Vincent Viola facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vincent Viola
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Viola in 2017
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Vincent James Viola
1956 (age 68–69) New York City, U.S.
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| Alma mater | United States Military Academy (BS) New York Law School (JD) |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Teresa Viola |
| Children | 3 |
Vincent "Vinnie" Viola (born in 1956) is a successful American businessman and a veteran of the United States Army. He is known for owning the Florida Panthers, a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League (NHL). Viola also founded and leads a company called Virtu Financial.
He is involved in horse racing too, owning St. Elias Stables. He also co-owns, with Anthony Bonomo, the famous racehorse Always Dreaming, which won the 2017 Kentucky Derby. From 2001 to 2004, he was the chairman of the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX), a major market for trading goods. As of 2025, Vincent Viola's wealth is estimated to be around US$6.2 billion.
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Early Life and Military Service
Vincent Viola was born in 1956 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York City. His family was Italian-American. His father, John A. Viola, came from Italy and worked as a truck driver after serving in the U.S. Army during World War II.
After finishing Brooklyn Technical High School, Viola went to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. He played on the sprint football team there. He also led his cadet company during his final year.
Viola graduated from West Point in 1977 with a bachelor's degree. He became a second lieutenant in the United States Army. He trained at the Infantry Officer Basic Course and Ranger School. For several years, he served with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell. In 1983, he earned a law degree from New York Law School.
Vincent Viola's Business Career
Viola started his business journey in 1982 as a trader at the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX). He raised $10,000 to buy a spot on the exchange. He played a big role in building up NYMEX. He served on its board of directors and led several important committees. He was also the vice chairman of NYMEX from 1993 to 1996. Later, he became the chairman from March 2001 to March 2004.
Founding New Companies
Throughout his career, Viola has started many businesses.
- In 1987, he founded Pioneer Futures, which became one of the top futures trading companies in the U.S.
- In 1988, he started The Independent Bank Group, a bank based in Texas.
- He also helped launch EWT, LLC and Madison Tyler, LLC. These were electronic trading companies.
- In 2008, Viola founded Virtu Financial. This company specializes in electronic market making, which means they help make markets run smoothly by quickly buying and selling financial products.
- Virtu Financial became a public company in April 2015. Its shares are traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange.
Leadership Style and Reputation
A book from 2011, The Asylum: The Renegades Who Hijacked the World's Oil Market, describes Vincent Viola. The author, Leah McGrath Goodman, wrote that Viola was a strong leader. Lou Guttman, a previous chairman at NYMEX, said Viola "exuded leadership." He also mentioned that Viola had an amazing personality and was a great speaker. Guttman described Viola as a smart businessman who was good at finding opportunities.
Nomination for Secretary of the Army
On December 19, 2016, then-President-elect Donald Trump announced he wanted to nominate Vincent Viola for the job of United States Secretary of the Army. This position oversees the U.S. Army.
However, Viola decided to withdraw his name from consideration on February 3, 2017. He explained that he could not meet the rules set by the United States Department of Defense regarding his personal businesses. Reports said that Viola had been trying to separate himself from his business ventures. This included trying to transfer ownership of the Florida Panthers to his family members.
Giving Back: Philanthropy
After the September 11 attacks, Vincent Viola helped create the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point. He was the main person who provided money to start it. This center helps educate cadets about military history, science, and leadership.
Viola also started a technology company called Rowan Technology Solutions. This company supports the education of cadets. He has also given money to support a special teaching position in Catholic Theology at Fordham University.
Personal Life and Interests
Vincent Viola and his wife, Teresa, have three adult sons. They live in New York City. In 2021, they sold their townhouse in the Brooklyn Heights Historical District for $25.5 million, which set a record for the borough.
Both Vincent and Teresa Viola are very involved in horse racing. They own St. Elias Stable and Teresa Viola Racing. They are also co-owners of the famous horse Always Dreaming, which won the Kentucky Derby. In 2009, Vincent Viola was honored by being inducted into the FIA Futures Hall of Fame.
Images for kids
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Viola in 2017
