Ex-BBC journalist and senior communications specialist to help shape PR & brand reputation strategy.

The Boat Race Company has appointed former Downing Street Director of Communications Guto Harri as a non-executive director with a remit to help shape the iconic event’s PR and brand reputation strategy.

Harri, who will report to Siobhan Cassidy, Chair of The Boat Race Company, brings more than 30 years of media experience to his new role, having started his career as a journalist and broadcaster for the BBC before moving into PR & communications. His roles have included BBC Chief Political Correspondent (2002-2005), BBC North America Business Correspondent (2005-2007), Director of External Affairs for Mayor of London (2008-2012) and Downing Street Director of Communications (2022).

Harri has also held senior communications positions at News UK and Liberty Global, while he now advises private clients and is a regular commentator on mainstream media outlets and national newspapers.

Harri will work as a non-executive director, providing consultancy on the communications and brand reputation strategy as The Boat Race approaches the 100th anniversary of the first Women’s Race in 2027 and the 200th anniversary of the first Men’s Race in 2029.

First raced by crews from Oxford and Cambridge University in 1829, The Boat Race is now one of the world’s oldest and most famous amateur sporting events, offering an unrivalled educational experience to the student athletes who take part. The famous Championship Course stretches over 4.25 miles of tidal Thames in West London between Putney and Mortlake.

The Boat Race 2025 will take place on Sunday 13th April, with The 79th Women’s Boat Race to be followed shortly after by The 170th Men’s Boat Race. 200,000 spectators are expected to line the banks of the River Thames to watch the event, which is free to attend and broadcast live on the BBC, with millions more watching globally. 

Harri took up rowing at The Queen’s College, Oxford, and has maintained a passion for the sport for the last 40 years. He lives near the River Thames in Hammersmith and is a regular sculler on the tideway, while he is also a volunteer crew member with the RNLI in Chiswick.

Commenting on the appointment, Guto Harri said: “I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to work with The Boat Race Company. It’s a fabulous sporting event, delivered by a wonderful group of people and is a great showcase for London and two of the world’s best universities. I look forward to doing everything I can to help honour the rich heritage of The Boat Race.”

Siobhan Cassidy, Chair of The Boat Race Company, added: “I am delighted Guto is joining the team and I am very much looking forward to working with him. He brings a huge amount of experience at the highest level of journalism and communications and his insight will be invaluable as we enter another exciting Boat Race season and prepare to celebrate two hugely significant milestones in 2027 and 2029.”