Francesco Aquilini Family, Meet Brothers Luigi, Roberto And Paulo
Isabella Campbell
Updated on January 08, 2026
Francesco Aquilini belongs to a family of businessmen, accompanied by his brothers Roberto and Paulo in his business empire.
Businessman Francesco, 53, is an investor, philanthropist, and the current chairman of the Vancouver Canucks. In addition, he serves as managing director of Aquilini Investment Group, a parent company of several different companies with its headquarters in Vancouver.
Francesco serves as Chairman and NHL Governor for the company, which is most known for owning the Vancouver Canucks and Rogers Arena. He also serves as the chairman of Enthusiast Gaming, a Canadian digital media company.
Aquilini has done humanitarian work in British Columbia through his contributions and the nonprofits his family formed through their numerous business enterprises.
The Italian Gardens in Hastings Park are chaired by and primarily supported by Aquilini. His business has generously supported the BC Children’s Hospital. In addition, Francesco is a crucial contributor to The East End Boys Club, which offers mentoring to young men in BC who are at risk.
Some Quick Facts About Francesco Aquilini
| Name | Francesco Aquilini |
| Age | 53 (b.1969) |
| Profession | Businessman |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Spouse | Taliah Aquilini (divorced) |
| Parents | Luigi and Elisa Aquilini |
Francesco Brother Roberto Aquilini Is The Managing Partner of the Aquilini Group
The Aquilini Group’s managing partner, Roberto Aquilini, was raised in Vancouver and started his career there 30 years ago. He is the younger brother of Francesco.
He manages the company that owns and operates a global conglomerate portfolio that includes sustainable aquaculture and renewable energy initiatives, commercial, industrial, residential building and developments, property management, food and beverage, hotel, and entertainment businesses.
Mr. Aquilini, who holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Business from the University of British Columbia, has contributed significantly to expanding and developing the Group’s diversified operations.
Roberto, his wife, and their five children maintain the practice of putting family first and giving back to their neighborhood.
The younger brother of Francesco is an active member of many of the Group’s supported organizations, including British Columbia Children’s Hospital, Canucks for Kids Fund, and Canucks Autism Network.
In addition, he is a dedicated supporter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the VGH, and the UBC Hospital Foundation.
Paolo Aquilini Is One Of The Successor Of Aquilini Investment Group
Paolo Aquilini is also one of the Managing Partners of the Vancouver-based Aquilini Group, a family-run business founded over 50 years ago by his father, Luigi Aquilini.
Luigi continues to be the head of the Aquilini Group, together with Paolo and his two brothers, Francesco and Roberto. The business is one of Vancouver’s most diverse companies.
While working full-time in the family business, Paolo obtained his bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of British Columbia. Paolo has happily worked in every area of Aquilini Group since he was 14, concentrating on creating business, industrial, residential projects, and, most recently, technology enterprises.
He spends much of his time on the company’s strategic direction, new business endeavors, development, and construction, in addition to his duties as a managing partner.
Despite Paolo’s commercial endeavors, he is committed to enhancing community life.
He is also involved with local and international charities, which are motivated by an underlying passion and focus on helping others.
Paolo is actively involved in various influential community organizations and local and global charities such as The Salvation Army and Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries: a Vancouver faith-based charity that has become the leading worldwide organization in equipping Churches with the tools to support mental health and wellbeing.
Paolo also serves as the President of The Canucks for Kids Fund since the Aquilini Group purchased the team in 2005.
Vancouver Canucks Chairman Francesco Aquilini Belongs To A Family Of Businessmen
Canucks’ Chairman Francesco Aquilini was born into a business family, the Aquilini Investment Group. It is one of the most successful family-run companies in Canada.
The Aquilini family has achieved great success with their mindset and hard work while overseeing many other subsidiary companies.
The most notable company of the Aquilini group is the Vancouver Canucks, which has earned fame through its NFL influences. It is a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver. On November 17, 2004, Aquilini paid John McCaw, Jr. for a 50% stake in Orca Bay Sports and Entertainment, which also owns Rogers Arena and the Canucks hockey team.
