Mitchell named chairman of Woodbine's board of directors

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Woodbine Entertainment announced on Friday that its board of directors has appointed longtime horse racing industry executive Hugh Mitchell as chair, effective immediately.

“As we continue to emerge from the global pandemic, our board, organization, and the horse racing industry will substantially benefit from Hugh’s knowledge, relationships and experience,” said Woodbine Entertainment CEO Jim Lawson. “We have a tremendous opportunity to grow the sport of horse racing in Ontario in the coming years with exciting and transformative initiatives, and we look forward to leveraging Hugh’s business and horse racing experience to help realize and maximize those opportunities.”

Mitchell, who has been on Woodbine Entertainment’s board of directors since 2018, was most recently the president and CEO of Western Fair District in London, Ontario, a position he held from 2009 to 2018. He has also served as chair of Woodbine Entertainment’s Standardbred Racing Committee since 2020.

:: Get Daily Racing Form Past Performances – the exclusive home of Beyer Speed Figures

“I have been extremely fortunate to work in the horse racing industry for many years, which makes this appointment very special and motivating for me personally,” said Mitchell. “The industry in Ontario is full of hard-working people who are extremely passionate about our sport and equine athletes. I very much look forward to working with the board and Mr. Lawson on growing our sport and industry to the benefit of the thousands of families who earn a living in horse racing.”

Mitchell replaces Christine Magee who was the chair of Woodbine Entertainment’s board of directors since 2020 and a director since 2015.