Barretts president McMahon resigns

Jerry McMahon, founding president and general manager of California's Barretts Equine Limited auction house, has resigned, effective Jan. 3.

McMahon said Tuesday that he had no immediate plans.

In a statement announcing his resignation, McMahon said: "I've had a great 20-year run at Barretts and with the Los Angeles County Fair Association. At this stage in my career, I feel it's now time for me to look at new opportunities. I have full confidence in the future of Barretts; our staff is second to none. Our two vice presidents, Bill Baker and Kim Lloyd, are among the top equine auction executives in the industry."

Barretts conducts auctions at its Fairplex Park pavilion, which is operated by the Los Angeles County Fair Association in Pomona, Calif. In 2009, it will conduct four auctions, including the March select juvenile sale, one of the major 2-year-old auctions on the national calendar.

McMahon said Tuesday that there has been no decision as to his replacement.

"We are truly sorry to see Jerry go," said Jim Henwood, chief executive of the Los Angeles County Fair Association. "He has been the driver of Barretts' success over the years."