Simon Bazalgette, English businessman

Simon Bazalgette, born on March 28, 1962, in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, stands as a distinguished business leader, advisor, and investor whose career has profoundly shaped the sports, leisure, media, and entertainment industries. His journey from an early education in Twickenham and Richmond upon Thames to graduating from Warwick University in 1983 with a degree in mathematics, laid the groundwork for a truly dynamic professional life.

A Legacy of Innovation and Influence

Simon's deep connection to a significant historical legacy is noteworthy: he is the great-great-grandson of none other than Sir Joseph Bazalgette. Sir Joseph, a colossal figure in London's history, served as its chief engineer and was instrumental in designing and constructing much of the city's modern infrastructure. He led the creation of London's vast sewer network, a monumental achievement that dramatically reduced cholera epidemics and saved countless lives. Furthermore, he oversaw the construction of several iconic bridges and embankments along the River Thames that Londoners still use and admire today. This ancestral link hints at a family tradition of vision, engineering, and impactful leadership.

From KPMG to Digital Broadcasting Pioneer

Bazalgette's professional career commenced with a decade-long tenure at KPMG, where he honed his skills as a chartered accountant and management consultant. Here, he began specializing in the media and entertainment sectors, foreshadowing his future impact. His entrepreneurial spirit truly blossomed between 1993 and 2003 when he became one of the founding directors of Music Choice Europe, a pioneering digital broadcast network. Rising to chief executive in 1999, he steered the company through a period of explosive growth, expanding its reach to over 14 million subscribers across Europe. This success culminated in Music Choice Europe's flotation on the London Stock Exchange in 2000, marking a significant achievement in the burgeoning digital media landscape.

Steering the World of Sports Media and Horse Racing

Following his success in digital broadcasting, Bazalgette transitioned to the heart of sports media. From 2004 to 2008, he served as the founding executive chairman of Racing UK, a key media rights management company and satellite television channel dedicated to horse racing. This role further solidified his expertise at the intersection of media and sport.

His influence in the equestrian world reached its zenith as chief executive of The Jockey Club, a position he held until the end of 2019. Under his leadership, The Jockey Club, governed by Royal Charter and boasting a turnover exceeding £200 million, remained the largest commercial group in British horse racing. This prestigious organization owns and operates 15 iconic UK racecourses, including internationally renowned venues like Cheltenham, Aintree (home of the Grand National), Epsom (Derby Day), and Newmarket, alongside other vital assets such as The National Stud. His tenure was marked by strategic leadership, ensuring the continued prosperity and cultural relevance of one of Britain's most cherished sports.

Beyond horse racing, Simon also played a crucial role as senior independent director of the London 2017 World Championships in Athletics, demonstrating his broad engagement with major sporting events.

Current Ventures and Continued Influence

Even after his impactful role at The Jockey Club, Simon Bazalgette remains an active and influential figure. In 2020, he founded Global Venue Services (GVS), an advisory, investment, and business services firm that continues to operate within his core sectors of sports, leisure, media, and entertainment. His expertise is also sought in non-executive roles; he serves as an independent non-executive director of the English Football League and is a dedicated member of the Sports Board for the major charity, NSPCC. These roles underscore his ongoing commitment to shaping the industries he knows so well and contributing to wider societal benefit.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Simon is a keen supporter of Brentford FC, reflecting a personal passion for sport that mirrors his professional life.

Frequently Asked Questions about Simon Bazalgette

Who is Simon Bazalgette?
Simon Bazalgette is a prominent British business leader, advisor, and investor with extensive experience in the sports, leisure, media, and entertainment industries. He is known for his leadership roles at The Jockey Club, Music Choice Europe, and Racing UK, and is the founder of Global Venue Services.
What is Simon Bazalgette famous for?
He is primarily famous for his impactful leadership as chief executive of The Jockey Club, the largest commercial group in British horse racing, and for his pioneering work as a founding director and CEO of Music Choice Europe, a digital broadcast network. He is also recognized for his family connection to Sir Joseph Bazalgette.
What is Global Venue Services (GVS)?
Founded by Bazalgette in 2020, GVS is an advisory, investment, and business services firm operating within the sports, leisure, media, and entertainment sectors, leveraging his vast experience to guide and invest in new ventures.
What was his role at The Jockey Club?
Simon Bazalgette served as the chief executive of The Jockey Club until the end of 2019. In this role, he oversaw the operation of 15 major UK racecourses, including Cheltenham and Aintree, and managed the organization's significant commercial interests in British horse racing.
Is he related to Sir Joseph Bazalgette?
Yes, Simon Bazalgette is the great-great-grandson of Sir Joseph Bazalgette, the renowned Victorian civil engineer responsible for much of London's modern infrastructure, including its sewer system and several bridges and embankments along the River Thames.
What other boards or organizations is he involved with?
Currently, he is an independent non-executive director of the English Football League and a member of the Sports Board for the NSPCC, a major children's charity.