Jockey Club Hire From English Premier League

Jockey Club Racecourses has today announced two senior hires from Premier League football clubs.

Phil Hardman (pictured), from Everton FC, will join in the new role of Regional Head of Partnerships for the North West on 6^th October and Claire Fitzsimmons, from Manchester United FC, will join as Regional Head of Sales for the North West on 20^th October.

Phil Hardman has been based at Goodison Park for more than four years as the club’s Head of Partnerships.

As Regional Head of Partnerships for Jockey Club Racecourses in the North West, he will be responsible for developing and securing new commercial partnerships for Aintree, Carlisle and Haydock park racecourses, while managing existing relationships.

Claire Fitsimmons has been at Manchester United for more than four years where she was responsible for Matchday and Non-Matchday Hospitality sales.

As Regional Head of Sales for Jockey Club Racecourses in the North West, she will be responsible for driving admissions and hospitality sales at Aintree, Carlisle and Haydock Park for more than 60 racing fixtures a year and generating conference and events business across the regional venue portfolio.

John Baker, North West Regional Director for Jockey Club Racecourses, said: “I’m delighted to welcome both Claire and Phil to The Jockey Club.

“Claire has sold the experience of Old Trafford and Murrayfield as iconic venues and ensured the success of important events such as Manchester United’s Player of the Year Awards and the United for UNICEF Gala Dinner, which made her a standout candidate for this hotly-contested role.

“She has a fantastic manner and infectious passion for helping to grow racing as well as increasing our non-racing revenues, and I very much look forward to her joining the team.

“Phil brings really strong and relevant experience from working at two top Premier League clubs and a leading agency. Through the recruitment process he proved himself as a starter-finisher and we’re excited about the creative approach he will bring to his role that will benefit our group but, as we reinvest all profits, also our sport as a whole.”

Phil Hardman said: “I’m delighted to be joining Jockey Club Racecourses and look forward to working with the North West team and the wider group.

“Helping The Jockey Club to grow commercially and playing a part in the future development of British racing is a massive honour and the key reason for me joining.”

Claire Fitzsimmons said: “I’m very pleased to take on the role of North West Regional Head of Sales and excited about working with John Baker and the team to further develop the raceday and non-raceday business for the region.

“I have a huge passion for sport, having spent the last five years at Manchester United and 12 years in the sports industry, I am looking to progress my career in racing with The Jockey Club.”