Francesco Aquilini

Vancouver, British Columbia

Entrepreneur, Investor, Philanthropist

© Canucks owner Aquilini explains ‘why it’s time to go in a different direction’ | CBC Sports, CBC Sports

Francesco Aquillini is a Canadian entrepreneur and investor. He’s the current chairman and owner of the Vancouver Canucks, and a managing director of Aquillini Investment Group. The investment group owns the Vancouver Canucks and Rogers Arena, where Aquillini is the Chairman and NHL Governor. Additionally, Aquillini is the chairman of a Canadian digital media brand called Enthusiast Gaming.

Early life

Francesco Aquillini was born in Vancouver, B.C., in 1960. As a young boy he attended Templeton Secondary School. He later earned a Business Administration degree from Simon Fraser University and an MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management.

Aquillini was previously married twice. He married Dusty Martel in his early 20s and the couple had one child together before they divorced. He later married Taliah Aquillini and had four children with her before divorcing in 2013.

Career

Upon completing his education in the 1980s, Francesco moved from California back to Vancouver to help his family’s business. His father, Luigi Quillini, founded Aquillini Investment Group in the 1960s. The company maintained a strong presence in real estate development throughout B.C for more than 20 years. Francesco helped grow the group’s portfolio and direct its long-term strategy.

Aquillini Investment Group became a diverse company with interests in many industries. These industries included agriculture, hospitality, renewable energy, sports, and entertainment. The firm also manages big agricultural operations and multiple hospitality and food businesses in Western Canada.

In 2004, Aquillini Investment Group bought a 50% stake in the Vancouver Canucks from Orca Bay Sports and Entertainment. The group acquired the remaining shares two years later, becoming the sole owner of the team and Rogers Arena.

Since then, Aquillini has been the chairman and NHL governor of the franchise. He manages the team’s operations and the long-term direction of the National Hockey League.

Beyond his leadership in hockey, Aquillini is also involved in digital media and esports. He’s the chairman of Enthusiast Gaming, a company focused on gaming communities, online media platforms, and esports events.

Through his work within these companies, Aquillini has helped form a family business that serves multiple industries and employs thousands of people in Canada.

Net Worth

Francesco Aquillini’s net worth is approximately $3.3 billion.

Achievement

Chairman and owner of the Vancouver Canucks NHL franchise.

Managing director of Aquilini Investment Group, a diversified Canadian investment and development company.

Acquired the Canucks and Rogers Arena in 2006.

Chairman of Enthusiast Gaming, a publicly traded gaming and digital media company.

Helped expand Aquilini family holdings in real estate, agriculture, hospitality, and entertainment industries.

Recognized as a prominent business leader in British Columbia’s sports and real estate industries.

Supports several charitable causes connected to the Vancouver Canucks organization.

Sponsors the Italian Gardens in Hastings Park.

Regularly contributes to BC Children’s Hospital and the East End Boys Club.