Johnson to head Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association

The New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders Association has announced that Nick Johnson will take up the position of Chief Executive Officer in early October.

Johnson, an ex-pat New Zealander, has extensive experience in the commercial world of sales and marketing and a huge passion for the thoroughbred industry. He has been based in the United Kingdom for the past 10 years, but now has a desire to return to New Zealand with his young family.

“We had a lot of interest in the CEO role and some great candidates but feel Nick with his passion and enthusiasm for the industry will fill the role admirably,” NZTBA President John Thompson said.

“It’s an ideal time to be introducing a new CEO to the association with so many positive changes moving forward, and we are confident Nick’s fresh perspective will be an asset.

“During her tenure our previous CEO Justine Sclater lifted the profile of the association and left it on sound footing, and we are looking forward to how Nick can extend that growth.”

Johnson is excited about returning home to New Zealand and sees it as a tremendous honour to have been chosen for the role.

“The opportunity to advocate for and represent the wider New Zealand Breeding Industry on a variety of different issues carries with it a big responsibility, but it is something I am really looking forward to,” he said.

“We can be incredibly proud of the success of the New Zealand bred product both domestically and on the international stage, as well as the significant contribution the wider industry gives to the New Zealand economy, however it runs deeper than that. It is the many participants involved, who put their heart and soul into ensuring that New Zealand continues to set a gold standard when it comes to producing the thoroughbred, that I will relish working on behalf of.

“The association has achieved so many great things under the leadership of Justine Sclater and before that, and I very much intend to continue that work. I will also get out and speak to as many people as I can and look to use our strong base to bring in fresh ideas and initiatives.

“Recent developments in the industry mean it is an incredibly exciting time to be involved, and I can’t wait to be a part of something I have been so passionate about for all my life. I hope to bring my commercial experience away from the industry and couple that with my passion for the thoroughbred to make a difference."