Former NYRA, Hong Kong Executive Nader to Lead TOC

Bill Nader has agreed to join the Thoroughbred Owners of California as president and CEO, 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 Jockey Club, 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," Nader said. "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 2021. 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 racecourse 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. 

"Bill has been instrumental in the growth of the Hong Kong International Races and internationalization of Hong Kong racing in his various roles with the Club," Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, CEO of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, said in a release. "One of his major contributions was his effective leadership in driving a cross-divisional team to establish the Club's portfolio of commingling partnerships and the successful implementation of the dual-site operation model at both Sha Tin and Conghua Racecourses. He also plays an important role on the international front as the chairman of the Asian Pattern Committee of the Asian Racing Federation, as well as the vice-chair of the International Grading and Race Planning Advisory Committee of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities. On behalf of the Club, I would like to express my deep appreciation for Bill's excellent contributions and wish him all the best in his future career."

The HKJC's executive director of racing, Andrew Harding, also paid tribute to Nader's significant contributions to Hong Kong racing.

"Bill is a wonderful team player who is committed to excellence," Harding said. "He has contributed significantly to racing marketing and sponsorship activities, as well as promoting racing as a sport to both racing fans and non-racing public. It is a wonderful experience to have worked with Bill. We shall miss him and wish him success in his new endeavor."