Guy Lavender has been appointed the new chief executive officer of Cheltenham Racecourse, The Jockey Club announced on Wednesday. He will begin his new role early next year, working alongside Cheltenham managing director Ian Renton.
The duo will coordinate the 2025 Cheltenham Festival, and Renton, who has served in his role since 2012, will remain involved at the racecourse in an advisory capacity at least through the event.
Lavender was previously the CEO and secretary of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) since 2017 and since 2022 has been a committee member at Exeter Racecourse.
Lavender said, “I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed as the next CEO of Cheltenham Racecourse and very much look forward to playing my part in the long-term success of the Racecourse and The Festival.
“There is an excellent platform to build upon and whilst there will be much to learn I have a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities in racing through my tenure on the Committee at Exeter Racecourse.
“Cheltenham is a great British sporting institution, and I am determined to ensure it goes from strength to strength.”
Nevin Truesdale, group chief executive, The Jockey Club, added, “We are absolutely thrilled to be able to announce Guy Lavender as the new CEO of Cheltenham Racecourse.
“Guy's deep and wide-ranging experience in sports events and administration will prove invaluable in his new role and should also ensure the continued advancement of the Home of Jump Racing and the Cheltenham Festival.
“Ian Renton has overseen a period of huge change at Cheltenham Racecourse following the 2014-15 redevelopment, which he led, and we look forward to his continued contribution as he and Guy manage a smooth leadership transition at the beginning of 2025.”
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
