Paul Humphries appointed NZTR Chair

The New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) Board has appointed Paul Humphries as Chairman from 1 August until the Annual General Meeting in November, succeeding Russell Warwick, who steps down from the role at the end of July.

Humphries has extensive racing, governance and commercial experience. Raised in a racing family, he has been involved in the industry as an owner, breeder, sponsor and administrator, and has previously served as Chair of RACE Incorporated, President of the Manawatu Racing Club and Chair of the Members' Council.

NZTR Chief Executive Matt Ballesty said Humphries' racing knowledge and commercial background would be valuable as NZTR continued its programme of reform and investment.

Humphries said his immediate focus would be working with the Board, management and industry stakeholders to continue the momentum of Project Stamina and other key initiatives.

Outside racing, Humphries is the founder and Managing Director of Humphries Construction.

Ballesty also thanked outgoing Chair Russell Warwick for his leadership during a significant period of change, noting he will remain an NZTR director until the Annual General Meeting in November.

Under NZTR's constitution, the Board elected following the AGM will appoint the Chair for the following year.