The Large Independent Racecourse Group (LIRG), representing Ascot, Chester, Goodwood, Newbury and York, has appointed Susannah Gill as its new executive director.
Gill joins the LIRG from the UK Tote Group where she has served as communications and corporate affairs director since 2018, having previously spent five years as director of external affairs for Arena Racing Company. Before that she was head of public affairs at Betfair, following two years as a researcher in parliament. She graduated from Exeter University in 2006 with a degree in History.
As executive director, Gill will represent the LIRG on industry and political issues, including sitting on the key boards across British racing, such as the BHA Commercial Committee, Great British Racing and Racecourse Association Board.
Shaun Hinds, chief executive of Newbury Racecourse, on behalf of the LIRG, said, “I am delighted to welcome Susannah into this important role. To have someone of Susannah's calibre and experience representing us at such a critical time will be of tremendous benefit to us and the industry as a whole.”
He added, “It's appropriate also to recognise the work that Susannah's predecessor Alex Eade did for us and the strong foundation he established, upon which, Susannah will no doubt build.”
Gill is also a trustee of the National Horseracing College and a committee member for Racing Welfare. She was chair of the Diversity in Racing Steering Group between 2020-24 and remains a member of the Diversity in Racing Advisory Group, along with having been a two-term trustee of the Racing Foundation and committee member of Women in Racing.
She said, “I am really excited to be given the opportunity to represent the Large Independent Racecourse Group during such crucial time for British racing. Together these outstanding racecourses are focused on ensuring they can play a positive role in the key decisions which will shape a successful future for the whole sport.
“I will seek to make a constructive contribution to this important work alongside the boards, CEOs and racecourse teams of the LIRG and other stakeholders across the sport.
“I would like to share my sincere thanks to Alex Frost and the whole Tote team for being fantastic colleagues over the last 8 years, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Tote and other key partners to the sport in my new role.”
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