The Goodwood Estate has announced the appointment of Adam Waterworth as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective from October 1, 2024. Waterworth, a longstanding member of the Goodwood leadership team, takes over the role from Chris Woodgate, who has served as CEO for seven years.
Waterworth has spent over 14 years at Goodwood, most recently in the role of Events Managing Director, where he successfully expanded his responsibilities from horseracing to overseeing all of the estate’s prestigious headline events. His extensive experience and commercial acumen made him a natural choice to lead the estate into its next chapter.
Goodwood has long been synonymous with world-class events, from the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Revival to its celebrated horse racing festivals. Waterworth’s deep understanding of these operations, combined with his passion for delivering unparalleled experiences, has been a hallmark of his leadership. Prior to joining Goodwood in 2010, Waterworth held various senior positions at UK racecourses, equipping him with a strong foundation in event management and operations.
The Duke of Richmond CBE DL, Executive Chairman of the Goodwood Estate, expressed his enthusiasm for Waterworth’s appointment. “I am delighted that Adam will become our new CEO in October, bringing his assured leadership and track record of performance and delivery to the role. We have an exciting future ahead of us at Goodwood and I look forward to working closely with Adam as we affirm our long-term plans and opportunities in the coming months.”
Waterworth’s appointment comes at a significant juncture for Goodwood, with a wealth of history behind it and a promising future ahead. Under his leadership, the estate is expected to continue delivering exceptional experiences for its patrons, drawing on over three centuries of tradition and innovation.
The Duke of Richmond also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing CEO Chris Woodgate, who has been pivotal in guiding Goodwood through challenging times. “Chris helped navigate Goodwood through the difficult Covid period and was a crucial pillar in the recovery and subsequent growth of the business in the years that have followed. I know that all his friends here are sad to see him go and the respect we have for him will continue beyond his time at Goodwood,” he said.
In a statement, Waterworth shared his excitement about his new role. “It is an honour to become Goodwood’s CEO and lead the organisation into its next chapter. As we plan for the future, we can draw from over 300 years of heritage and history, and I’m proud to have such a strong team with me as we continue to develop and host amazing experiences for our customers, fans and partners.”
Waterworth’s leadership marks a new era for Goodwood, one built on its legacy of excellence, while looking ahead to future growth and opportunities. His vision and expertise are expected to solidify Goodwood’s position as a global destination for premium events and experiences.
