Early Life and Education of Bill Ackman: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Bill Ackman, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Bill Ackman is an American billionaire and the founder and CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, a hedge fund. Known for his activist investing approach, Ackman's net worth is estimated at $9.1 billion as of May 2025. He is a prominent figure in the world of finance.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

May 11, 1966: Bill Ackman's Birth

On May 11, 1966, William Albert Ackman was born. He would later become an American billionaire hedge fund manager and the founder and CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management.

Others born on this day/year

1988: Graduation from Harvard College

In 1988, Ackman graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in social studies. His thesis was titled "Scaling the Ivy Wall: The Jewish and Asian American Experience in Harvard Admissions".

1992: MBA from Harvard Business School

In 1992, Ackman received a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School, furthering his education and preparing him for his career in finance.

July 10, 1994: Marriage to Karen Ann Herskovitz

On July 10, 1994, Bill Ackman married Karen Ann Herskovitz, a landscape architect.

2006: Founding of the Pershing Square Foundation

In 2006, Ackman and his then-wife Karen founded the Pershing Square Foundation to support innovative organizations focused on various causes, committing over $750 million in grants since its inception.

December 22, 2016: Separation from Karen Ann Herskovitz

On December 22, 2016, it was reported that Bill Ackman and Karen Ann Herskovitz had separated.

2016: Voted for Trump in the 2016 election

In 2016, Bill Ackman voted for Donald Trump in the presidential election, despite being a longtime donor to Democratic candidates and organizations.

2017: Ownership of a Gulfstream G550

As of 2017, Bill Ackman owned a Gulfstream G550 business jet.

2018: Engagement to Neri Oxman

In 2018, Bill Ackman became engaged to Israeli-American designer Neri Oxman.

January 2019: Marriage to Neri Oxman

In January 2019, Neri Oxman and Bill Ackman married at the Central Synagogue in Manhattan.

March 18, 2020: Call for Economic Shutdown

On March 18, 2020, Ackman called for a "30-day shutdown" of the American economy in a CNBC interview to combat the coronavirus pandemic, warning of severe economic consequences without intervention.

November 2020: Influence of Contagion Film

In a November 2020 interview, Ackman mentioned that he had grown concerned about COVID-19 due to watching the film Contagion, influencing his perspective on the pandemic.

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2020: Comments on tennis skills

In 2020, Bill Ackman controversially commented during a Bloomberg News interview that he could play a close doubles match against John McEnroe.

January 15, 2024: Phillips floated Cabinet post for Ackman

On January 15, 2024, Dean Phillips floated a possible Cabinet post for Bill Ackman in a forum with him and Elon Musk.

April 2024: Openness to vote for Trump

In April 2024, Bill Ackman announced via X that he would not support Joe Biden in the upcoming election due to Biden's alleged "lack of support" for Israel and that he was open to voting for former President Trump.

July 14, 2024: Endorsement of Trump after assassination attempt

On July 14, 2024, Bill Ackman endorsed Donald Trump in the aftermath of his attempted assassination.

2024: Endorsement of Donald Trump

In 2024, despite being a longtime donor to Democratic candidates, Ackman endorsed Donald Trump in the United States presidential election. He also publicly supported Israel's actions in the Gaza genocide and demanded the publication of names of Harvard students involved in signing a letter condemning statements from Israeli officials.