Churchill Downs Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Churchill Downs has 4 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, human capital management, financial oversight, and operational execution.

Focused on delivering premier racing and gaming experiences, Churchill Downs maintains a commitment to innovation while honoring the rich heritage of thoroughbred racing through its diverse portfolio of entertainment assets.

Leadership Roles at Churchill Downs

  • Chief Executive Officer - William Carstanjen
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Marcia Dall
  • President & Chief Operating Officer - William Mudd
  • Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP, Human Resources - Katherine Armstrong
  • William Carstanjen - Chief Executive Officer

    William Carstanjen, the Chief Executive Officer at Churchill Downs, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the organization. Carstanjen manages the expansion of the company's gaming and racing portfolio, ensuring that all acquisitions and developments align with the core mission of providing world-class entertainment. By overseeing the integration of digital wagering platforms like TwinSpires with physical casino and racetrack assets, the Chief Executive Officer drives sustainable growth across multiple states. Carstanjen collaborates closely with the Board to maintain the integrity of thoroughbred racing while simultaneously pushing for technological advancements in the gaming sector. This leadership role involves balancing the preservation of historic traditions with the demands of a modern, diversified entertainment enterprise. Through rigorous capital allocation and strategic market positioning, William Carstanjen secures the company's status as a leader in the competitive landscape of North American gaming and hospitality.
    William Carstanjen

    Marcia Dall - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Marcia Dall, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Churchill Downs, manages the financial health and fiscal discipline of the entire enterprise. Dall oversees capital structure, financial reporting, and investor relations, ensuring that the company maintains the liquidity required for strategic investments in gaming and racing assets. By analyzing market trends and operational performance across various states, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer provides the data-driven insights necessary for informed decision-making at the executive level. Marcia Dall directs the budgeting processes that support the maintenance of historic racetracks and the development of new casino properties. This leadership role involves mitigating financial risks while identifying opportunities for revenue growth within the digital wagering and hospitality sectors. Through precise financial planning and rigorous oversight of corporate expenditures, Dall ensures that the company remains well-positioned to deliver consistent value to shareholders while funding future innovation.
    Marcia Dall

    William Mudd - President & Chief Operating Officer

    William Mudd, the President & Chief Operating Officer at Churchill Downs, executes the day-to-day operational strategies across the company's extensive portfolio of racetracks and gaming venues. Mudd manages the efficiency of food and beverage operations, event hosting, and casino floor management to maximize guest satisfaction and profitability. By overseeing the integration of historical racing machines and traditional gaming entertainment, the President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that each property delivers a cohesive and high-quality customer experience. William Mudd coordinates with regional managers to streamline processes and maintain the operational integrity of all facilities. This leadership role involves optimizing the performance of physical assets while supporting the growth of digital wagering channels. Through a focus on operational excellence and service delivery, Mudd drives the visitation and revenue metrics that define the company's success in the highly competitive entertainment and gaming industry.
    William Mudd

    Katherine Armstrong - Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP, Human Resources

    Katherine Armstrong, the Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP, Human Resources at Churchill Downs, architects the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies necessary to support a vast workforce. Armstrong manages the human capital requirements across diverse properties, including racetracks, casinos, and digital operations. By implementing comprehensive training programs and performance management systems, the Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP, Human Resources ensures that all staff members uphold the high service standards expected at iconic venues. Katherine Armstrong fosters a corporate culture that values both the heritage of horse racing and the fast-paced nature of modern gaming entertainment. This role involves aligning workforce capabilities with the company's strategic expansion goals, ensuring that regional operations possess the necessary expertise to deliver exceptional hospitality experiences. Through effective leadership development and employee engagement initiatives, Armstrong strengthens the organizational foundation required for long-term operational success.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Churchill Downs Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Churchill Downs?
    Churchill Downs is led by William Carstanjen (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Marcia Dall (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and William Mudd (President & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Churchill Downs’s executive team?
    The executive team of Churchill Downs includes leaders such as William Carstanjen (Chief Executive Officer), Marcia Dall (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), William Mudd (President & Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Churchill Downs have?
    Churchill Downs has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Churchill Downs’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Churchill Downs includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, President & Chief Operating Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP, Human Resources.