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17 May 2023
Rob Hezel has informed the Racing Foundation Board of his intention to step down as Chief Executive after almost eight years in the role.
He will remain in post until a successor is found and the Board will now commence a rigorous recruitment process.
Hezel leaves to pursue a portfolio career but plans to stay involved with racing having recently secured a non-executive role on the newly formed Industry People Board.
Over £35 million in funding has been granted by the Racing Foundation since Hezel’s appointment in 2015 in areas of racing including people training and development, equine welfare, community engagement and environmental sustainability.
Under Hezel’s leadership, these four areas have been elevated from longer-term aspirations to what the industry now recognises as very real challenges that need to be addressed.
Hezel has also prompted racing organisations to take a more strategic approach and to have found ways to invest levels of funding into the sport that could not have been imagined when the Foundation commenced operations in 2012.
Julia Budd, Chair of the Racing Foundation, said: “Rob’s departure will be a true loss to the Racing Foundation and the Board would like to pay tribute to his contribution.
“Rob has led the Foundation to have a substantial impact on the industry during almost eight years as Chief Executive and I would personally like to thank him for his commitment to both the industry and the Foundation.
“He has truly embodied the Foundation’s purpose and has been a catalyst for change.
“Rob’s decision to announce his plans allows for an orderly process to recruit a new Chief Executive who can evolve the organisation’s strategy for the future “
Hezel said: “Having worked to develop the Foundation and its influence across the sport, I believe it is now the right time for me personally to pursue a change of career and the right time for the Foundation to benefit from a fresh approach to its leadership.
“I’m delighted to have been able to secure a non-executive role with the new Industry People Board so I will be able to remain engaged with some of the vital work the Foundation helped to instigate during my time as Chief Executive.
“In the next few months I hope to personally thank the many grantees and organisations in racing who have engaged with us over the last few years for their work which has benefited individuals, communities and the sport as a whole.
“However, I must put on record my thanks to the fantastic Chairs with whom I have worked: Sir Ian Good, Ian Barlow and Julia Budd for their support, advice and guidance.
“I would also like to thank the Foundation’s amazing Trustees who have overseen and guided our work and of course the brilliant Tansy, Rhi and Antonia without whom none of what we have achieved would have been remotely possible.”
Note to Editor
About the Racing Foundation
In 2012 the Racing Foundation was established to oversee the distribution of funds to charitable causes within the racing and thoroughbred industry following the sale of the Tote. Since inception it has awarded over £37million in grants. People, equine welfare, community engagement and environment and emerging issues are the key areas of focus in the latest strategy. The Trustees of the Racing Foundation are Julia Budd (Chair), Linda Bowles, Jim Boyle, Susannah Gill, Louise Kemble, Alice Page, Rishi Persad and Algy Smith-Maxwell. The British Horseracing Authority, the Thoroughbred Group and Racecourse Association are the three joint Members of the Racing Foundation, which is registered with the Charity Commission as a charity under the law of England and Wales (no. 1145297).
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