Racing Enterprises Limited (REL) the joint commercial business owned by Britain’s racecourses and the Horsemen’s Group, and whose operational arm is Great British Racing has appointed Tony Langham as its new non-executive chairman on a three-year term.

He will commence his role on February 1, 2016, replacing Chris McFadden, who steps down later that month, following seven and a half years in the role.

Tony Langham is the co-founder and chief executive of Lansons, a highly regarded reputation management and PR firm whose work is largely split between building reputations for organisations growing rapidly in the market and protecting reputations of those facing challenge. He has worked with many major brands and advised many leading financial organisations. He is a long-time follower of horseracing, as both a racegoer and punter and celebrated his marriage at the races at Newmarket in 1993.

REL director and CEO of the Jockey Club, Simon Bazalgette says, “REL has proved to be a successful commercial venture between the Horsemen’s Group and racecourses – attracting major investment in racing through British Champions Series, setting-up Great British Racing and leading a number of the Industry strategy pillars. Tony joins us at an exciting time for the sport and his knowledge and experience of public relations and marketing to consumers will be a considerable asset to REL and the sport as a whole."

He says, “I would also like to pay tribute to Chris McFadden following his long and successful tenure as REL chairman and, having presided over the creation of Great British Racing and British Champions Series, he hands over a business in very good shape.”

Philip Freedman, chairman of the Horsemen’s Group, who led the recruitment alongside the RCA’s chairman, Maggie Carver says, “REL, through Great British Racing, has set some bold targets to promote the thrill of racehorse ownership and attract new racegoers, as part of the industry strategy. We feel that Tony’s commercial acumen, his understanding of communications and how to reach new customers is exactly what we need to grow the sport.”

Tony Langham says, “A day at the races is one of the highlights of British sport and racing has a fantastic future. I look forward to working across the industry, and with Rod Street and his team at REL, to ensure the sport continues to develop its strategy and build on the successes of the last few years.”

In addition to the chairmanship of REL, Tony Langham will be appointed as non-executive chairman of British Champions Series Limited, in which REL has a 15% shareholding.