Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) has appointed Roger Casey as the new Group Chief Financial Officer, who is set to take over from Suzanne Eade.

Casey will join the organisation from Tattersalls Ireland in the coming months following what has been described as an ‘extensive recruitment campaign’ in which HRI was assisted by Mazars.

Suzanne Eade, Chief Executive Officer at HRI, commented: “I look forward to working with Roger, who brings significant financial expertise and leadership to Horse Racing Ireland, coupled with a strong understanding and appreciation for the racing and breeding industry. 

“Roger will have the full backing of a dedicated team in HRI across a diverse portfolio who I have enjoyed working directly with for over six years.”  

The new hire from Waterford is a graduate of the University of Limerick, as well as a Chartered Accountant with over 21 years’ experience including 14 years with Tattersalls Ireland in County Meath. 

Furthermore, Casey is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland, a member of the Institute of Directors in Ireland, and also brings international commercial experience to the role having worked with Marsh McClennan; KPMG in Toronto and Dublin; and Deloitte in Dublin.

On his new appointment, Casey stated: “Racing and breeding are part of the fabric of life in Ireland and I am very aware of the significant impact and footprint of this industry having spent 14 years with a great team at Tattersalls Ireland

“I am looking forward to starting this new and exciting role in Horse Racing Ireland, and working alongside CEO Suzanne Eade, the Board and the wider team at HRI.”

Last month, the group reported ‘growth, confidence and resilience’ following the COVID-19 pandemic, after suffering strict restrictions on attendee limitations.

In its 2021 year-end figures, the organisation stated although there was a ‘record number’ of fixtures and races held in 2021, viewing figures did not correspond as the public was not allowed into the venues in the first half of the year. 

However, from July to September, 500 people became the limit while racecourses operated at 50% capacity for the remainder of the year.