BHA Names Katie Carr and Tom Baker to Lead Sustainability and Social Impact Efforts

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has appointed Katie Carr as Head of Environmental Sustainability and Tom Baker as Head of Social Impact. These new roles, funded by the Racing Foundation and overseen by the Industry Programme Group, aim to enhance British horseracing’s community role and address environmental challenges.

Katie Carr transitions to the BHA from the Goodwood Group, where she led the sustainability strategy across its vast estate. With a background in commercial, partnership, and community roles, as well as experience with The Jockey Club, Carr will develop an industry-wide approach to address environmental challenges. She will focus on mitigating climate risks, adapting operations to legal and public expectations, and leveraging existing expertise in managing the natural environment.

Carr emphasized her enthusiasm: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to help shape British racing’s approach to addressing and adapting to the various environmental challenges we face. Racing and breeding have a direct relationship with the natural environment, and I know how much activity is already underway in this space.”

Enhancing Social Impact

Tom Baker joins on a one-year secondment from The Jockey Club, where he developed the group’s community and social impact strategy. With a decade of experience in Olympic and Paralympic sports, Baker will collaborate with Racing Together and Racing to School to define and enhance British racing’s social and community activities. His focus will be on the moral, reputational, and commercial benefits of a socially responsible approach, aiming to attract the next generation of employees, investors, and fans.

Baker expressed his commitment: “From initiatives that open up development opportunities in our sport to underrepresented groups, to partnerships that help address loneliness in our communities, British racing and breeding already has a positive impact across the country. I’m very grateful for this opportunity to work with individuals, organisations and volunteers to agree our social impact priorities and help drive positive change at an industry level.”

Both Carr and Baker will operate within the BHA’s Strategy and Change directorate, with oversight from the Industry Programme Group. Alison Enticknap, BHA Director of Strategy and Change, welcomed their appointments, stating, “Both bring subject-specific knowledge, understanding and expertise, alongside valuable experience of working in the racing industry – essential qualities for these cross-industry coordination roles.”

The Racing Foundation funds these projects, with additional support from the Racing Post and Godolphin. The initiatives aim to bolster and accelerate progress in environmental sustainability and social impact within the industry.