David Armstrong, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive for the Racecourse Association (RCA), following his 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). Following the acquisition of the Ricoh Arena, David played a central role in growing the club’s business model, with the supplementing of indoor and outdoor conference and entertainment facilities, an onsite hotel and a major casino.
He will retain his positions as Chairman of Pentathlon GB, Non-executive Director of Wasps Holdings and Advisory Board member at Oakwell Capital following his RCA appointment.
Armstrong is set to start the new position full-time as of 11 March. Following the announcement, he 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.”
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.”
Prior to his time at Wasps, Armstrong undertook a number of senior positions in the business world, working for PepsiCo, Compass Group, Diageo and Lonrho.
