainable practices. Her efforts will help the sport navigate environmental challenges while meeting regulatory and public expectations.
Baker’s role in enhancing social impact will strengthen the sport’s ties to local communities and amplify its positive contributions to society. By working closely with key organizations, Baker will play a vital role in shaping how British racing engages with and supports community initiatives.
These appointments reflect a proactive approach by the British Horseracing Authority to address contemporary challenges and align with evolving public expectations. As Katie Carr and Tom Baker step into their new roles, their leadership will be instrumental in guiding British horseracing towards a more sustainable and socially responsible future.