JUSTIN GARNER

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & BRAND STRATEGY, WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER, OCALA

The largest equestrian complex in the U.S., the World Equestrian Center opened in 2021 and has been expanding ever since. It’s billed as a world-class, multi-indoor and outdoor arena facility offering state-of-the-art amenities for horse lovers. In May 2024, a second hotel opened on the nearly 400-acre campus. Also in the works are the addition of a sixth indoor arena, seven more outdoor arenas and a medical facility. A 180,000-sq.-ft. event center is slated to open in 2025 with meeting and event space, a grand ballroom and four new restaurants. Additionally, an upscale shopping venue with space for 28 retailers is slated for completion in 2025. Garner came to the Equestrian Center after holding leadership positions at Hilton hotels. He was promoted to his current role in 2023.