Churchill Downs Incorporated is thrilled to announce Sam Ulrich as the organization’s new Vice President of Investor Relations! Sam will be instrumental in conveying CDI’s financial achievements and strategic goals to investors and the financial community.
In this capacity, Sam will report to Marcia Dall, our esteemed EVP and Chief Financial Officer, recognized for her extensive financial acumen.
Sam brings over 15 years of experience in finance, having developed his expertise at Yum! Brands, the corporation behind KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut. His most recent post was Senior Director of Business Planning and Finance for KFC.
Sam’s career commenced at PwC in Louisville, Kentucky, where he acquired valuable auditing experience. He then moved to Yum! Brands, steadily progressing through various finance and accounting roles. His outstanding contributions led to his appointment as Interim Chief Financial Officer for KFC U.S. in October 2022. This position showcased Sam’s ability to oversee the financial operations of a multi-billion dollar brand with thousands of locations nationwide.
A proud University of Kentucky alumnus, Sam holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and an MBA with a Finance concentration. He is also a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Kentucky.
Sam’s arrival coincides with a dynamic period for CDI, marked by the recent grand opening of our Terre Haute Casino Resort in Indiana. This $240 million venture boasts a luxurious hotel, a cutting-edge casino floor, and diverse dining and entertainment venues.
We are certain that Sam’s knowledge and guidance will be invaluable in fostering stronger connections with the investment community as we pursue our growth objectives.
This endeavor has significantly boosted the regional economy, initially generating 1000 positions in construction and currently sustaining approximately 550 full-time and part-time roles. Furthermore, CDI secured a substantial collaboration with Sports Illustrated previously this year, encompassing sole branding privileges for a novel dining venture at the Kentucky Derby.