Johnson appointed Waikato Thoroughbred Racing chief executive
Waikato Thoroughbred Racing (WTR) has announced the appointment of Nick Johnson as its new chief executive after a comprehensive search.
Johnson joins WTR from the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (NZTBA), where he has served as chief executive since 2023, bringing with him broad commercial experience, strong industry relationships, and a passion for thoroughbred racing.
His appointment comes at an important time for WTR as the organisation builds on the successful merger of Waikato Racing Club, Cambridge Jockey Club and Waipa Racing Club, while progressing plans for its Greenfield development and continuing to strengthen racing and events across the Waikato region.
WTR Chair Bruce Harvey said the WTR Board was delighted to welcome Johnson to the role.
“Nick brings a great mix of industry knowledge, commercial experience and enthusiasm for thoroughbred racing, and we believe he is very well placed to lead WTR through its next chapter,” Harvey said.
“WTR has undergone plenty of change over the past few years and we are a club with an important role to play, not only within the Waikato but in the future of New Zealand racing.
“We have ambitious plans ahead of us, particularly as we continue to progress the Greenfield project, while at the same time ensuring we continue to deliver quality racing, events and facilities across our existing venues.”
Originally from Wellington, Johnson developed his passion for racing from an early age through his father and grandfather. After spending a decade in the United Kingdom, where he built his career in senior commercial and general management roles while maintaining a close interest in British and European racing, he returned to New Zealand with his family in 2023 to take up leadership of the NZTBA.
During his time with NZTBA, Johnson has represented the interests of New Zealand’s thoroughbred breeding sector and strengthened his involvement across the wider industry. He also serves on the boards of New Zealand Thoroughbred Marketing, the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame, the New Zealand Equine Education Trust and the New Zealand Equine Research Foundation.
Johnson said the opportunity to lead one of New Zealand racing’s leading regional organisations was an exciting one.
"It is an honour to be appointed chief executive of Waikato Thoroughbred Racing. WTR sits at the heart of New Zealand's thoroughbred industry, and I take on the role with a clear sense of the responsibility that comes with that, but also real ambition for what WTR can become over the coming years."
"WTR already has considerable strengths, and I have a lot of respect for what Butch and the wider team have achieved through a period of significant change. I'm looking forward to building on that work and leading WTR into its next phase.
"What excites me most is what comes next. We have an important job to keep strengthening the operation we have today, while also looking much further ahead at what WTR can become. The prospective longer-term development is an exciting part of that vision, with the potential to shape racing and training in the Waikato for the next generation and create a world-class hub that delivers a lasting benefit to the wider New Zealand industry.”
Johnson will commence the role on 5 October 2026, succeeding Andrew ‘Butch’ Castles who retired as WTR Chief Executive due to illness on 30 June 2026 after six years with the club.
Harvey said Johnson would inherit an organisation with strong foundations and significant opportunities ahead, as WTR looks to its next phase under his leadership.
“Butch helped position WTR for the future and Nick now has the opportunity to build on those foundations and bring his own ideas and leadership to the role," he said. "The Board is excited about what lies ahead and we look forward to welcoming him to the team.” - Waikato Thoroughbred Racing
