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 hedge fund manager, and the founder and CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management. Known as an activist investor, Ackman's net worth is approximately $9.4 billion as of July 2025. He's a prominent figure in the world of finance.

Sections (5)

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

May 11, 1966: William Ackman's Birth

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

Others born on this day/year

1985: Graduation from Horace Greeley High School

In 1985, Bill Ackman graduated from Horace Greeley High School.

1988: Graduation from Harvard College

In 1988, Bill 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: Founding of Gotham Partners

In 1992, Bill Ackman founded the investment firm Gotham Partners with David P. Berkowitz, focusing on small investments in public companies.

1992: Graduation from Harvard Business School

In 1992, Bill Ackman received a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School.

July 10, 1994: Marriage to Karen Ann Herskovitz

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

2004: Founding of Pershing Square Capital Management

In 2004, Bill Ackman founded Pershing Square Capital Management with $54 million from his personal funds and from Leucadia National.

2006: Founding of Pershing Square Foundation

In 2006, Bill Ackman and his then wife, Karen, founded the Pershing Square Foundation to fund innovative organizations focused on economic development, education, healthcare, human rights, arts, and urban development. The foundation has committed over $750 million in grants to more than 100 organizations 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.

2018: Engagement to Neri Oxman

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

January 2019: Marriage to Neri Oxman

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

March 18, 2020: Ackman Calls for Economic Shutdown

On March 18, 2020, Bill Ackman called for a "30-day shutdown" of the American economy to President Donald Trump during a CNBC interview to slow the spread of coronavirus and minimize loss of life and economic destruction. He also warned about the potential collapse of hotel stocks and urged U.S. companies to halt stock buybacks.

November 2020: Ackman's COVID-19 Concerns Influenced by Film

In a November 2020 interview, Bill Ackman stated that his concerns about COVID-19 were heightened after watching the film Contagion.

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March 15, 2021: Donation of Coupang Shares

On March 15, 2021, Bill Ackman donated 26.5 million shares in South Korean e-commerce company Coupang, valued at $1.36 billion, to three entities, including his own foundation.

December 2022: Charity Auction with David Lynch Foundation

In December 2022, Bill Ackman auctioned a lunch with himself for charity in partnership with the David Lynch Foundation, with proceeds benefiting frontline healthcare workers, police, and veterans battling mental health issues in New York. Ackman matched the winning bid to further support the foundation.

2024: Oxman Co-Trustee of Pershing Square Foundation

As of 2024, Bill Ackman and his wife, Neri Oxman, serve as the co-trustees of the Pershing Square Foundation.

2024: Ackman Endorses Trump and Supports Israel

In 2024, Bill Ackman, a long-time donor to Democratic candidates and organizations, endorsed Donald Trump in the United States presidential election. He has also been an active supporter of Israel, especially following the October 7 attacks, and criticized the 2024 pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses.