Breeders’ Cup Appoint Stuart to Manage Search for New CEO

The committee formed to conduct the search to replace Breeders’ Cup president and CEO Greg Avioli, who stepped down earlier this month, has engaged Spencer Stuart, the world’s leading executive search firm, to manage the process, the Breeders’ Cup have announced.

Jed Hughes, a senior partner in Spencer Stuart’s sports business practice who led the search six years ago that led to Avioli’s appointment, will direct the search, said committee chairman and Breeders’ Cup director Tom Ludt.

Ludt stated: “The position has attracted so much initial interest from inside and outside our industry and the selection is of such vital importance to our organization that the committee wanted to utilize the best professional resources available to assist with this process.”

Ludt indicated that any inquiries regarding the search should be directed to Hughes at Spencer Stuart and not to the committee members. The committee did not set a firm timeline for the search but expects it should be completed by July. It also clarified that the position will be based at the Breeders’ Cup Lexington, KY headquarters.

In addition to Ludt, Breeders’ Cup directors Helen Alexander, Antony Beck, Jerry Crawford and Richard Santulli are on the search committee.

During the search process, Breeders’ Cup COO/CFO Matthew Lutz and Breeders’ Cup Senior Vice President of Sales Carter Carnegie are overseeing the company’s day-to-day business operations.