Andrew Braithwaite has been appointed as Chief Executive from 17th October 2022.
Following the announcement earlier this year that the school’s current Chief Executive, Grant Harris, was moving on after nine years in post, a rigorous recruitment process was undertaken that has seen Braithwaite promoted from his current role as Finance Director.
Braithwaite, 41, joined the BRS in 2014 as Finance Director and in the time since has played a crucial role in the school’s rapid development. Alongside his financial skills, his leadership and vision have seen his remit stretched well beyond what is usually delivered by the incumbent of such a role. He has been fundamental to the development of both the industry’s jockey coaching programme and The Riding A Dream Academy and is co-founder of the Newmarket Pony Academy.
A lifelong racing fan, Braithwaite was a prolific point-to-point jockey in his younger years and spent time working as stable staff for Clive Brittan, Mary Reveley and William Haggas before graduating from Reading University with a degree in economics. He went on to qualify as an accountant with KPMG.
In 2017 Braithwaite completed the Horseracing Industry MBA and earlier this year, his community endeavours saw him a finalist in the prestigious Community Award category at the Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards.
Julia Budd, Chair of Trustees for the British Racing School was left in no doubt that Braithwaite was the standout candidate for the role, commenting: “The Board are delighted to appoint Andrew as our Chief Executive and we were unanimous in our decision. A broad field was considered, including those within the industry and others who came with very strong credentials in the field of education. However, the combination of Andrew’s understanding of our sport, his finance and leadership skills, the respect with which he is held at the school and his real passion for helping the trainees we develop, made him a standout candidate. I very much look forward to working with him and the whole team at the BRS as we continue to serve racing whilst improving the life chances of many young people.”
Braithwaite, clearly delighted with the promotion, was quick to praise the wider BRS team, saying: “It has been a privilege during my time at the BRS so far to work with so many talented and hardworking people who share my vision for the school and the young people we develop. I am hugely looking forward to stepping into this new role and working together to continuously improve and expand on the brilliant work already being done. In particular, I am excited to have the opportunity to strengthen our relationship with the many excellent trainers we work with across the country who provide fantastic opportunities for young people within this sport we all love so much.”
Grant Harris, outgoing Chief Executive of the British Racing School, said: “Over the last nine years, I have watched Andrew develop into a respected leader who can really deliver for the school and all those young people who come through our gates. We have achieved a huge amount together during this time and I am confident that I am leaving the BRS in safe hands.”