The CEO of the organization that runs the annual Defender Kentucky CCI5*, the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S and the Kentucky International CSI5* has accepted a new role with the Fédération Equestre Internationale. 

Molly Day, who was named CEO of Equestrian Events Inc. in January 2025, has been named director of the FEI Eventing and Driving Department, a newly created role reflecting the strategic merger of the two departments, the FEI announced Monday. 

“Throughout the recruitment process Molly has demonstrated strategic vision, operational expertise, and deep knowledge of equestrian sport at the highest level. Her extensive experience along with her trusted reputation within the community, makes her an exceptional addition to the FEI Sports and Games team,” FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said.

“Molly’s proven leadership skills and strategic approach will be invaluable as she takes the helm of our newly merged Eventing and Driving Department. We are confident that under her guidance, the disciplines will be strengthened and positioned for sustainable growth on the international stage.”

The department merger, which goes into effect this month, is designed to capitalize on shared opportunities between eventing, driving and para-driving and to support the continued growth of the disciplines. Day, who was selected following an international executive search, will officially join the FEI on Feb. 1 and will report to FEI Executive Director of Sport and Games Áine Power.

Originally from Great Britain, Day brings extensive experience in equestrian sport and major event management. Prior to her year with EEI running the Kentucky Three-Day and its associated competitions, Day held senior leadership roles with The Jockey Club in the United Kingdom, including general manager of the Haydock Park and Carlisle Racecourses. At Haydock Park, she managed a major capital investment project, strengthened stakeholder partnerships, earned national recognition for customer experience. She also successfully oversaw the reopening of the Carlisle Racecourses after the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“I am honored to take on the role of director of the FEI’s merged Eventing and Driving Department,” Day said. “I look forward to bringing my experience in delivering major equestrian events and managing complex operations to this role. Working with the talented team in Lausanne, I hope to strengthen connections across these two disciplines, support organizers, officials, and athletes, and help eventing and driving continue to grow sustainably at a global level.”

Day’s newly announced role with the FEI means that both U.S. CCI5* events are currently without their executive leadership, as Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill CEO Jeff Newman and other key executives are no longer employed by the state of Maryland as of late December.

However, Prim Hudgins, president of the EEI board of directors, said the organization is already engaged in finding her replacement and expects to make an announcement to that effect this week.

“In early December, Molly Day informed EEI leadership that she had accepted a position with the FEI,” Hudgins said in a statement. “The board of directors immediately began discussing plans on how best to move forward in a way that ensures the continued strength, stability, and delivery of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event and EEI’s wider portfolio. We expect to have an announcement on EEI’s new leadership arrangement later this week. Meanwhile, Molly remains fully engaged with EEI as she transitions from EEI in February.”