Stephen Panus has resigned from his role as president of The Jockey Club's Media Ventures, which oversees the America's Best Racing brand. James L. Gagliano, president and COO of the Jockey Club, announced several changes to the management team.
Gagliano will assume Panus's responsibilities, while Greg Charkoudian and Dan Tordjman have been promoted to vice presidents of TJC Media Ventures. Charkoudian has been part of The Jockey Club team since 2012, and Tordjman since 2014.
Gagliano expressed gratitude for Panus's contributions to The Jockey Club and credited his leadership in the growth of America's Best Racing brand. Panus will continue to collaborate with The Jockey Club as a strategic consultant as he explores new opportunities.
Additional promotions and title changes include:
- Andrew Chesser's promotion to director of Registration Services and director of Business Development for The Jockey Club. Chesser has been with the organisation since 2006 and also serves as a director of the International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities.
- Amber Florence's promotion to senior vice president of Finance and Business Planning for The Jockey Club. Florence joined The Jockey Club in 2023.
- Shannon Kelly's appointment as director of Industry Relations for The Jockey Club. Kelly also serves as executive director of The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation, starting with the foundation in 2013.
- Shannon Luce's promotion to vice president of Communications for The Jockey Club. Luce has been with The Jockey Club since 2005.
- Christelle Morgan's appointment as manager of Cataloguing for The Jockey Club Information Systems. Morgan joined the company in 2001.
- Kristin Werner's appointment as deputy general counsel and director of Industry Initiatives for The Jockey Club. Werner has been with The Jockey Club since 2005.
These changes complement the February 2024 announcement of Jamie Haydon as the new deputy executive director of The Jockey Club. Haydon also serves as the president of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation.
“These promotions and added responsibilities to key members of our team reflect The Jockey Club's commitment to serving the industry with significant initiatives to grow Thoroughbred breeding and racing,” said Gagliano. “We are very pleased to see these individuals advance in the organisation, which speaks to their hard work, accomplishments, and dedication to The Jockey Club's mission.”