Alastair Warwick, CEO of Ascot Racecourss will stand down as Chief Executive, leaving Ascot by the end of the year.
On his departure, Alastair said, “It has been an absolute privilege to work for and then lead this organisation over the past 16 years. Ascot and Royal Ascot is only ever something you are a custodian of but during my time it has been a pleasure to see Ascot flourish and grow so much whilst supporting the community that it is a part of.”
Felicity Barnard, who is currently Deputy Chief Executive alongside her role as Commercial Director, has been appointed Chief Executive.
“I am very excited to have been appointed to lead the business and look forward to working alongside the rest of the racing industry to promote the sport in an increasingly competitive environment” commented Felicity Barnard.
Sir Francis Brooke, Chairman and His Majesty’s Representative at Ascot Racecourse, said: “Alastair has played a major role in the success of Ascot Racecourse since he joined the business in 2008, most recently as Chief Executive where he has overseen two very important and successful Royal Meetings in the new reign of King Charles III.
“Alastair has made many invaluable contributions during his time at Ascot, none of which have had more significance for Ascot and British racing than managing the first successful World Pool event in the UK, which was Royal Ascot 2019. He also helped steer the racecourse through the global pandemic when his expertise enabled Royal Ascot 2021 to become the first major UK sporting event to take place with limited crowds.
“We are all grateful to him on so many levels and thank him for his dedication to Ascot over the past sixteen years.
“For personal reasons Alastair has expressed a wish to step down from his role at Ascot. This will allow him time to consider other opportunities for the next stage of his career and we all wish him well.”
Alastair Warwick became the permanent CEO of Ascot Racecourse in March 2023. He had been serving as Acting Chief Executive since October 2022 following the departure of Vivien Currie. Warwick joined Ascot in 2008 and previously held roles such as Managing Director. He also has a strong background in racecourse management, including being the CEO of Hamilton Park Racecourse and Operations Manager at Aintree.
Feature image: Alastair Stewart. Image Daisy Honeybunn photography.
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.