Bill Nader has agreed to join the Thoroughbred Owners of California as President and Chief Executive Officer, the organization announced today. Nader's appointment will take effect in October of this year. He succeeds Greg Avioli who resigned earlier this year.
Nader, 64, joins the TOC from the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), where he has held senior executive positions since 2007. Prior to that, Nader was the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the New York Racing Association, where he was employed from 1994-2007.
“Given his experience both domestically and internationally and the respect he commands across the Thoroughbred racing industry, we could not be more pleased to announce Bill Nader as our President and CEO,” said TOC Chairman Gary Fenton. “California has been at the forefront of historic industry changes the last few years, and Bill's appointment is another forward-thinking step. The future of California racing has never been brighter.”
“I look forward to working together with everyone at the TOC and all valued stakeholders within the industry to build a strong and sustainable future for California racing,” said Nader. “California has a rich history and some of the world's most beautiful racetracks. I'm excited to accept this position to represent not only those that I serve but also a sport for which I have great passion and respect.”
Most recently, Nader served as the Director of Racing Product, Marketing and Sponsorship for the HKJC since August of last year. Prior to that, he was the Executive Director of Racing and the Director of Racing Business and Operations. In addition, from 2018-2021, he was Chairman of the Board and Legal Representative of Guangzhou Hong Kong Jockey Club Race Horse Training where he was responsible for the HKJC's new HK$3.7 billion race course in Conghua, China, which opened in 2018. The Hong Kong Jockey Club is widely recognized as the world-class leader in Thoroughbred racing and wagering. During Nader's tenure, wagering increased from HK$60 billion in 2006 to a record high HK$133 billion in 2021.
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