Bill Nader has agreed to join Thoroughbred Owners of California as president and chief executive officer, the organization announced June 21. Nader’s appointment will take effect in October. He succeeds Greg Avioli, who resigned earlier this year.
Nader, 64, joins the TOC from the Hong Kong Racing Club, where he has held senior executive positions since 2007. Prior to that, Nader was senior vice president and chief executive officer of the Racing Association. New York car, where he was employed from 1994-2007.
“Given his both national and international experience and the respect he commands in the Purebred racing industry, we couldn’t be more thrilled to announce Bill Nader as Chairman and CEO of the Thoroughbred Racing industry. us,” said TOC President Gary Fenton. “California has been at the forefront of historic changes to the industry over the past few years, and Bill’s appointment is a forward-thinking step. The future of motorsport in California has never been brighter.”
“I look forward to working with everyone at TOC and all valued industry stakeholders to build a strong and sustainable future for California motorsport,” said Nader. “California has a rich history and some of the most beautiful racetracks in the world. I am delighted to accept this position to represent not only the people I serve but also a sport I have a passion for. and great respect.”
Most recently, Nader has served as director of racing product, marketing and sponsorship for HKJC since August 2021. Prior to that, he was racing executive and director of racing sales and operations. In addition, from 2018-2021, he is the chairman of the board of directors and the legal representative of the Hong Kong Guangzhou Jockey Club, where he is responsible for the new HK$3.7 billion race track. of HKJC in Conghua, China, opened in 2018.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club is widely recognized as a world-class leader in thoroughbred betting and racing. During Nader’s tenure, betting has grown from HK$60 billion in 2006 to a record high of HK$133 billion in 2021.
Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, CEO of Hong Kong Jockey Club, said: “Bill has played an important role in the development of the Hong Kong International Races and the internationalization of the Hong Kong Race in the roles. His difference with the Club. “One of his major contributions was his effective leadership in driving a multi-division team to establish the Club’s joint partnership portfolio and successfully implement a two-site operating model. He also plays an important role on the international front as the Chairman of the Asian Patterns Committee of the Asian Racing Federation and Vice-Chairman at both Sha Tin and Conghua Circuit. The International Race Planning and Classification Advisory Committee of the International Federation of Equestrian Authorities, on behalf of the Club, I would like to express my deep appreciation for the contributions Bill’s outstanding contribution and wish him all the best in his future career.”
HKJC’s chief executive officer for racing, Andrew Harding, also paid tribute to Nader’s significant contributions to Hong Kong racing.
Harding said: “Bill was a great team player who was always committed to excellence. “He has contributed significantly to racing marketing and sponsorship activities, as well as promoting racing as a sport to both racing fans and the non-racing public. great experience working with Bill. We will miss him and wish him success in his new endeavor.”
