National horseracing group The Jockey Club has announced that experienced sports senior executive, Guy Lavender, will become the next CEO of Cheltenham Racecourse in 2025.
Guy, who is currently chief executive and secretary of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) — owner of London's world-famous cricket ground, Lord's — will take over from current managing director at Cheltenham, Ian Renton, who has been responsible for the racecourse since 2012.
A lifelong racing enthusiast, Guy brings a wealth of experience leading sports organisations, having served as London 2012 director for the South West of England and chief executive of Somerset County Cricket Club, where he enjoyed a six-year tenure, prior to taking up his current position at the MCC.
In horseracing, he has been a committee member at Exeter Racecourse, which is also owned by The Jockey Club, since 2022.
He began his working life in the British Army, serving for 18 years in the Parachute Regiment before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2006. He was also previously the managing director of Wave Hub, a £42 million renewable energy project in Cornwall.
It is anticipated that Guy will work alongside Ian Renton, who will remain involved at Cheltenham in an advisory role for a period, to ensure a smooth transition ahead of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival.
Guy 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 of The Jockey Club, commented: 'Following a very thorough recruitment process, Guy was the candidate who really stood out.
'As a racing fan with significant experience of leading other sports organisations he brings a wealth of experience and I would like to extend a warm welcome to him from everyone at Cheltenham Racecourse.'
