This week, Woodbine Entertainment announced that CEO Jim Lawson will step down as CEO in the fall of 2023. Ontario’s main operator has yet to release the exact departure date for 64-year-old Lawson. However, there is an expectation that he will still be involved with the group in a new role. 슬롯머신
Mr Lawson has served as CEO since April 2015, but prior to that, he also served as CFL board chairman from 2013 to 2019, and served as interim league commissioner twice. In 2018, he was elected chairman of the board by directors of the Ontario Racing Board, while also serving as chairman of the jockey club of Canada from 2010 to 2015.
The CEO said a few words about leaving soon, and he said it was a tremendous honor and enthusiasm for him to lead the organization. On a personal level, he said he was grateful to the amazing people who had the honor of working together, while adding that he fully enjoyed his time leading a horse racing operator.
He claimed that while working as an operator, the organization transformed into a multidimensional being, which expanded its reach and reputation as a leader in dual-breed horse racing. Meanwhile, he explained that the organization’s revenue pursuit helped support Ontario’s horse racing sector in the long run. He is also optimistic about the organization’s strong and sustainable future.
During his tenure as CEO, one of the most difficult hurdles for him has been guiding the industry through the unprecedented conditions of 2020, which have caused huge ethnic cancellations, delays and restrictions on sports. Luckily for the organization, he was able to maximize the 700 acres of land in Woodbine, which was always his agenda.
It recently announced that a $1 billion modern Vegas casino will open close to Woodbine Racecourse in the summer of 2023. Under the brand name Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, it will be operated by Great Canadian Entertainment. In addition to gambling, it also has a 400-room hotel, a 5,000-seat live entertainment venue, and several dining amenities.
In addition to this, last year, Lawson announced that horse racing operators will also work on developing football stadiums and training facilities on the land. The plan was scheduled to be completed in 2023. The new location is located on company property within walking distance of the track and spans more than 38,000 square feet above the ground, and will comply with all FIFA standards.
Hugh Mitchell, chairman of Woodbine’s board, thanked Lawson for his service on behalf of the board. He praised the CEO for his strong, unwavering, and influential leadership in both the company and the Ontario horse racing industry over the past 15 years. Now the Woodbine Succession Committee is trying to find the right candidate.
