TORONTO — Hugh Mitchell, a longtime industry executive, was named chairman of Woodbine Entertainment’s board of directors on Friday.
The move takes effect immediately. Mitchell was nominated at Woodbine Entertainment’s annual meeting earlier in the day.
Mitchell has served as Chairman of the Board since 2020 and succeeds Christine McGee, who has served on the Board since 2015.
In a statement, Woodbine said that as chairman, Mitchell “will provide leadership, guidance and governance as Woodbine Entertainment fulfills its mission to sustain and grow horse racing in Ontario.”
“As we continue to emerge from the global pandemic, boards, organizations and the racing industry will greatly benefit from Hugh’s knowledge, relationships and experience,” said Woodbine CEO Jim Lawson. “There are significant opportunities to grow the sport of horse racing in Ontario over the next few years with exciting and innovative initiatives, and we look forward to leveraging Hugh’s business and horse racing experience to realize and maximize these opportunities. I look forward to
Mitchell has served on Woodbine’s board of directors since 2018. Most recently, in London, Ontario, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Western Fair District, a position he held from 2009 until 2018.
Mitchell has also chaired Woodbine Entertainment’s Standardbred Racing Committee since 2020. He also chairs the boards of Harness Tracks of America (HTA) and Ontario Racing.
Earlier in his career, Mitchell worked for Woodbine Entertainment as Senior Vice President of Horse Racing (1998-2005).
“I have been very fortunate to have worked in the horse racing industry for many years, and this appointment is very special and personally motivating,” Mitchell said. Full of hard working people who are very passionate about our sport and equine athletes.
“I am very much looking forward to working with the Board and Mr Lawson to grow our sport and industry for the benefit of the thousands of families who make their living from horse racing.”
Longtime member Ben Hutzel also resigned from the board on Friday.
This report by the Canadian Press was first published on September 16, 2022.
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