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Ian Renton, managing director at Arena Leisure, has been appointed the new boss at Cheltenham, with responsibility also for Exeter, Warwick and Wincanton.

He is one of four regional directors appointed by Jockey Club Racecourses to run its 14 tracks in clusters.

Amy Starkey will take on Huntingdon, Market Rasen and Nottingham, in addition to Newmarket, while John Baker is now in charge at Aintree, Carlisle and Haydock.

Rupert Trevelyan adds Kempton and Sandown to his Epsom brief.

Renton joined Arena as racing director in 2001 and was made managing director in 2004. He is no stranger to Cheltenham, having acted as assistant managing director at the course from 1995 to 1998.

He leaves Arena having played an important role in its sale to Northern Racing this year.

"Having spent 11 successful years at Arena Leisure and assisted with its integration with Northern Racing, I am delighted to take on the role of south west regional director of Jockey Club Racecourses," said Renton.

"This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in the further development of Cheltenham racecourse, and to contributing to the wider racecourse group."

Cheltenham's previous chief Edward Gillespie announced in April he was stepping down after 32 years in charge.

6 August 2012