James L. Gagliano to Retire as President and COO of The Jockey Club
James L. Gagliano will retire as president and chief operating officer of The Jockey Club effective January 1, 2027, concluding a 21-year tenure with the organization, as announced on September 28, 2026, by board chair Everett R. Dobson. Charlotte Clement de Bona, currently serving as the chief strategy and transformation officer, will step into the COO role on the same date, while the organization initiates a search for a chief executive officer.
Transition at the Top of Thoroughbred Racing
Gagliano first joined The Jockey Club in 2005 as executive vice president and chief administrative officer before taking the reins as president and chief operating officer on January 1, 2010.
During his 16-year tenure as president, Gagliano oversaw major modernization efforts across the industry. His administrative footprint also extended deeply into equine safety and integrity measures, guiding the organization through the creation of the Equine Injury Database, the Jockey Health Information System, and foundational support for the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020.
International Representation and Future Leadership
While stepping down from his day-to-day domestic executive duties at the turn of the year, Gagliano will maintain his global presence within the sport.
“After more than 21 years with The Jockey Club, I have decided it is time for new beginnings,” Gagliano stated regarding his upcoming departure. He expressed gratitude to the stewards and chairs who entrusted him with leadership through a period of extensive regulatory and structural evolution across the industry.
As the organization prepares for the transition, Charlotte Clement de Bona will pivot from her current responsibilities as chief strategy and transformation officer to assume COO duties. Simultaneously, the board has commenced a formal search process to identify and appoint a chief executive officer to lead subsequent phases of the organization’s strategic vision.
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