Churchill Downs Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Churchill Downs has 4 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, operational management, human capital development, and digital wagering innovation.

Focused on delivering premier racing and gaming experiences, Churchill Downs maintains a commitment to industry excellence by blending historic traditions with modern entertainment technology across its diverse national portfolio.

Leadership Roles at Churchill Downs

  • Chief Executive Officer - William Carstanjen
  • President & Chief Operating Officer - William Mudd
  • President - Twinspires - Michael Lilly
  • 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. This leadership role involves managing the expansion of the company's racing and gaming assets while ensuring the integrity of the iconic Kentucky Derby brand. Carstanjen oversees the integration of regional casino properties and historical racing machine facilities into the broader corporate portfolio. By aligning the interests of the Board with operational goals, the Chief Executive Officer drives sustainable growth across North American markets. William Carstanjen maintains a focus on balancing the preservation of thoroughbred racing heritage with the aggressive pursuit of innovation in gaming technology. Through the management of complex capital allocation and strategic acquisitions, the Chief Executive Officer secures the company's position as a leader in the entertainment industry, ensuring that every property delivers high-quality hospitality and gaming experiences to diverse customer segments.
    William Carstanjen

    William Mudd - President & Chief Operating Officer

    William Mudd, the President & Chief Operating Officer at Churchill Downs, manages the daily execution of racing and gaming operations across all physical properties. This role requires the optimization of food and beverage services, event hosting, and casino floor performance to maximize revenue and guest satisfaction. William Mudd coordinates with regional managers to ensure that every racetrack and casino facility adheres to strict operational standards while maintaining the unique character of each venue. By streamlining internal processes and enhancing the efficiency of hospitality services, the President & Chief Operating Officer supports the company's broader financial objectives. Mudd monitors performance metrics across the entire portfolio to identify opportunities for operational improvement and cost management. Through the oversight of large-scale entertainment programming and facility maintenance, the President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that the company remains a premier destination for both gaming enthusiasts and racing fans throughout the United States.
    William Mudd

    Michael Lilly - President - Twinspires

    Michael Lilly, the President - Twinspires at Churchill Downs, directs the growth and technological advancement of the company's digital wagering platform. This role involves expanding the reach of online horse racing betting, sports wagering, and digital casino gaming to customers within authorized jurisdictions. Michael Lilly oversees the development of user-friendly interfaces and secure transaction systems that enable convenient wagering from any location. By analyzing market trends and consumer behavior, the President - Twinspires optimizes the digital product suite to increase user engagement and platform revenue. Lilly coordinates with technical teams to ensure the platform remains at the forefront of gaming innovation while maintaining strict regulatory compliance. Through the strategic management of digital marketing and customer acquisition campaigns, the President - Twinspires drives the expansion of the company's online footprint. This leadership role ensures that the digital business remains a core pillar of the company's diversified entertainment strategy, providing seamless access to wagering services for a growing national audience.

    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 diverse workforce. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive training programs that uphold the high service standards required for the company's hospitality and gaming venues. Katherine Armstrong manages the implementation of corporate culture initiatives that align employees with the mission of preserving racing traditions while embracing modern gaming innovation. By overseeing compensation structures and performance management systems, the Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP, Human Resources ensures that the organization attracts and retains top-tier talent across all regional operations. Armstrong collaborates with other executive leaders to foster an inclusive environment that promotes professional growth and operational excellence. Through the development of robust human capital policies, the Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP, Human Resources directly impacts the company's ability to deliver exceptional guest experiences and maintain a competitive edge in the entertainment sector.

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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 William Mudd (President & Chief Operating Officer) and Michael Lilly (President - Twinspires).
    Who is part of Churchill Downs’s executive team?
    The executive team of Churchill Downs includes leaders such as William Carstanjen (Chief Executive Officer), William Mudd (President & Chief Operating Officer), Michael Lilly (President - Twinspires) 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, President & Chief Operating Officer, President - Twinspires, Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP, Human Resources.