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Ascot chief executive Guy Henderson bowing out after 2022 royal meeting

Guy Henderson, chief executive of Ascot racecourse, stands in the paddock by the statue of YeatsAscot 4.6.15 Pic: Edward Whitaker
Guy Henderson: Ascot chief executive will stand down next yearCredit: Edward Whitaker

Ascot chief executive Guy Henderson is to step down at the conclusion of next year’s Royal Ascot having headed up the racecourse since 2015.

Henderson, 63, succeeded Charles Barnett at the helm of Ascot having previously worked as a lawyer alongside holding roles such as chairman of Wincanton racecourse and being an overseas member of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Henderson said on Friday: “We make this announcement as the process to appoint the next CEO begins.

“Meanwhile, it remains business as usual as we deliver the remainder of the 2021 racing and events programme and build towards Royal Ascot 2022 in the Platinum Jubilee year. This will be a unique event at Ascot about which we are all very excited.”

During Henderson’s time at Ascot, he has overseen the growth of British Champions Day, the addition of seven extra races to the royal meeting and the introduction of the Tote World Pool, alongside dealing with the ongoing impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Sir Francis Brooke, the Queen’s representative at Ascot, said: “Guy’s leadership at Ascot has been transformational since he became CEO in January 2015. He raised the business to a new level of success and then had to face the enormous challenge of running two successive royal meetings in the midst of a global pandemic.

“Both last year and this, he and the whole Ascot team rose to that challenge magnificently and delivered the best event possible in the circumstances."

Executive search specialists Spencer Stuart have been appointed to identify the candidates to follow Henderson.

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Peter ScargillDeputy industry editor

Published on 25 June 2021inNews

Last updated 18:12, 25 June 2021

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