Nick Johnson steps into role as head of Waikato Thoroughbred Racing
Outgoing New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders Association chief executive Nick Johnson will take on the vacant Waikato Thoroughbred Racing leadership position from October 5.
Nick Johnson will depart the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders Association to take up a new role in race club administration.
Waikato Thoroughbred Racing (WTR) has appointed Johnson as chief executive to replace the long-serving Andrew “Butch” Castles, a popular industry figure who has stood aside due to ill health.
The merged WTR encompasses the Waikato Racing Club, Cambridge Jockey Club and Waipa Racing Club with Johnson at the helm as the organisation pursues an ambitious project to build a new racing and training facility on a greenfield site.
Johnson, who spent a decade in the UK before returning to New Zealand in 2023 to take on the CEO role at NZTBA, described it as an honour to succeed Castles.
“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,” Johnson said.
“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.”
WTR chair Bruce Harvey said an extensive recruitment process was undertaken before determining Johnson was the right person for the job.
“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.”
Johnson will begin his new position on October 5 while Harvey acknowledged the long contribution by Castles.
“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,” Harvey said.
“The board is excited about what lies ahead and we look forward to welcoming him to the team.”
A replacement for Johnson as NZTBA CEO has not been made.
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