"Charlie brings to NYRA substantial, successful business and management experience and a true appreciation and understanding of horseracing," said C. Steven Duncker, Vice Chairman of the NYRA Board of Trustees. "In his two most recent management positions, Charlie upgraded operations and business results. We look forward to his contributions as we continue to improve NYRA's management and solidify our business operations. The NYRA Trustees are gratified that someone with his experience and talents will take on the task of operating NYRA."
Most recently Hayward was President and CEO of the Daily Racing Form for over four years. Hayward left the Form in August after it was sold by Alpine Capital to the Wicks Group. Before that, he was the President and CEO of Little Brown Publishing. During Hayward's tenure, Little Brown doubled its sales.
"New York racing is clearly the best in the world and it is an important part of the economy of New York State," said Hayward. "I look forward to working with the NYRA management team, state regulators and elected officials to maximize the business benefits of NYRA for the state, our horsemen, and the racing fans of New York.
"During my time with Daily Racing Form, we created strong working partnerships with many of the leading racing organizations in the country and I got to see firsthand many of the best practices of those operations. I am sure that experience will serve me well at NYRA."
Prior to Hayward's appointment, the role of NYRA President was filled by one person and the CEO role was held by outgoing chairman Barry Schwartz. NYRA's next Chairman will serve in a non-executive role. As part of Hayward's hiring, Duncker and Peter Karches, who have served as co-Chief Operating Officers, will relinquish those titles and continue to serve as Vice Chairmen of the NYRA Board.
Hayward served on the NYRA Board of Trustees from 1995 to 1999. He has been a horseracing fan for over 25 years and a Thoroughbred owner for the last decade. He is a graduate of Bowdoin College and a resident of Manhattan and Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
