The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has officially announced the appointment of Casper Stylsvig as the Executive Director of Sports Business, effective from January 15, 2026. Stylsvig will join the Jockey Club's Management Committee and report directly to CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges. He has served as the Chief Revenue Officer at Chelsea Football Club and held senior leadership positions at top European football clubs including Barcelona, Manchester United, Fulham, and AC Milan. In his new role, Stylsvig will be responsible for the overall sports business portfolio of the Jockey Club, including horse racing, football, lottery, and emerging sports opportunities, focusing on expanding both betting and non-betting revenues, driving sponsorship partnerships, and leading the multi-billion dollar racecourse master planning and global growth plans.
Appointment Details and Effective Date
The Hong Kong Jockey Club has confirmed the appointment of Casper Stylsvig as the Executive Director of Sports Business, effective from January 15, 2026. Stylsvig will become a member of the Jockey Club's Management Committee, reporting directly to CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges.
This significant personnel change marks a further deepening of the Jockey Club's strategic layout in sports business, injecting new leadership for future business expansion.
Scope of Responsibilities and Business Coverage
In his new position, Stylsvig will be fully responsible for the sports business portfolio of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, covering traditional horse racing, football operations, lottery operations, and the development of emerging sports opportunities. His core responsibilities include expanding sources of betting and non-betting revenue, driving sponsorships and partnership relationships, and leading marketing efforts to attract a diverse customer base.
Additionally, he will lead the implementation of a multi-billion dollar master plan for the racecourse and drive the Jockey Club's global business growth plans.
Professional Background and Industry Experience
Stylsvig has extensive international sports industry experience, having held senior leadership positions at Chelsea Football Club, Barcelona Football Club, Manchester United Football Club, Fulham Football Club, and AC Milan Football Club. During his recent tenure as Chief Revenue Officer at Chelsea, he successfully implemented a five-year strategic plan that achieved significant revenue growth.
His career spans several top European football clubs, accumulating deep expertise in sports business management and revenue optimization.
Management Statements and Strategic Vision
Regarding his appointment, Stylsvig stated, "I am honored to join the Hong Kong Jockey Club at this exciting time of development. The Jockey Club is one of the most respected sports organizations globally, perfectly combining outstanding business achievements and profound social responsibility."
He added, "This role is a natural next step in my career, and I will bring together the best practices from global football to help shape the future of this unique multi-sport business."
Industry Background and Market Timing
This appointment comes at a critical time for the expansion of the Jockey Club's business. The Jockey Club recently received legislative approval to launch a basketball betting business in September 2026 and will undergo a comprehensive digital upgrade of its betting platform before the new season begins.
These initiatives indicate that the Jockey Club is actively expanding its business scope, adapting to the changing market environment and consumer demands.
Business Challenges and Development Opportunities
Stylsvig will face multiple business challenges, including expanding revenue sources, driving digital transformation, and developing emerging sports opportunities. At the same time, the unique business model of the Hong Kong Jockey Club poses higher demands for balancing social responsibility and commercial operations.
His international experience is considered to bring new perspectives and methods to the Jockey Club, helping to address these challenges and seize development opportunities.
International Experience and Local Adaptation
Stylsvig's international background is seen as a significant asset for the Jockey Club's global business expansion. His experience in top European football clubs is expected to bring new operational concepts and business models to the Jockey Club's sports business.
Meanwhile, he needs to adapt to the local market characteristics and cultural environment of Hong Kong, combining international experience with local practices.
Strategic Focus and Expected Impact
Stylsvig is expected to focus on revenue diversification, digital transformation, and international expansion. His successful experience implementing a five-year strategic plan at Chelsea may provide references for the strategic formulation of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
The industry is keen to see how he will use his experience in the football field to optimize the operations and business models of the Jockey Club's sports business.
Organizational Integration and Team Collaboration
As the new Executive Director, Stylsvig needs to quickly integrate with the existing management team and establish effective working relationships. His leadership style and management methods will adapt and blend with the existing culture of the Jockey Club.
Team collaboration and talent development are expected to be a focus of his initial work.
Industry Impact and Future Outlook
This appointment has attracted widespread attention in the sports betting industry, with the industry anticipating that Stylsvig's international experience will bring innovative changes to the Hong Kong Jockey Club. His joining may impact the business strategic direction and operational model of the Jockey Club.
In the coming years, under his leadership, the sports business of the Hong Kong Jockey Club is expected to enter a new phase of development and growth opportunities.
