Ascot Racecourse today announces that Guy Henderson has been appointed as its new Chief Executive effective January 2015, succeeding Charles Barnett, who is retiring.
Guy Henderson (56) was, for over 30 years (1980 – 2012) an international business lawyer and equity partner with the global law firm Allen & Overy. Leading its UK and Asian commercial conflict resolution divisions, he worked with corporations, financial institutions, regulators, government agencies and individuals around the globe.
Currently Chairman of Wincanton Racecourse, where he has been on the Board since 2010, Henderson has been involved in racing as an owner for nearly 10 years with runners at 24 of Britain's racecourses.
He is an overseas racing member of the Hong Kong Jockey Club and between 2007 and 2013, was Chair of The Horse Trust, the UK’s leading funder of research and educational projects to benefit equine welfare.
Johnny Weatherby, Chairman at Ascot, said:
"The Board is delighted to be announcing Guy’s appointment. He has had an outstanding career as a commercial lawyer demonstrating skills ideally suited to the multi-faceted role that Chief Executive of Ascot now demands.
“He also has a longstanding interest in racing as a racegoer, owner and most recently as a Board member and now as Chairman of Wincanton Racecourse.
“Guy has the skills and experience to build on the legacy that Charles Barnett will leave. Under Charles’s leadership, Ascot has become Europe’s undisputed flagship racecourse and Guy’s brief is to build on this success by further enhancing our sporting and commercial operations. Charles’s expertise will be available to Guy during the handover period.”
Guy Henderson said:
"I am very excited to have the opportunity to serve such an iconic British racecourse and its stakeholders. Charles Barnett's tremendous achievements as Chief Executive will be a difficult act to follow and I am very fortunate to have the benefit of his experience when I begin in January.
"I am really looking forward to starting work with Ascot's outstanding team in the New Year and becoming fully immersed in the sport and industry I love.”
