RUSSELL Ferris has been appointed CEO of Weatherbys and will continue to hold the same post at Weatherbys Ireland.

Currently the director of Weatherbys General Stud Book (Ireland and Britain), he previously headed At The Races in Ireland and before then was managing director of Limerick Racecourse.

Ferris has been with Weatherbys for three years and has made a significant contribution, particularly in the stud book arena where he has been involved in several key projects, the majority of which involved digital transformation.

Johnny Weatherby, Weatherbys chairman, said: “The appointment of Russell is well-deserved recognition of a younger member of the team who has rapidly made a real difference to our business.

“He is widely respected, gaining significant experience from his previous roles on the racecourse, in media and in the breeding world. As a horseman and thoroughbred breeder himself, Russell also has hands-on involvement.”

Ferris commented: “I am delighted to be appointed chief executive of Weatherbys and am excited about projects we are planning which will deliver real and lasting value. I am committed to developing an even closer relationship with our customers and industry stakeholders and I look forward to continuing to work with Johnny and the great team at Weatherbys.”

The CEO role has been vacant since Graham Ayres left the position a year ago.