Home Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed Roger Devlin as chair of the Horserace Betting Levy Board, with his term beginning on 1 July and running until 30 June 2029, subject to possible renewal. Devlin is expected to lead discussions with betting operators and government on a new UK betting levy agreement.
The appointment puts Devlin in charge of levy-board discussions affecting the UK betting and horseracing sectors.
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Racecourse Media Group has appointed Nigel Railton as chair, reportedly, with him due to take up the role on 1 October. He will succeed Conor Grant, who is to remain for a handover until 1 November after serving as chair since April 2023.
The British Horseracing Authority appointed Simon Cox as its independent non-executive chair, with his term beginning on 1 October. The initial term is three years; Cox said he would meet people across racing, breeding and betting before taking up the role.
The Betting and Gaming Council appointed Gamesys managing director Kane Purdy as chair with immediate effect, following Michael Dugher’s departure in January. The BGC said Purdy’s term will last 12 months as it moves to a rotating non-executive chair model involving representatives from member companies.
The Betting and Gaming Council appointed Kane Purdy as its non-executive chair with immediate effect, succeeding Michael Dugher. Purdy is managing director of Gamesys Operations; the BGC said he would lead the trade body as the sector adjusts to the tax regime introduced in April 2026 and faces calls for changes to advertising and local licensing rules.
The British Horseracing Authority has appointed Brant Dunshea as chief executive and David Jones as interim chair, the BHA said. Dunshea had served as acting CEO since December 2024; Jones took the chair after Lord Charles Allen resigned. The BHA plans to recruit a permanent chair.