The former majority owners of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center — Mark Bellissimo, Marsha Dammerman, Lisa Lourie and Roger Smith — have completed the purchase of Wellington International from Global Equestrian Group. The new company, WI FL Acquisition LLC, confirmed that Murray S. Kessler will lead the new Wellington International as chief executive officer.
“We are grateful to have Wellington International back into a local and long-term ownership group, committed to ensuring that the showgrounds thrive for years to come. All disciplines will continue to have a home here in Wellington, including show jumping, hunters and dressage,” Bellissimo said. “These sports, along with polo, define this community and firmly establish Wellington as the premier equestrian destination in the world. We look forward to investing in the showgrounds and working with Michael Stone and the leadership team going forward. Special thanks to City National Bank CEO Jorge Gonzalez and Market Executive David Albright for stepping up in support of the transaction in such a short time frame and continuing our great partnership.”
Kessler said that he is excited about this new opportunity.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Wellington International President Michael Stone and his team to capitalize on this remarkable growth opportunity for Wellington,” he said. “While our investment plan is a multi-year journey, I’m pleased to share that we are already making some meaningful enhancements to improve the experience and infrastructure for the horses, athletes, partners and spectators for this coming season.”
Wellington International is home to the Winter Equestrian Festival, which is the largest and longest-running equestrian competition series in the world, hosting 42 weeks of competition annually across the equestrian disciplines of show jumping, hunters, dressage and para-dressage, and welcoming more than 350,000 spectators, 15,000 horses and 7,500 competitors. In 2024, WEF contributed more than $400 million in economic impact to Palm Beach County.
“With the sale process complete, we can now turn to what we do best — focusing on the shows, the horses, the riders and the equestrian season here in Wellington with a renewed purpose and committed ownership group,” Stone said.
Kessler agreed. “Wellington International is the anchor of the Wellington community. When it is strong, our community is strong,” he said. “We are ready to turn our attention and resources to ensure that Wellington International remains the premier horse sports destination in the world.”