Later, Aquilini acquired the remaining 50% of the Vancouver Canucks and Rogers Arena on November 8, 2006. The litigation dispute between Gaglardi and Beedie over Aquilini’s purchase reached the British Columbia Supreme Court in May 2007. The court granted Aquilini victory on January 10, 2008.
The court ruled that Aquilini, Beedie, and Gaglardi were not a legal partnership and that McCaw was free to sell the club to anybody he wanted.
Gaglardi and Aquilini were acquainted because of the numerous joint family gatherings they had shared over the years. Their fathers, Luigi and Bob, had been close friends and business partners for a long time. Both families are still majority partners in the proposed Garibaldi At Squamish resort north of Vancouver.
This family business also owns Aquilini developments. Aquilini Developments is a real estate developer and owner. Despite having interests across Canada, the US, and Italy, the corporation is largely centered in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
The Willingdon Lands redevelopment in Burnaby, Seymour Village in North Vancouver, and Tsawwassen Shores in Delta are recent residential and mixed-use developments in the Greater Vancouver area. The company has also constructed two residential towers near Rogers Arena.
The group also recently purchased a golf course renovation and commercial land in Chilliwack, British Columbia, as well as an acre of land in the heart of Moncton, New Brunswick.
Currently, the $2.6 billion Garibaldi at Squamish resort is being promoted by Aquilini Developments in collaboration with the Gaglardi family.
Aquilini Investment Group Owns Golden Eagle Group
Along with other investment projects, The Aquilini Investment Group owns The Golden Eagle Group.
Within 5,000 acres of prime agricultural land, the Golden Eagle Group manages a variety of recreational and agricultural enterprises. This property is the single largest land holding in the Vancouver Area.
Along with two 18-hole golf courses, a western town movie set, real estate, and a 400-acre hardwood tree nursery, this includes other things.
In addition, one of the world’s giant blueberry and cranberry producing and processing operations is owned and operated by the Group.
Moreover, the Group is also operating Aquilini Properties and Aquilini Renewable Energy. Aquilini Properties owns and manages hotels and other properties across Canada.
Aquilini Renewable Energy is searching for green energy business prospects, such as wind and waste-to-power. A proposal by the division to construct a petroleum waste reduction and recycling facility close to Christina Lake.
Aquilini Investment Group Faced Early Struggle
Aquilini Investment Group is one of the most successful private family-run businesses in Canada, but they had a hard time before reaching the top. Nevertheless, Luigi and his wife Elisa went through the struggle to make this Group a success.
It all began with real estate shortly after Luigi traveled to Canada from Travalgliata in northern Italy to meet his young wife. In 1953, they got married and moved into a $4/monthly little cottage in Vicenza.
Since no restrooms were available, Luigi had to go to a river to bathe. When he was drafted, he persuaded Elisa to leave immediately for Canada and remain with her sister in East Vancouver while he finished his service.
In 1956, when Luigi finally made it to Vancouver, his only possessions were a fifth-grade education, a strong back, and an iron resolve.
Working three jobs, he eventually bought a little house on Napier Street, which he restored in the night hours before returning to work on laying track for the PGE Railway between North Vancouver and Squamish and constructing chimneys.
With the money from selling that home, he purchased three building lots. After constructing residences and selling them, he utilized the money to acquire a commercial property and build his first apartment building with two partners.
Fast forward to 2022, the Aquilini family owns various companies, including hotels, blueberry farms, golf courses, condo developments, amusement parks, waste incineration facilities, high-end restaurants, and Pizza Hut franchisees.
Their vast dominion did not develop as a result of any grand design. At its core, it’s the outcome of Luigi’s buy-and-hold strategy at a time when the Lower Mainland was some of the most highly sought-after real estate on the continent.
Additionally, they are primary national commercial, residential, and office property developers.
Some FAQs
How old is Francesco Aquilini?
Francesco Aquilini is 53 years old, being born in 1969.
What is Francesco Aquilini nationality?
Francesco Aquilini is Canadian by birth and his father belongs to Italian nationality.
Does Francesco Aquilini have kids?
Yes, Francesco Aquilini has three kids with his ex-wife Taliah Aquilini