Michael Copeland has been appointed as the new chief commercial officer of Woodbine Entertainment.
Ontario horseracing leader, Woodbine Entertainment, has announced a new edition to its management team, with the appointment of Michael Copeland as the company’s new chief commercial officer. Copeland brings with him knowledge and expertise and will offer valuable input as the company eyes further growth and development.
Before joining Woodbine Entertainment, Copeland oversaw his own business that targeted transformation and growth within the sports industry. Prior to that, he held positions of chief operations officer at the Canadian Football League and chief executive officer of Toronto Argonauts.
Valuable Skillsets
Woodbine Entertainment CEO, Jim Lawson, has expressed his satisfaction with Michael Copeland joining the company, noting that the new addition to the management team will offer new growth opportunities for the company. Lawson added that Copeland is a strong and visionary leader who has all the qualities required to move the company’s commercial strategies forward.
In his new role, Copeland will be responsible for business development, digital strategy, customer experience strategies, sponsorships, marketing, and broadcasting. His appointment comes at the time when the company is continuing with efforts to establish itself as one of the most prominent players on the Canadian sports betting scene.
Copeland noted that Woodbine Entertainment is already one of the largest sports entertainment and horseracing companies in Canada, providing over 50,000 jobs. He further admitted that his entire family are big fans of live harness events and that he is honoured to join a firm with such a rich heritage and bright future. The new chief commercial officer’s term has commenced on 10 May.
Additionally, Woodbine Entertainment has announced that Christina Litz, the company’s vice president for digital, media, revenue, and business development, has stepped down from her position. Litz is expected to take up the role of chief brand and commercial officer at True North Sports and Entertainment in Winnipeg.
Training Recommences
Due to the stay-at-home regime in Ontario, Woodbine Entertainment was forced to close its horseracing facilities in the province. However, the company was allowed to reopen its Woodbine Mohawk Park track for training on 6 May. As expected, trainers have to comply with health and safety measures that the provincial government has decreed.