The Jockey Club appoints Bushell as new chief executive

The Jockey Club, the operator of 15 major UK racecourses, has named former BT Sport and Sky executive Delia Bushell as its new group chief executive.

Bushell will join in early September and, following a handover period, will succeed Simon Bazalgette when he stands down in October.

She has spent over 20 years working in the media and sport sector, including three years as managing director for media and telecommunications giant BT Group’s BT Sport and BT TV subsidiaries.

Prior to this, she had a two-year spell at Sky Italia, first serving as chief strategy officer before taking on the role of chief commercial officer.

Bushell also spent over 11 years with Sky in the UK, holding a number of senior roles such as commercial director for Sky Networks and director of broadband and telephony.

She also serves as a non-executive director of the England & Wales Cricket Board and of Commonwealth Games England, and also on the advisory board of The Telegraph Media Group.

“Racing is such an important part of British national life and I’m looking forward to working with the talented team at The Jockey Club and wider industry stakeholders to drive its future success,” Bushell said.

“The years to come will be critical for the sport, as we embrace the opportunities and challenges of innovating for fans and race-goers, appealing to new and more diverse audiences, broadening revenue streams, and driving inward investment.”

Sandy Dudgeon, who was named senior steward of The Jockey Club earlier this month, added: “With Delia’s experience at the top of media, sport, technology and business management, we are delighted she will join us as our new Group Chief Executive.

“The Jockey Club has a talented team in place, so we needed to make a first-class appointment to lead the group. Over the months and years ahead under Delia’s leadership I am confident The Jockey Club will go from strength-to-strength in order to benefit our sport.”