Roger Lewis, Group Chief Executive of the Welsh Rugby Union, has been appointed a non-executive director of Racecourse Media Group (RMG), the umbrella organisation for the 33 racecourses which hold an interest in Racing UK, Turf TV and GBI Racing.

Lewis brings to the role extensive experience from the sports and entertainment industries on both a domestic and international scale.

A former Head of BBC Radio 1, he held MD roles at EMI, Classic FM and ITV Wales before moving into rugby. As well as CEO of the WRU he sits on the Board of the European Rugby Cup. He has extensive experience promoting sports and entertainment rights, and fostering relationships with major broadcasters across Europe and the US.

Lewis led a successful restructuring of the WRU shortly after joining in 2006 and has raised the profile and business success of the WRU and Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium. He brings to racing extensive experience of government relations with the media, sports and entertainment industries.

Lewis joins Chairman Simon Ellen, CEO Richard FitzGerald, Martin Stevenson and Non Executives Simon Bazalgette (Jockey Club Racecourses), Bill Farnsworth and John Sanderson (representing smaller independent courses), and William Derby (representing larger independent courses) on the RMG Board.

Lewis said: “RMG has produced impressive results based upon strong business principles and the opportunities for future growth are considerable. I am delighted to be joining the team at RMG at such an exciting and dynamic time and I look forward to contributing to its future development.”

RMG Chairman Simon Ellen said: “From meeting Roger and reading his impressive employment history, it is clear that he has a valuable knowledge and experience of the media rights sector, the technological implications of the RMG business, and the international nature of sport. We welcome Roger and look forward to his input into the future success of RMG.”