THE Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, has appointed Nicky Hartery as chair of Horse Racing Ireland.

Minister Creed said; “I am delighted to appoint Mr. Hartery to the post of Chair of Horse Racing Ireland and I am confident that he will provide innovative strategic leadership and direction to the horse racing sector”. Mr Hartery was appointed following a competitive process conducted by PAS.

The Minister added "the next five years will see major challenges for Ireland, particularly in the context of Brexit, and Horse Racing Ireland will benefit from continuity in strong leadership. I wish Mr Hartery every success in this leadership role in promoting a sustainable horse racing industry, one that will expand employment and create the maximum contribution to the Irish economy.”

Minister Creed went on to pay tribute to the outgoing chairmanr, Joe Keeling. “I wish to place on the record my deep appreciation of Joe Keelings commitment in chairing Horse Racing Ireland over the last five years.

"His business experience, effective chairing of the Board and work with the organisation has delivered tangible results. Joe has done an outstanding job at the helm of HRI and he has been steadfast in his commitment to the HRI mission of “developing and promoting Ireland as a world centre of excellence for horseracing and breeding”, throughout his tenure. I wish him every success in all his future endeavours”.

Hartery has a lifelong interest in horses and is the owner of a stud farm in Co Limerick where he breeds mainly thoroughbreds for flat racing, selling foals, yearlings and broodmares at sales such as Goffs, Tattersalls and Arqana, France.

In addition, he has horses in training in Ireland, the UK and France.

Hartery is the current chairman of Cement Roadstone Ireland (CRH) having been appointed in 2012 following a period as director (2004 – 2012). He is also the chairman of the Musgrave Group, an Irish food wholesaler (2009 to present).

He is also the current President and CEO of PRODIUM, a consultancy and business advisory firm (2009 to present). In the past he has held senior management positions with a number of international companies including Dell Computers, Eastman Kodak, EMEA, Verbatim Corporation and General Electric.

MORE ON THIS STORY IN THE IRISH FIELD THIS WEEKEND