Jim Mullen, the most recent Chief Executive of Reach plc, will take the reins as Group Chief Executive of The Jockey Club, beginning June 1, 2025.
His appointment follows Charlie Boss’s interim leadership and marks a new chapter for British horseracing’s largest commercial operator.
Mullen brings a unique mix of media, digital, and gambling industry experience to the role.
During his time at media giant Reach plc, he oversaw over a whopping 120 titles, including major publications like the Mirror and Daily Express.
Prior to that, he actually held top roles at Ladbrokes Coral, William Hill, and News International, and currently sits as a non-executive Board member at Racecourse Media Group.
Since he is a huge racing fan and even racehorse owner, Mullen described the opportunity to join The Jockey Club as a “dream role.”
“I could not be more proud to join The Jockey Club’s passionate and dedicated team through what I hope will be an exciting new chapter,” he said. “Racing and publishing both demand a focus on customer experience and operational excellence. I’m excited to bring those principles into this new role.”
Mullen takes the place of Nevin Truesdale, who stepped down at the end of 2024 after 11 years with the organisation.
Boss, who stepped in as interim CEO, will remain through July, passed the introduction of Mullen to support the leadership transition.
Baroness Dido Harding, Senior Steward of The Jockey Club, called Mullen “a leader of real calibre” with deep knowledge of both the business and sporting sides of the racing industry.
“Jim’s experience in driving growth in the media and gambling industries, combined with his passion for the sport, makes him the right person to lead The Jockey Club into its next era,” she said.
Boss, who has overseen major festivals like Cheltenham and Aintree in recent months, furthered Harding’s comments, suggesting he is confident Mullen is “the right person to hand the baton over to this summer.”
Mullen’s arrival comes at a big moment for British racing, with increasing pressure to modernise the sport, grow the sport’s fanbase, and compete with emerging forms of entertainment.
