In a surprising announcement on Tuesday, April 11, Woodbine Entertainment’s CEO JIM LAWSON said he is stepping down from that role this fall. A letter from Lawsonwas sent to staff and friends in the morning, followed by a press release at lunchtime.
“Professionally, I have been CEO or Chair of the Board of Directors for more than a decade and it’s time to hand over the reins to someone else,” said Lawson. “As someone who grew up in racing and always had a great affinity for horses and horse people, my love for this tremendous sport and respect for the hard-working women and men connected to it has never wavered and has only grown stronger. Although I am relinquishing my position as CEO, I anticipate maintaining a senior role within the organization while continuing to have a strong association with Woodbine’s world-class horse racing. I will also continue to be involved as a part-owner and Executive Member of the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
“I have cherished working with our Board, our people and the horse community and together, we have accomplished much more than I ever thought possible. But now it is time for me to spend more time with my family.”
It has certainly been a challenging ride for Lawson, from government negotiations for funding to the difficult constraints that the COVID-19 pandemic placed on horse racing and its people in Ontario.
Highlights during Lawson’s tenure as CEO include bringing Standardbred racing to Woodbine Mohawk Park on a year-round basis and helping establish it as the top harness racetrack in North America, the installation of the Tapeta main track and an Inner Turf course at Woodbine Racetrack, becoming a top technology racetrack operator in North America, and playing a prominent role in the organization achieving status as an industry leader in equine and horse people safety.
Other notable moments include Lawson’s efforts to protect the racing industry as single sports wagering was legalized in Canada and navigating Woodbine Entertainment and the industry through the enormous hurdles associated throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Although fans were unable to attend the races, Woodbine was still able to put on a memorable Queen’s Plate event in 2020, keeping it as the longest continuously-run stakes race in North America.
In 2019, Lawson led the team that worked to secure a historic funding agreement with the Ontario Government, a deal that allots up to $105 million annually to horse racing industry stakeholders over a 19-year period, providing breeders, owners, and trainers with much needed stability.
Property development, a primary focus of Lawson’s from the beginning of his association with Woodbine, has yielded several exciting opportunities to attract millions of annual visitors to the expansive, nearly 700 acres of land that lies just minutes from Pearson International Airport.
The Woodbine Community Plan, unveiled last March, shared how one of the largest pieces of undeveloped land in the City of Toronto can be transformed over the coming 25 years into a large-scale urban community – connected to Toronto and the GTA through a proposed privately funded train station to be built on the southeast corner of the property. The community plan is also expected to create upwards of 17,000 jobs.
A $1 billion resort featuring a “modern Vegas-style casino” is slated to open adjacent to Woodbine Racetrack this summer and will feature a 400- room hotel (featuring a number of rooms overlooking the E.P. Taylor Turf Course), dining options, and a live entertainment venue with 5,000 seats.
Among Lawson’s most lasting accomplishments will be his leadership and commitment to creating a strong and vibrant workplace culture, while also strengthening the organization’s connection to its surrounding communities through its Woodbine Cares initiatives. “We are extremely fortunate to have a passionate and dedicated group of people who come to work dedicated to making a difference,” said Lawson.
“Every day, we operate in alignment with a set of values and beliefs which guides us as a collective group to raise the bar of excellence for Canada’s horse racing industry. To be part of the evolution of a vibrant and caring workplace has been tremendously rewarding.”
Woodbine’s perennial leading trainer, and Hall of Famer Mark Casse said, “Obviously, I’m happy for Jim, in that he and [wife] Sue will be able to take time to do some things they’d like to do, which will be nice for them. I will miss his leadership because I think he’s done so many great things for Woodbine. I like his vision. I know that there are a lot of things in the works and Woodbine is going to continue to get bigger and stronger. They have already under his leadership. I can see it as I go around. Woodbine has become much more popular in the U.S. than it was 15 to 20 years ago. I think a lot of that comes from Jim’s vision.”
Hugh Mitchell, Chair of Woodbine Entertainment Board of Directors said, “On behalf of our Board of Directors, I would like to thank Jim for his strong, unwavering and impactful leadership to both Woodbine Entertainment and the Ontario horse racing industry over the last 15 years. Jim’s passion for the horse racing industry and admiration for the hardworking people has been a hallmark of his tenure as CEO. Jim has made lasting contributions that will undoubtedly benefit the organization and industry for decades. We also look forward to identifying ways for the Board of Directors and the next CEO to continue benefiting from his experience and passion in the future.”
“I leave knowing the industry is trending in the right direction,” said Lawson. “Through my father, Mel [a prominent Thoroughbred owner and breeder, inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2010], I grew up at Woodbine, accompanying him to the races as a young kid. I never envisioned working in this industry, but it has been an incredible journey, and I am fortunate to have been associated with the many hard-working and passionate people who are united by their love of horses and horse racing.”
Lawson, a part-owner of the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats, the team (then known as the Hamilton Wildcats) his father led to a Grey Cup victory in 1943, is looking forward to staying involved in his passions, including horse racing and the Ticats.
Lawson still owns and breeds horses and in 2022 accepted the Sovereign Award for his Champion 2-year-old filly Mrs. Barbara (named after his mother). Last year he was inducted into Burlington’s Sports Hall of Fame.
“Now, it’s time for me to step down as CEO and allow the Board’s Succession Committee to find Woodbine’s next leader. There have been plenty of challenges over my 15-year association with Woodbine, but we have built a very strong foundation that positions the industry for a bright future.
“On a personal level, I am at a point in my life where I want to spend a lot more time with my growing family. On Thursday, April 6, our daughter Brodie welcomed a healthy baby boy named Hugh Lawson Moore, our second grandchild. My wife Sue and I very much look forward to spending more time with each other, our kids and our grandchildren.”
Jim Lawson’s Career Timeline at Woodbine Entertainment:
- Appointed WEG Director: June 2008
- Appointed WEG Chair: August 2012
- Appointed WEG Executive Chair: July 2013
- Appointed WEG CEO: April 2015
- Appointed to The Safety Committee of The Jockey Club (New York):
August, 2019 - Member of the Executive Committee of the International Federation of
Horse Racing Authorities (2015 – present) - Appointed Chair of the Finance Committee of the International Federation
of Horse Racing Authorities: December 2021 - Appointed Chair of the Jockey Club of Canada in June 2009 and held the
position for five years
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