Harrington announced in June that she would be stepping down as the CEO of the BHA after a four-year tenure. Her term is set to end in late 2024, at which point Dunshea will temporarily assume the position.
Dunshea currently holds the role of chief regulatory officer at the BHA, a position he has occupied since April 2018. He joined the organization in 2015 as the head of raceday operations and also served as director of integrity and regulatory operations.
Before his time with the BHA, Dunshea spent over seven and a half years with Harness Racing Victoria in Australia, where he served as general manager of integrity services and later as chief operating officer.
As confirmed yesterday, Dunshea will take temporary control of the BHA starting January, following the conclusion of Harrington’s term on 31 December. The Authority aims to appoint a permanent replacement early next year.
### Support for New BHA Chair with Acting CEO Appointment
This transition will facilitate assistance from the new BHA chair, Lord Allen of Kensington, in the process of CEO recruitment.
When Harrington’s departure was announced in June, it was also revealed that Joe Saumarez Smith would resign from his position as chair. Recently, Lord Allen was appointed as his successor, effective from 1 June 2025. Until the end of May, Smith will remain in his role.
Lord Allen has an extensive background, having worked across the financial, commercial, government, broadcast, international companies, and sports sectors. He currently serves as the chairman and trustee of the Invictus Games Foundation.
He has also been involved in sports leadership roles, such as leading London’s bid for the 2012 Olympics and sitting as a board director on the organizing committee. Between 2000 and 2003, he was chairman of the Manchester Commonwealth Games, a service for which he was recognized with a CBE.
Beyond sports, Lord Allen served as a chief adviser to the Home Office from 2006 to 2008.
### Leadership Changes at the Gambling Commission
In addition to the BHA, other regulatory bodies in the UK have announced leadership changes. Last week, it was disclosed that Marcus Boyle would step down as chairman of the Gambling Commission after serving in the role for more than three years.