British Horseracing Authority appoints Lord Allen of Kensington as new chair

By Lucy Wynne

Lord Allen of Kensington, otherwise known as Charles Allen, has been appointed as the new chair of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and will begin his tenure on 1 June, 2025.

During the months leading up to the role, he will work closely with current chair Joe Saumarez Smith, to ensure a smooth transition. Currently, Allen is the chairman and trustee of the Invictus Games Foundation and is also advisory chairman at investment bank, Moelis & Company; as well as being chairman of Balfour Beatty and chairman of THG (formerly The Hut Group).

Previously, he has worked in roles within the financial, broadcast, government, commercial and sporting industries as well as having chaired multiple times at other establishments.

From 2000 to 2003 Lord Allen was the chairman of the Manchester Commonwealth Games - for which he was knighted and awarded a CBE - and was also the board director, on the organising committee, for the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympic Games.

Outside his position of chair at sports organisations, he has also held high positions in government. From 2006 to 2008 he was Chief Advisor to the Home Office and in 2012 Labour leader, Ed Milliband, appointed Allen to the role of chairman of the management board for the Labour Party.

Lord Allen commented on his latest appointment at the BHA stating: “My love of horses stems from learning to ride as a youngster and enjoying the sport of horseracing over many years.

“My knowledge, skills and experience from various sectors, including media and entertainment and having led many regulated and sporting organisations will hopefully stand me in good stead to bring a fresh perspective to this incredible sport.”