Greg Swift has been appointed as the British Horseracing Authority (BHA)’s Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs.
Described as an expert in strategic comms and stakeholder management, Swift joins the UK racing governing body’s executive team from the Foreign Secretary, in which he served as the government department’s Head of News and Press Secretary.
The BHA announced that Swift would lead racing’s ‘liaison with and lobbying of government and senior figures in the national media’.
“We are delighted to be able to attract someone of Greg’s calibre to this role,” said BHA Chief Executive Julie Harrington.
“The restructure of the Communications and Corporate Affairs department has the objective of enhancing the BHA’s capacity in these areas, to allow us to be more proactive and build on the work of the experienced team that is already in place.”
Further experience has seen Swift lead communications for the Department for Exiting the European Union and at Number 10 as the Prime Minister’s Official Deputy Spokesperson and Head of News.
A ‘keen horse racing fan’, Swift will be further responsible for the reform of the BHA’s Communications and Corporate Affairs department, a task due at the end of October, that has been led by Robin Mounsey as Interim Director.
On his appointment, Swift added: “British horseracing is one of the brightest jewels in the UK’s sporting crown, providing unrivalled entertainment and some of the most memorable moments in sport.”
“I am delighted to be joining the great team at the BHA to deliver on the ambitions shared by all those who are involved in the industry.”
