Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) has promoted Katherine Armstrong as its new Senior Vice President of Human Resources. She will replace the current SVP Chuck Kenyon effective immediately.
Kenyon will remain with the company for a “transitional handoff period.” He will officially retire on August 1, 2022.
Kenyon led the HR department at CDI for 18 years.
Prior to her promotion, Armstrong has served as Vice President of Culture. She began that role in April 2021.
Armstrong’s new responsibilities will include further developing the company’s strategy to “advance a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.”
Regarding Armstrong’s appointment, Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen said: “She has quickly earned the respect and trust of everyone on our team.
“We congratulate her on her new role and look forward to her impactful leadership as our company continues to grow.”
Carstanjen took a moment to thank Kenyon for his time with the company and to wish him good luck going forward.
He commented: “Chuck has been an extraordinary contributor to the growth and evolution of our business over the past 18 years.
“Like so many team members, I am deeply grateful and appreciative for the tremendous personal contributions that Chuck made to the organization and, just as importantly, to the development and success of the individuals who make up our company. We wish him nothing but the very best in his retirement.”
CDI is a racing, online wagering and gaming entertainment company. It currently operates historical racing machines HRMs in Kentucky. The company plans to operate in Virginia and Louisiana, pending the closing of the acquisition of Peninsula Pacific Entertainment and the completion of HRM expansion plans for CDI’s 14 off-track betting facilities.
CDI is also the host of the annual Kentucky Derby.
