PMU appoints French racing figurehead Philippe Augier as new Chairman

French horseracing operator PMU has confirmed the election of Philippe Augier as new Chairman leading its corporate governance initiatives.

Augier’s chairmanship was ratified following PMU’s annual general meeting and has received the approval of key racing stakeholders France Galop, as French horseracing’s governing body, and Le Trot – the operating company of French racing venues.

The appointment sees PMU act swiftly to replace outgoing Chairman Bertrand Méheut, who ended his two-year tenure last May by announcing that he had chosen to pursue personal projects.

A recognised figurehead within French racing and politics, Augier has served as President of Normandy’s Commune of Cote Fleurie, spearheading a number of the province’s cultural and heritage directives.

Augier has also served as Chief Executive of French acing stud rights auctioneer l’Agence between 1989 and 2006.

Speaking to Le Parisien newspaper, Augier commented on his appointment: “Horseracing has been part of my daily life for 50-years so I am happy and very proud to become PMU chairman.

“I am also honoured to participate in the sport’s recovery, necessary after what our country has experienced and to see it further improve. We must already think about the development of this great company.”

Augier will oversee PMU Group CEO Cyril Linette, who in 2019 launched PMU’s new executive strategy, revitalising French horseracing engagements by upgrading France Quinté + pool betting systems and undertaking new marketing campaigns targeting the wider general public.