Francesco Aquilini ('94)

Born and raised in Vancouver, Francesco Aquilini is Managing Director of the Vancouver-based Aquilini Investment Group (AIG), a family-owned and -operated firm started by his father, Luigi, more than 60 years ago. AIG comprises a diverse network of companies spanning various industries, including development and construction, property management, hospitality, food and beverage, sport and entertainment, technology, renewable energy, and agriculture. The Vancouver Canucks and Rogers Arena are two of AIG’s best-known assets. Francesco is the team’s representative on the NHL Board of Governors.

Francesco holds a business administration degree from Simon Fraser University and an MBA from UCLA. After completing his education, he worked in each of AIG’s divisions, gaining broad, international business experience. In recent years he has led the company into new fields, including eSports (via Enthusiast Gaming, of which he is chairman) and the wine business (Aquilini has significant holdings in the Red Mountain area of Washington State). Last year he oversaw the relocation of the Canucks’ AHL farm team to Abbotsford, B.C. He has also helped the company forge lasting partnerships with several of British Columbia’s First Nations.

A committed philanthropist, Francesco chaired and sponsored the Italian Gardens at Vancouver’s Hastings Park. He is an active supporter of the East End Boys Club, where he mentors at-risk youth. AIG was instrumental in the creation of a 100-hectare nature conservancy in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley, and is an active corporate and community fundraiser for the Canucks for Kids Fund, the signature charity of the Canucks. Francesco is a regular donor to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, and since the start of the pandemic he and the Canucks have donated more than 1 million meals to families in need.