Hubert Monzat was named Chief Executive of France Galop, replacing Emmanuelle Bour-Poitrinal, who unexpectedly resigned on June 2 after only five months in the position.

Bour-Poitrinal was the first woman to occupy the position of director general, which is the senior executive role in the administration of French racing.

Monzat was proposed by France Galop President Edouard de Rothschild, Racing Post reported, and named to the position at Sunday’s board meeting. He is an advisor to Eric Worth, the mayor of Chantilly and minister of the budget.

Monzat helped open the French betting market. He also was influential in the renovation of Chantilly Racecourse, a project in which he worked closely with the Aga Khan.

A career civil servant, Monzat, 55, will begin his new duties with France Galop on July 15.