Alastair Warwick to step down as Ascot chief executive with Felicity Barnard set to take over

Alastair Warwick is to step down as chief executive of Ascot racecourse for personal reasons at the end of this year, with Felicity Barnard set to take over the position.

Warwick himself was only appointed as permanent chief executive of Ascot in March 2023 having carried out the role on an interim basis following the sudden departure of his predecessor Vivien Currie the previous October.

Sir Francis Brooke, chairman and His Majesty’s Representative at Ascot, said Warwick had played a major role in the success of the course since he joined the business in 2008.

He added: "Alastair has made many invaluable contributions during his time at Ascot, none of which have had more significance for Ascot and British racing than managing the first successful World Pool event in the UK, which was Royal Ascot 2019. 

"He also helped steer the racecourse through the global pandemic when his expertise enabled Royal Ascot 2021 to become the first major UK sporting event to take place with limited crowds.

"We are all grateful to him on so many levels and thank him for his dedication to Ascot over the past 16 years. For personal reasons Alastair has expressed a wish to step down from his role at Ascot. This will allow him time to consider other opportunities for the next stage of his career and we all wish him well."

Warwick, who had been managing director at Ascot before becoming chief executive, joined the course from Hamilton where he had been chief executive for three years. He was previously operations manager at Aintree.

He said: “It has been an absolute privilege to work for and then lead this organisation over the past 16 years. Ascot and Royal Ascot is only ever something you are a custodian of but during my time it has been a pleasure to see Ascot flourish and grow so much whilst supporting the community that it is a part of."

Barnard is currently Warwick's deputy alongside her role as commercial director and Brooke said he was delighted that she had accepted the role as chief executive.

He added: "Fliss has already brought considerable commercial expertise to the racecourse and the wider industry. Additionally, she has led on initiatives which have seen a significant expansion of Ascot’s global profile."

Barnard said: "I am very excited to have been appointed to lead the business and look forward to working alongside the rest of the racing industry to promote the sport in an increasingly competitive environment."

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