At its meeting Friday, April 20, the Woodbine Entertainment Group Board of Directors appointed James J. Lawson a vice-chairman of the company. Lawson will serve alongside Clay Horner as WEG's two Vice Chairmen
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Lawson has served as a WEG director since June, 2008 and sits on the company's Thoroughbred Racing Committee, which he chairs, Standardbred Racing Committee, Pension & Compensation Committee and Audit Committee. Lawson is also chairman of the Jockey Club of Canada and is active in the racing industry, both as an owner and as the manager of Jim Dandy Stable, a breeding and racing operation of the late Mel Lawson, who was inducted into Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2010.
Jim is the chief executive officer of Westerkirk Capital, a private investment company based in Toronto with substantial holdings in the manufacturing, real estate and hospitality industries.
"The WEG Board has benefited immensely both from Jim's horse-racing industry perspective, as well as his significant leadership experience in various Canadian public and private corporations," said WEG Chairman David S. Willmot. "As a vice-chair, Jim will provide counsel and expertise at a critical time for our company. The horse-racing and breeding industry is facing extraordinary challenges, and Jim will play a vital role in helping us to navigate through the many difficult decisions which lie ahead."
"I am pleased to take on the additional role of vice-chairman," said Jim Lawson. "I have a long held passion for this industry, and I look forward to working more closely with the company's management team and Board of Directors as we work to ensure that WEG is able to meet the challenges and, importantly, seize the many opportunities."
(With files from WEG)