Racecourse Media Group appoints Ferris as managing director

Racecourse Media Group (RMG) Welcomes Russell Ferris as New Managing Director

In a strategic move aimed at enhancing media rights management and industry engagement, Racecourse Media Group has officially appointed Russell Ferris as its new managing director. Ferris, who currently serves as CEO of the esteemed horseracing organization Weatherbys, will transition into his new role on the 18th of August, as confirmed by RMG on April 2nd.

As the overarching body responsible for the media rights and representation of 61 racecourses across Britain and Ireland, RMG is positioned at the forefront of the horseracing industry’s digital evolution. Ferris’s extensive experience equips him with the necessary insights to lead RMG into a new era focused on innovation and growth.

Ferris has been steering Weatherbys since September 2019, where he has spearheaded initiatives that provide essential services to the horseracing landscape, including a significant role in breeding approval processes. His prior experience as CEO of the Weatherbys General Stud Book, the authoritative breed registry for horses in Britain and Ireland, further strengthens his credentials. His operational acumen was further honed during his tenure as operations director at Weatherbys.

Before joining Weatherbys, Ferris held prominent roles in the media sector, including as a director at At The Races, a dedicated horseracing broadcast channel in the UK and Ireland, and as managing director of Limerick Racecourse in Ireland. He also gained valuable experience as the general manager at Scarvagh House Stud, an approved National Hunt stud farm, which illustrates his deep-rooted connections within the industry.

Ferris’s Vision for Enhanced Industry Engagement

In his new role, Ferris is poised to take RMG to new heights by amplifying the appeal, reach, and engagement of horseracing among diverse audiences. “I am delighted to join a dynamic team at RMG and eager to embrace this new challenge,” Ferris stated. “RMG is pivotal to the horseracing industry, both domestically and internationally. I am invigorated by the company’s vision to enhance the sport’s overall appeal and engagement, ensuring a vibrant future for all stakeholders involved.”

Nick Mills, who took on the CEO position at RMG in November, expressed enthusiasm about Ferris’s appointment, emphasizing the distinctive value he brings. “Russell is highly regarded within the industry,” Mills remarked. “His wealth of expertise, experience, and passion will be instrumental as we aim to achieve new levels of innovation, fan engagement, and revenue growth.”

Ferris’s leadership will involve aligning RMG’s commercial and broadcast departments more closely, a crucial initiative that aims to not only elevate the organization’s operational efficiency but also to enhance the content and reach of horseracing broadcasts.

Shifts in Leadership Across the Horseracing Landscape

This appointment by RMG aligns with parallel leadership transitions within the horseracing community, underscoring a significant evolution in the industry. Just this week, the Jockey Club announced the appointment of Jim Mullen as its new group CEO. Mullen, who previously served as the chief executive of Ladbrokes-Coral, will begin his role in June, with Charlie Boss stepping down as interim CEO.

Currently, Mullen is leading Reach, a commercial news publisher, demonstrating versatility across different sectors. His past leadership at Ladbrokes-Coral, coupled with substantial experience from his time as chief operating officer and international director at William Hill, positions him to contribute effectively to the Jockey Club’s strategic objectives.

As Russell Ferris steps into his role at RMG, the horseracing industry stands poised for significant advancements in media rights management and fan engagement, heralding a new phase of growth and innovation.