In 1994, Greg Avioli was general counsel and an equity partner with International Sports & Entertainment Strategies in Atlanta, Georgia. This firm was started by Tim Smith, former Chief Operating Officer of the PGA TOUR, and targeted developing PGA TOUR-sanctioned TPC courses throughout the Pacific rim. The company worked closely with the organizers of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games to develop a series of sports marketing and real estate partnerships in conjunction with the creation of the Centennial Olympic Park. These efforts included the creation of the then-largest-ever Olympic hospitality center and the much-discussed Nike promotion center.

After the successful Olympic Games, Greg Avioli joined as a partner with Legacy Ventures, which developed the landmark Embassy Suites on Centennial Park and the Hilton Garden Inn across the street from the Georgia Aquarium. Greg now serves as the General Counsel for Legacy Ventures, a best-in-class hospitality, investment development, and management company that manages 11 hotels and 22 restaurants. At Legacy Ventures, Greg Avioli manages all legal work, including acquisitions, financing, leases, corporate governance, and employment matters. He has been an equity partner with Legacy for over 30 years.

Beyond real estate and law, Greg Avioli has had a diverse and exciting career working in horse racing, gaming, and politics. He has a passion for travel, with over 4 million airplane miles, and has visited every US state except for Alaska and Mississippi (which are both on the to-do list).

While Greg Avioli harbors numerous interests and passions, his calling has consistently been in business, finance, and law. Greg has likewise always been interested in the horse racing industry and the cannabis industry. Graduating at the top of his class from UNC Law with a focus on Constitutional law (one of his favorite subjects), Greg has wholeheartedly embraced new business ventures, demonstrating a proactive approach to nurturing and expanding them from their inception.

In 1998, Greg Avioli joined the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), where he assumed various pivotal roles, such as general counsel, deputy commissioner, chief operating officer, and interim CEO. His noteworthy contributions at NTRA led to his appointment as CEO of Breeder’s Cup, Ltd in 2007. Over the next six years, Avioli diligently worked to expand the Breeders’ Cup Championship, transforming it into a two-day event with annual purses exceeding twenty million dollars. In 2008, his achievements were recognized when he was featured in Sports Business Daily as one of the “six people to watch in the horse racing industry.”

In 2011, Greg Avioli embarked on his next career move, taking on the role of CEO and president at Stronach Group. In this capacity, he supervised MI Development’s racing properties and more. Subsequently, Avioli transitioned to become the Managing Director at Teneo Strategy, where he provided counsel to multinational clients in the gaming, entertainment, and sports sectors. Later, he assumed the position of Executive Vice President at b spot(™), overseeing licensing, regulatory matters, and government affairs for the US legal online gambling platform.

In 2015, Greg Avioli assumed the position of President and CEO at Thoroughbred Owners of California. In this capacity, he spearheaded the trade association, representing the business interests of more than seven thousand horse owners. Avioli played a crucial role in negotiating owners’ shares in wagering and actively engaged with state regulators and legislators on diverse issues, including animal welfare.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Greg Avioli harbors a sincere passion for travel. Outside work, he actively dedicates himself to exploring the world. Greg’s travels extend beyond occasional leisure trips; he has amassed an impressive total of over three million flight miles, encompassing both work-related and personal journeys.

To learn more about Greg Avioli, visit his Travel or Horse Racing sites.