MARTIN BROUGHTON ELECTED AS NEXT CHAIRMAN OF BHB

24 Mar 2004 Pre-2014 Releases

Martin Broughton has been unanimously elected by the British Horseracing Board as its next Chairman, a position which he will take up on 1st July.

Broughton, 56, appointed for a three-year term, said today:

“I am honoured and excited to have been given the opportunity to lead Racing, a sport which I have loved for nearly all of my life. In a period of unprecedented change, the last few years have seen Racing make tremendous progress in many areas under Peter Savill’s leadership and it is essential that the sport continues to flourish.

“As Racing develops new structures and practices to encourage ever greater commercial opportunities, the role of the governing authority remains of critical importance. I have been very much encouraged that all sectors of Racing have reaffirmed their commitment to and belief in a strong, central body which exists to promote the interests of the sport as a whole.

“I see it as my role to ensure a focused and co-ordinated approach by Racing to the important issues which it will face over the coming months and years.”

Outgoing Chairman Peter Savill, who steps down on 30th June from a position he has held since 1998, commented: “I am delighted that Martin has been chosen by the Board. He has a first-class commercial background and has impressed everyone with his impartial and incisive contribution to the Board as an Independent Director since 1999. I am in no doubt that he is the right man to lead Racing and BHB in the future.”

A factfile on Martin Broughton is attached.

Martin Broughton factfile

Name: Martin Faulkner Broughton
Date of birth: 15th April 1947
Married: 1974 to Jocelyn; one son, one daughter
Educated: Westminster City Grammar School
Qualified as chartered accountant 1969

Career

British American Tobacco Company:
Joined in 1971; Finance Director 1988; Group Chief Executive and Deputy Chairman 1993; Chairman and Chief Executive since 1998; retiring 30th June 2004

Other Former Directorships:
Chairman, Wiggins Teape Group 1989-90
Chairman, Eagle Star 1992-93
Non-executive Director, Whitbread 1993-2000
Chairman, CBI Companies Committee 1995-99
Member, Takeover Panel 1996-99

Current Directorships:
Non-executive Director, British Airways since 2000; to become Non-executive Chairman from 20th July 2004
Member, Financial Reporting Council since 1998
Independent Director, British Horseracing Board since December 1999; to be Chairman from 1st July 2004

Racing Interests

Four horses in training with Henrietta Knight (including Alvino and Zaffamore) and one each with Nicky Henderson and Richard Phillips

First ownership interest 1991

Interested in racing since boyhood

Other Interests

Theatre, golf, football (Chelsea supporter since boyhood)