Churchill Downs Racetrack Taps Global Marketing Executive Eric Thomson to Lead Marketing & Partnerships

August 20, 2026

Thomson Brings Two Decades of Global Experience Across Sports, Entertainment and Culture to Build on the Strength of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (August 20, 2026) – Churchill Downs Racetrack (“Churchill Downs”) today announced Eric Thomson as its new Senior Vice President of Marketing & Partnerships, where he will lead marketing, brand strategy, partnerships, sponsorships, licensing and creative services for Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby. Thomson will report to Mike Anderson, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack.

Thomson joins Churchill Downs from Pernod Ricard, where he held senior global and regional marketing leadership roles across some of the world’s best-known premium wine and spirits brands. Over more than 20 years, he has led brand strategy, marketing innovation and high-profile collaborations across sports, entertainment and culture, including partnerships with the Melbourne Cup, FIFA, Wimbledon, the Australian Grand Prix and the Rugby World Cup.

In his new role, Thomson will help shape the next chapter of the Churchill Downs and Kentucky Derby brands through integrated marketing, strategic partnerships and new opportunities to engage fans, guests and partners. His focus will include extending both brands year-round, supporting the growth of the newly announced Thoroughbred Championship Series and continuing to elevate the experiences that have made Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby globally recognized destinations for sports, entertainment and culture.

“Eric has built an exceptional career growing world-class brands while respecting the traditions that make them special,” Anderson said. “He understands how innovative marketing, premium partnerships and memorable consumer experiences can drive growth while strengthening an iconic brand. We’re excited to welcome Eric and look forward to the leadership he’ll bring to Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby.”

Thomson most recently served as Senior Vice President of Global Marketing for Pernod Ricard’s North American whiskey business, leading global strategy, marketing, innovation and brand experiences. Previously, as Global Chief Marketing Officer for Pernod Ricard Winemakers, he oversaw brand strategy across more than 60 countries and global sponsorships with premier sporting properties.

“Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby occupy a rare place at the intersection of sport, culture, hospitality and entertainment,” Thomson said. “There is tremendous opportunity to build on that legacy by deepening connections with fans, creating exceptional experiences and developing partnerships that deliver meaningful value. I’m incredibly excited to join the team and help build what’s next for these iconic brands.”

Thomson’s addition to the leadership team builds on Churchill Downs Racetrack’s continued focus on strengthening its brands, developing innovative commercial partnerships and creating world-class experiences for fans and guests at the racetrack and beyond.

About Churchill Downs Incorporated

Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI”) (Nasdaq: CHDN) has created extraordinary entertainment experiences for over 150 years, beginning with the company’s most iconic and enduring asset, the Kentucky Derby. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, CDI has expanded through the acquisition, development, and operation of live and historical racing entertainment venues, the growth of the online wagering businesses, and the acquisition, development, and operation of regional casino gaming properties. https://www.churchilldownsincorporated.com/

About Churchill Downs Racetrack

Churchill Downs Racetrack (“CDRT”), the world’s most legendary racetrack, has been the home of The Kentucky Derby, the longest continually held annual sporting event in the United States, since 1875. Located in Louisville, CDRT features a series of themed race days during Derby Week, including the Kentucky Oaks, and conducts Thoroughbred horse racing during three race meets in the Spring, September, and the Fall. CDRT is located on 175 acres and has a one-mile dirt track, a 7/8-mile turf track, a stabling area, and provides seating for approximately 60,000 guests. The stable area has barns sufficient to accommodate 1,400 horses and a 114-room dormitory for backstretch personnel. CDRT also has a year-round simulcast wagering facility. www.ChurchillDowns.com.

Media Contacts

Breck Thomas-Ross

Senior Director of Communications

Churchill Downs Incorporated

Phone: 502-636-4506

Email: [email protected]

You may also be interested in:

Aug 17, 2026

“Turbo” Takes the Title at Wiener Dog Races During Colonial Downs Family Fun Weekend

During Family Fun Weekend at Colonial Downs, “Turbo” lived up to his name and emerged as the top dog by winning the third annual Colonial Downs Wiener Dog races. Assisted by his human Kaitlyn Hodson, Turbo bested a field of 64 Wiener Dogs who took to the Colonial Downs dirt track between thoroughbred races on Saturday. The weekend wrapped up on Sunday with the track’s first Princess and Tractor Day and a hobby horse race.

Horse Racing’s Biggest Events Unite in Landmark New “Thoroughbred Championship Series”

Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI”) (Nasdaq: CHDN) and The New York Racing Association, Inc. (“NYRA”) announced today the creation of the “Thoroughbred Championship Series.” The new six-race competition will begin in 2027 and establish an annual season-long championship for America’s leading three-year-old Thoroughbreds.

The country’s most iconic racing venues – Churchill Downs Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course – will host the six-race series beginning the first Saturday in May.

Churchill Downs Incorporated Announces Definitive Agreement to Acquire 49% of United Tote Company from NYRA

Churchill Downs Incorporated (Nasdaq: CHDN, “CDI,” “Company”) announced today that the Company has signed a definitive agreement to acquire 49% of United Tote Company (“United Tote”) from NYRA Content Management Solutions, LLC, a subsidiary of the New York Racing Association, Inc. (“NYRA”). CDI sold a 49% interest in United Tote to NYRA in April 2024, and NYRA agreed to utilize United Tote for their racetrack and gaming related pari-mutuel wagering systems (“tote services”). Concurrent with this transaction, NYRA has agreed to extend their tote services agreement with United Tote through 2035.