Unanimous Board of Governors Endorsement Follows Wide-Ranging Search
The United States Polo Association (USPA) announced today that the USPA Board of Governors has unanimously endorsed their CEO search and selection committee’s choice of Duncan Huyler as the organization’s next chief executive officer. Huyler will succeed Peter J. Rizzo, the USPA’s first and current CEO later this year.
“Through thorough succession planning and a comprehensive search process, the United States Polo Association has found the best individual to assume professional leadership of the national governing body of the sport of polo,” said Chuck Weaver, USPA chairman. “Duncan has a track record of strong leadership and organizational achievement and will take our association to the next level of excellence. This, combined with his sport and equine knowledge, makes Duncan uniquely qualified to lead us successfully into the future.”
A large initial prospect pool was narrowed by stages to a group who interviewed with the United States Polo Association’s CEO search and selection committee, and then to a final round, ultimately meeting with the USPA executive staff.
“Duncan’s leadership skills, financial expertise, and polo experience made him the clear choice for CEO,” said Joseph Meyer, chair of the CEO search and selection committee and current United States Polo Association president. “Duncan has been successful within the association as the volunteer chairman of its Interscholastic and Intercollegiate Committee, and as an executive in the business world. I look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role.”
“As the United States Polo Association celebrates its 125th anniversary, I am honored to become part of the incredible tradition and history of this great sport,” said Duncan Huyler, CEO-elect of the United States Polo Association. “This is a remarkable opportunity to work with a dedicated and talented staff along with a wonderful corps of committed volunteer leaders to guide and grow this venerable sport into the next 125 years, maintaining the pace of increasing inclusiveness and diversity throughout the entire polo community. I sincerely appreciate the confidence the board has in my abilities to build on the groundwork set by the previous leaders of the association.”
Prior to taking the CEO role at the United States Polo Association, Duncan Huyler held various senior leadership positions across multiple industries including retail, advertising, technology, manufacturing and finance. He began his career as an officer in the United States Army and has spent the past ten years as a hedge fund Chief Financial Officer in New York.
An avid amateur polo player and active volunteer, Huyler has served on several committees of the United States Polo Association including chairing the Interscholastic and Intercollegiate committee for the past five years. He has served on the board of the New York Hedge Fund Chapter of the Financial Executives Alliance, the Sound Practices Committee for the Alternative Investment Management Association and was a founding member of the Children’s Cancer Research Fund of New York Medical College and served on the board of Friends of Karen, a children’s charity.
Huyler received a BS from Cornell University and an MBA from the University of Louisville. He and his wife Erica – a United States Equestrian Federation licensed official and accomplished equestrian – are in the process of relocating from New York to South Florida.
Peter J. Rizzo, who will transition the CEO position to Huyler on or before October 30th, expressed confidence in the CEO search and selection committee’s choice. “I had the privilege to serve on the search and selection committee and am confident that the leadership transition process will be smooth and seamless so that Duncan will be able to fully engage the U.S. Polo Association staff professionals and volunteers to lead our organization into a bright and successful future.”
About the United States Polo Association
Founded in 1890, the United States Polo Association (USPA) is the national governing body for the sport of polo in North America and is one of the oldest sport governing bodies in the United States. With over 270 member clubs and 40 national tournaments, the USPA governs polo handicaps, tournament rules and safety regulations, to ensure the welfare and being of both pony and player. Funded by sales from the officially licensed consumer brand, U.S. Polo Assn., the USPA purposefully re-invests revenue by underwriting numerous development programs to expand and sustain the sport of polo. For more information please visit www.uspolo.org.