Bill Thomason to replace Nick Nicholson as the President of the Keeneland Association
Nick Nicholson has made his decision to retire from the post of president and chief executive officer of the Keeneland Association. His decision is respected by his peers and he will formally retire on 1st September, 2012.
Reflecting on his career, the 64-year-old told the press that: “It has been an honor to serve the community and the industry as president of Keeneland,” he further elaborated “I have enjoyed every single day of it and have just as much passion for
the future of our sport as I did on my first day at Keeneland.”
Despite his retirement, Nicholson will still remain an integral part of the organization and will serve as an advisor.
Due to his experience, he will deal with racing and sales company on a domestic and an international level.
Nick Nicholson will be replaced by Bill Thomason, who is currently the association’s vice president and chief financial officer.
Thomason seems capable to take on this position, and this decision was made among the Keeneland board of trustees on 18th April, 2012.
Nicholson stated that he has enjoyed “every single day” of his work and is glad that the board has chosen Thomason to take over, as he thinks that Thomason is the right choice because of his experience in this field.
Nicholson believes that under Bill Thomason, the organization is bound to make profit as the successor is familiar with the racing and the business aspect of it.
Louis Lee Haggin III, a trustee of the organization stated to the press that after thoroughly examining the state of affairs, Thomason is the right person to head the Keeneland Association.
He is likely to follow in the footsteps of Nicholson and maintain the momentum that Nicholson created.
Bill Thomason is pleased with the decision of the board, but he admits that he has large shoes to fill.
He acknowledged the fact that under Nicholson, the finest traditions of thoroughbred racing were maintained and he is determined to keep that tradition alive.
Bill Thomason is capable of this post as he has previously held many important posts as he was a board member of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, and previously served as treasurer of the Thoroughbred Club of America.
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