Our leadership team

Rex Jackson brings extensive experience in driving strategic growth and enhancing guest experiences in the entertainment industry. Before joining FEG, he served as Managing Director of North American LEGOLAND Resorts, where he expanded destinations into multi-day vacation experiences, adding hotels and park expansions. His leadership in brand management began at Procter & Gamble and Darden Restaurants, driving successful campaigns for brands like Tide and Olive Garden. Rex holds an MBA from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and lives in Orlando with his wife and two daughters.

Mark Nesfeder has over 30 years of experience in the amusement industry, starting with Bally’s Aladdin’s Castle arcade chain in the early 1980s. He advanced through various management positions, including District and Regional roles, and continued with Namco Cybertainment after its acquisition of Aladdin’s Castle. At Namco, Mark held multi-unit management positions and was named Director of Partnership Operations, focusing on developing new business models beyond traditional mall arcades. He joined Family Entertainment Group in 2008, where he oversees operations nationwide.

Jim Connolly has worked in the amusement industry for 16 years. He began his career in 1994 with CDW Computer Centers before joining Namco Cybertainment Inc. in 1998. At Namco, Jim served as Controller from 1999 to 2008 and CFO from 2009 to 2010. After two years at Midas International, he joined Family Entertainment Group in 2012, overseeing accounting, finance, and HR departments. Jim earned his B.S. in Accounting from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1993 and his M.B.A from Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management in 2008.

Jim Viola leads the company’s human resources strategy with a focus on fostering a high-performance, purpose-driven culture that aligns with FEG’s commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences. Viola is a seasoned HR executive with a strong track record of leading transformation and building service-driven cultures in complex organizations. At Claire’s and Party City, Viola led cultural and operational transformations that boosted employee engagement and streamlined HR operations. He also championed leadership development programs that elevated talent across the organizations. Viola also played a key role in shaping a world-class, customer focused culture at Saks Fifth Avenue, where his efforts emphasized building high-performing teams committed to delivering outstanding service.