David Armstrong appointed as new Racecourse Association Chief Executive

Ex-Wasps CEO David Armstrong has been appointed as the new Chief Executive for the Racecourse Association (RCA), bringing with him a wealth of expertise from across the sporting world.

Armstrong is set to take up the position full-time as of 11 March. He joins the RCA after a three year tenure as Group CEO of Rugby Union team, Wasps. During his time at the club, he oversaw the team’s ascent to becoming the largest rugby club in the world (by revenue).

Prior to Wasps, Armstrong undertook a number of senior positions in the business world, working for PepsiCo, Compass Group, Diageo and Lonrho.

RCA Chairman Maggie Carver praised the new appointment: “I am delighted to welcome David Armstrong as Chief Executive of the RCA and to the sport of horse racing,” she said: “David brings extensive and valuable experience across the sports and leisure industries as well as a background in finance.

“I am confident David will be a vital asset in the future development of racecourses as well as the sport as a whole. The full RCA team is looking forward to welcoming him and to working together.”

Armstrong will still retain his positions as Chairman of Pentathlon GB, Non-executive Director of Wasps Holdings and Advisory Board member at Oakwell Capital. He is familiar with the horse racing world, having previously enjoyed ownership of a horse with William Muir.

Armstrong commented “I am delighted and honoured to be joining the RCA at such an important time in the evolution of the sport. I hope I can bring my varied experiences from across the sporting landscape to bear in developing our racecourses and the sport in general. I’m also excited to be joining such a strong Board under Maggie’s leadership and getting my sleeves rolled up!”