Jockey Club appoints Nevin Truesdale as new CEO

Truesdale has served as acting chief executive since late August, after previous CEO Delia Bushell  was forced to step down from the role. 

In the role on an interim basis he oversaw a major internal reorganisation, as part of the Jockey Club’s implementation of a new strategy in response to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. 

His tenure to date has also covered the resumption of racing behind closed doors, and the return of up to 2,000 spectators in Tier 2 locations across England. 

“The board is delighted to appoint Nevin as our group chief executive,” Jockey Club senior steward Sandy Dudgeon said. “He has demonstrated excellent leadership of the whole business over the last few months and first-class performance as a senior executive over several years. 

“He and his senior team have now completed a significant reorganisation programme designed to set The Jockey Club onto a firm footing for innovation, growth and sustainability for the future, and I wish him every success in the role.”

Truesdale has worked for the Jockey Club for the past seven years, joining as group finance director from energy services giant Centrica, where he served in the same role for British Gas’ £9bn residential energy division. 

He previously worked at motoring association the AA, and accountancy firm Ernst & Young. 

A racehorse owner, he also serves on the board of Jockey Club Racecourses, The National Stud, Jockey Club Catering, The Racecourse Association and Racecourse Media Group.

“The Jockey Club is full of talented and hardworking women and men who are passionate about the future of British racing, whether they have come into the industry from a whole range of different sectors or had a career within the sport to date,” Truesdale commented. “I’d like to pay tribute to how our teams have handled the challenges of the pandemic and its impacts so far and I’m confident we will navigate this crisis and on to a very exciting future.

“Over the past few months I’ve enjoyed strengthening working relationships and making significant progress for the industry with our diverse range of stakeholders and commercial partners,” he added. “Collaboration and strong relationships are so important to delivering success, as is listening to your customers, providing fantastic experiences for all and constantly embracing change and innovation. 

“We’ll be working hard to continue our success in these areas in the years to come.”