Ian McMahon has been appointed the new Professional Jockeys Association Chief Executive. His term will begin on Apr. 11, 2022. McMahon is new to the administration of racing, but has worked in the sports industry in the UK, USA and Hong Kong. Formerly a professional footballer with Oldham Athletic and Rochdale until injury curtailed his career at 21, McMahon, 57, then worked at Hull City. He later was the Chief Executive of Doncaster Rovers. In the US, he was invited to become Commissioner of the Women's Soccer League. During his time in Hong Kong, he was CEO of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union and the world-famous Hong Kong Sevens. For the past five years, McMahon has called the UK golf industry home and has managed the John Lewis Partnership Golf operations. Dale Gibson, who has been acting as the interim Chief Executive of the PJA, will return to his previous position and will support McMahon in his new role.
Chair of the PJA Jon Holmes, said “There was strong interest in the position from inside and outside the industry, and Ian was interviewed by several members of the board, who came to the unanimous decision that he had the experience and skill set to take the association forward at this important stage. He will work alongside Dale, who has been a tower of strength in his role as interim CEO.”
Flat Jockey President, PJ Macdonald, said, “I was impressed by Ian's passion and enthusiasm, when I spoke to him and would like to extend a warm welcome to him.”
Jumps President David Bass, also welcomed the appointment and hopes that Ian will “build on the good work of Paul Struthers and Dale Gibson and continue recent progress with riding fees and facilities made by the association.”
McMahon said, “I am very excited to have been given this opportunity to work at the association, and very much look forward to the challenge.”
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