Early Life and Military Service
Vincent James Viola was born in 1956 in Brooklyn, New York, to Italian-American parents. His father, an immigrant, worked as a truck driver after serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. Viola graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School and attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he played on the sprint football team. He graduated in 1977 with a bachelor's degree and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He served in the 101st Airborne Division and later earned a Juris Doctor degree from New York Law School in 1983.
Rise to Success
Viola began his business journey in 1982 as a trader at the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX). He later served as chairman of NYMEX from 2001 to 2004. In 2008, he founded Virtu Financial, a high-frequency trading company that revolutionized the trading industry with technological advancements. Virtu went public in 2015, solidifying Viola's place in the financial world. In 2013, Viola purchased the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League (NHL) for a reported $250 million. The Panthers are now valued at roughly $1.4 billion.
Key Business Strategies
Viola's success stems from his strategic investments in technology and his innovative approach to electronic trading. His leadership at NYMEX and Virtu Financial demonstrated his vision and ability to adapt to market changes. His acquisition of the Florida Panthers reflects his interest in sports and his ability to revitalize struggling franchises. Under Viola's ownership, the Panthers made it to the Stanley Cup Final and have seen a significant increase in value.
Philanthropy
Viola is committed to philanthropy, particularly supporting military families and educational institutions. He founded the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point after the September 11 attacks. He also founded a technology company, Rowan Technology Solutions, to support cadet education. His foundation also supports the Army Cyber Institute and numerous veterans’ organizations.
