Nigel Smith has announced that he is to leave his position as BHB鈥檚 Managing Director Commercial after an appropriate transition period. Explaining his decision, he said:
鈥淲hen I joined BHB in January 2002, the principal objective was to protect and exploit the value of BHB鈥檚 database. I was proud that, in April that year, a data deal was signed with bookmakers worth around 拢100m annually to the sport.
鈥淚t was anticipated that all the key commercial objectives would be achieved prior to the establishment of British Horseracing Enterprises (BHE). I therefore intimated to BHB in the summer of last year that, once BHE had been established – in what would largely be confined to a compliance and collection role – I would be looking for fresh challenges.
鈥淭his was on course until the ECJ Judgement in November made life somewhat more complex and so I have agreed to stay on for a period of time to help BHB through a transitionary period.鈥�
BHB Chief Executive Greg Nichols said today: 鈥淣igel has made an outstanding contribution to raising the sport鈥檚 income through the exploitation of data. He joined BHB in the midst of the development of its commercial policy, and within three months had played a pivotal role in securing Racing鈥檚 most valuable-ever funding deal.
鈥淣igel first suggested in the middle of last year that he would be seeking to move on when BHE was established in 2005 and I fully understood his desire to do so. I am pleased that we will continue to have the benefit of his knowledge and experience for a period of time as we focus on the Court of Appeal hearing and ensuring the protection of BHB鈥檚 database.鈥�
