Henderson New Ascot Chief Executive

HENDERSON NEW ASCOT CHIEF EXECUTIVE 
Guy Henderson, a former international business lawyer and equity partner with the global law firm Allen & Overy, has been appointed Chief Executive of Ascot Racecourse, replacing the retiring Charles Barnett. Henderson will take up his post in January. 

As part of Allen & Overy, Henderson led its UK and Asian commercial conflict resolution divisions and worked with corporations, financial institutions, regulators, government agencies and individuals around the globe. He is also heavily involved in racing. He is currently chairman of Wincanton Racecourse, where he has been on the board since 2010. He has owned racehorses across Britain for nearly 10 years. Henderson is an overseas member of the Hong Kong Jockey Club and between 2007 and 2013 was chair of The Horse Trust, the UK’s leading funder of research and educational projects to benefit equine welfare. 

“The Board is delighted to be announcing Guy’s appointment,” said Johnny Weatherby, chairman of Ascot. “He has had an outstanding career as a commercial lawyer demonstrating skills ideally suited to the multi-faceted role that Chief Executive of Ascot now demands. Guy has the skills and experience to build on the legacy that Charles Barnett will leave.” 

Henderson added, “I am very excited to have the opportunity to serve such an iconic British racecourse and its stakeholders. Charles Barnett’s tremendous achievements as Chief Executive will be a difficult act to follow and I am very fortunate to have the benefit of his experience when I begin in January. I am really looking forward to starting work with Ascot’s outstanding team in the New Year and becoming fully immersed in the sport and industry I love.”