By Steve Givens February 8, 2020February 8, 2020

Gregg Walker, AB 94, did not run away to join the circus. He took the less traditional route of Ervin Scholar studying economics at WashU, then Yale Law and a long and fruitful investment and deal-making career that led him to Goldman Sachs, Viacom and Sony.

Walker now finds himself CEO of Big Apple Circus in New York City and president and chief operating officer of Remarkable Entertainment, an immersive live entertainment company whose productions include dinner theatre and two shows created for Virgins new cruise line.

WHO Gregg Walker, AB 94

STUDIED Economics

LOCATION New York City

CURRENTLY CEO of Big Apple Circus President and COO of Remarkable Entertainment

ACCOLADES

Big Apple Circus is a one-ring circus that performs October through February in a tent in Damrosch Park in Lincoln Center. Known for its intimacy, none of its 1,600 seats is farther than 50 feet from the action. Today, its a popular destination for both tourists and New Yorkers. But it was not always so.

In 2016, the then-nonprofit emerged from bankruptcy with a new lease on life as a for profit venture for its 201718 run. At the end of that season, Remarkable Entertainment began consulting and ultimately became owner-operator for 201819. In Walkers first six months as CEO, revenues increased by nearly 75 percent.

I attended circuses growing up, but I attended three-ring circuses, which have a very different feel large, enormous and loud, Walker says. I much prefer the show that we create. I think what we provide is more equivalent to a Broadway show.

Its the fun and excitement and the thrill and the danger, but its all very intimate, up close and personal.

Walkers biggest surprise during his time with the circus has been how much hard work and effective teamwork it takes to pull the whole thing off, and especially the work of the circus performers.

Ive been amazed by the sheer level of unselfish commitment you see from people who work around the circus community, he says. On a typical weekend, well do five shows. During the holiday season, well do two shows every day for a week.

Walker says he first learned about that kind of teamwork during his two terms as president of WashUs Student Union, juggling a $1 million budget and walking the tightrope of student politics.

I learned quickly in my student government days that to accomplish anything, you need a good group of people, Walker says. There is no such thing as the best person. Theres only putting the right people together and giving them the empowerment and the resources to succeed.

Excerpt from:
A new venture under the big top | The Source - Washington University in St. Louis Newsroom