- Joins in January from role as Deputy Director of Corporate Communications and Head of External Affairs at HM Revenue and Customs
- Primary focus on development of a strategic communications plan to support the sport’s growth objectives and the BHA’s overall plans
- Robin Mounsey to continue as central point of contact for the press and primary spokesperson
海角大神 (BHA) is delighted to announce that Gavin Jefferies has been appointed to the new position of Director of Communications, following an extensive search led by Nolan Partners.
A keen horseracing fan, Gavin joins the BHA from HM Revenue and Customs where he has been Deputy Director of Corporate Communications and Head of External Affairs since March 2012. He will take up his role at the BHA in January 2016.
Gavin鈥檚 role will see an expansion of the services provided by the existing Media and Communications Department which is currently comprised of just two roles 鈥� Media Manager and Media and Communications Officer. He will focus on the development of a strategic plan to support the objectives of the sport and the BHA, as well as expanding the BHA鈥檚 digital communication activities.
He will also lead on internal communications, working closely with Nick Rust and the executive team to evolve the BHA’s capability and culture so that it succeeds in its aim to be open, transparent and in touch with the needs of the sport it serves.
The appointment marks the completion of the BHA鈥檚 Executive Team restructure which has also included the appointment of Richard Wayman as Chief Operating Officer and new roles for Ruth Quinn (Director of International Racing and Racing Development) and Will Lambe (Director of Corporate Affairs).
Nick Rust, Chief Executive of the BHA, said:
鈥淲e are delighted to have someone of Gavin鈥檚 calibre join the organisation. He will bring with him a wealth of experience in all aspects of communications that he has gained from senior roles in the private and public sector. His professional knowledge, skills and experience make him the ideal candidate to fulfil the ambitions that we have for this role.
鈥淎s we look to deliver a cross-industry Strategy for Growth for the sport it is essential that this is supported by a fully integrated communications strategy. This is what Gavin will deliver, for the benefit of the sport as a whole.
鈥淗e will also seek to enhance the BHA鈥檚 digital media strategy, which will bring benefits to the racing fan, industry and media alike, as well as taking ownership of the BHA鈥檚 internal communications.
鈥淐ontinuing his excellent work as Media Manager, Robin Mounsey will remain as the central point of contact for the press, and continue as the primary spokesperson for the organisation.
鈥淭he appointments of Gavin and Richard Wayman, along with the forthcoming signing of the Members Agreement,聽now means we will be well placed聽to deliver on our聽long-term聽strategic goals for the sport.鈥�
Gavin Jefferies said:
鈥淚鈥檓 delighted to be joining the BHA at such an important time for racing in this country. I look forward to working with our members and the industry as a whole to help deliver the exciting ambitions we all have for this fantastic sport.鈥�
Notes to Editors:
1. Gavin Jefferies has worked as at HM Revenue and Customs since March 2012.
Prior to this he held roles as Head of Strategic Communications and Head of Customer Information, having joined HM Revenue and Customs in 2007 following roles as Brand and Marketing Director, Head of Marketing and Head of Strategy and Research at Lloyds TSB Bank.
Gavin also holds an MBA from the University of Bath, a post-graduate degree in marketing together with a number of other professional qualifications covering strategic, digital, media and internal communications.
2. A photo of Gavin Jefferies can be found here:
Gavin Jefferies
