Mark Sartori

Never one to fight shy of a challenge, the British Eventing chair discusses making money and the importance of being as clean as possible” and reveals to Becky Murray why his competition days are over

BRITISH EVENTING (BE) has often come under the spotlight in recent years, and at times the governing body has faced some harsh criticism. So when Mark Sartori threw his hat into the ring to become the new chairman, he was taking on a challenge.

When he was appointed last February, Mark was no stranger to the sport - as a coowner of Izzy Taylor's Monkeying Around and former competitor at advanced - but it is his business acumen that is key for this role. He had an extensive career as chief executive of an investment bank and had worked in capital markets, before his retirement from full-time employment eight years ago. He continues to work with companies providing executive coaching and guidance on governance.

"A few years ago, I was asked if I'd consider becoming chief executive of British Equestrian who, at the time, were advertising the position. I spent a few months looking at it, but I never really wanted to go back to full-time employment and had some other business interests going on, so although I made it down to the final four, I withdrew from the process. However, that sort of started my interest in equestrian governance," explains Mark.

Then Ian Stark asked him to become a trustee of the BE Support Trust, which became a charity in 2021 to support BE members' physical and mental health.

"I worked very closely with Ian setting up the new objectives and working with the Charity Commission and I really enjoyed that. Then after a few months, the position of BE chair came up," says Mark.

"I think everyone has felt tormented with the historical issues with BE, but I had come to the point in my career where you can either sit and moan, and say, 'It's not right, they're useless, the IT is terrible' or do something about it.

"I was lucky enough that I had the time and passion, and most importantly the skillset - I've seen these types of businesses before - and I thought I could do something about it."