Stephen Atkin steps down as Chief Executive

Stephen Atkin steps down as Chief Executive after distinguished 18 year career

The Racecourse Association (RCA) announces that after 18 years at the helm, Stephen Atkin has decided to step down from his role as Chief Executive at the end of September.

Stephen has achieved a great deal during his time at the RCA. He has made a significant contribution to the creation of a number of our critical institutions such as the BHA, Great British Racing and the Racing Authority.

He has negotiated, on behalf of the racecourses, many important agreements such as the Members’ Agreement, prize money agreements and levy settlements. Stephen has worked with the government and with colleagues in racing on responses to gambling and bookmaking issues.

Stephen has worked closely with RaceTech to ensure its continued success, most recently in restoring their position as the national provider of technical services to racecourses.  Last but not least, he has successfully managed the team at the RCA to provide vital and useful services to racecourses, responding to their collective needs, and producing many alumni who now work at racecourses and elsewhere in the Sport.

Maggie Carver, Chairman of the RCA said: “Stephen’s service to the racing industry has been exceptional.  He has never wavered from his determination to act in the best interests of the racecourses and the industry and he has always cared deeply about representing the different interests of racecourses, large and small, to achieve the best and fairest outcome.  We would like to thank him for his years of dedicated service and wish him well in the future.”

Stephen Atkin said: ‘It has been the greatest privilege of my entire career to have served the RCA and British racecourses for the past 18 years. I have been fortunate to have worked with 5 outstanding Chairs and with some 30 highly regarded colleagues on the RCA Board over this time. I have been very lucky to have been part of a fantastic and talented RCA team and to have had the support and camaraderie of the RCA staff, past and present, and to have worked with so many gifted and dedicated people throughout and connected to our wonderful sport. I wish all of them the very best for the future.’