Santa Anita Park Announces Layoffs Apart Of Reorganization Of Track

Santa Anita Park yesterday announced it is “merging several departments and will significantly reduce its workforce as part of a major reorganization,” according to Brenda Gazzar of the PASADENA STAR-NEWS. Stronach Entertainment President & CEO Greg Avioli, whose company owns the track, said that more than 100 full-time and seasonal positions “will be affected by the end of the year -- including some layoffs and some full-time positions becoming part-time.” The track is “merging three departments -- sales, marketing and public relations -- into one department.” Track officials said that the restructuring “is necessary due to the overall economic climate and major changes in the industry.” Among the changes, “former head of group sales Chris Quinn has been promoted” to VP/Sales & Marketing and “will oversee the merger of the three departments.” VP/Marketing Allen Gutterman “is stepping down” and Rick Hammerle is being promoted to VP/Racing & Racing Secretary (PASADENA STAR-NEWS, 10/6).