British Eventing Pays Tribute to Outgoing Chair Mark Sartori
British Eventing has paid tribute to its outgoing Chair Mark Sartori, whose three-year tenure has been marked by significant modernisation and renewed ambition for the sport.
Mark Sartori, who took the helm in February 2022 during a particularly challenging period for the organisation, brings a unique blend of business acumen and genuine equestrian passion to his leadership role. A former advanced-level event rider himself, Sartori competed at the highest domestic levels before transitioning into a successful career in investment banking and capital markets. His deep connection to the sport extends beyond his own riding career – he owns a farm in Surrey where several five-star riders are based, and co-owns the current British Open champion Monkeying Around with Izzy Taylor.
The experienced horseman and businessman also serves as a trustee for the British Eventing Support Trust and has extensive governance experience, including chairing the investment committee at Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity. This combination of corporate leadership and hands-on equestrian involvement positioned him uniquely to guide British Eventing through a period of transformation.
Since his appointment, Sartori has overseen substantial progress within the organisation. Under his leadership, British Eventing secured one of the sport’s most prestigious fixtures – the 2025 Agria FEI European Eventing Championships at Blenheim Palace – bringing international focus and renewed ambition to British eventing. He has also played a pivotal role in welcoming numerous new commercial partners to the organisation, strengthening its financial resilience.
British Eventing CEO Rosie Williams paid warm tribute to Sartori’s impact during his chairmanship.
“Mark took on the role of Chair at a time when BE was in a really difficult place, and his steady hand, optimism, and sense of purpose have been transformational,” Williams said. “He has been a fantastic mentor and sounding board – always supportive, always positive, and always focused on finding solutions. His contribution to British Eventing has been immense, and we owe him a huge debt of gratitude for helping to steer the sport back onto a strong and sustainable path.”
During Sartori’s tenure, British Eventing has strengthened relationships with stakeholders, organisers and members across all levels of the sport. His passionate advocacy has helped modernise the organisation’s approach whilst maintaining the core values that make eventing such a beloved discipline.
As he steps down, Sartori leaves British Eventing with improved commercial resilience, closer working relationships across the eventing ecosystem, and a stronger foundation for the sport’s future. His belief in eventing’s potential has underpinned many of the positive changes now visible throughout the competition calendar and structure.
Despite stepping down from the chair role, Sartori remains actively involved in eventing through his ongoing ownership commitments, continuing to support riders and horses from his Surrey base.
British Eventing confirmed it will continue to build on the strong platform established under Sartori’s leadership, with plans already in place to further develop participation, performance pathways, and the long-term growth of eventing across the UK.
The organisation has not yet announced Sartori’s successor or the timeline for appointing a new chair.