LONDON, UK: The Board of Newbury Racecourse announced the appointment of Shaun Hinds as its new Chief Executive. 

Shaun is succeeding Julian Thick, whose resignation was announced on 9 August 2023. Shaun is expected to take up the Chief Executive role, and join the Company’s board, in the summer of 2024 once he has served a notice period with his current employer.

Shaun Hinds has over 25 years of experience leading businesses in the events, hospitality and travel sectors. For the past six and a half years he has been CEO of Manchester Central Convention Centre, the UK’s largest city centre convention, exhibition and events complex.

Originally constructed as a Victorian railway terminus, it is now home to 250 events each year and generates £150 million per annum in economic value for the city of Manchester. Shaun has overseen the development of the business to include a much more diverse set of events and the addition of stand-alone hospitality venues in once derelict railway arches.

Shaun’s early career was spent in sales and product marketing predominately in the travel sector. He went on to lead and execute an active M&A strategy at a then Fortune 200 leisure, financial services and hospitality corporation listed on the NYSE. Shaun grew up in Newmarket and has been a keen follower of horse racing ever since.

Dominic Burke, Chairman of Newbury Racecourse, commented: “The Board are delighted that Shaun has agreed to become Newbury Racecourse’s Chief Executive.  His extensive experience in the events sector will undoubtedly benefit the Company as we address the challenges and opportunities ahead of us.  We look forward to Shaun joining during the summer of 2024.”