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 a billionaire hedge fund manager, the founder, and CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management. Known as an activist investor, he leverages his position to influence company management and strategy. As of July 2025, his estimated net worth stands at $9.4 billion.

Sections (5)

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

May 11, 1966: William Ackman Born

On May 11, 1966, William Albert Ackman, the American billionaire hedge fund manager, was born.

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1985: Graduation from High School

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

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: Graduation from Harvard Business School

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

1992: Founding of Gotham Partners

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

2004: Founding of Pershing Square Capital Management

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

2006: Founding of Pershing Square Foundation

In 2006, Bill Ackman and his then-wife Karen founded the Pershing Square Foundation to support organizations focused on various causes.

2016: Ackman voted for Trump in the 2016 election.

In 2016, Ackman voted for Donald Trump in the presidential election.

March 18, 2020: Ackman Calls for Economic Shutdown

On March 18, 2020, Ackman publicly called for a "30-day shutdown" of the American economy to combat the spread of coronavirus, warning of severe economic consequences if action wasn't taken.

November 2020: Ackman's COVID-19 Concerns

In a November 2020 interview, Ackman cited the film Contagion as a source of his concern regarding COVID-19.

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March 15, 2021: Donation of Coupang Shares

On March 15, 2021, 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, Ackman partnered with the David Lynch Foundation to auction a lunch with himself for charity, supporting New York's frontline healthcare workers, police, and veterans.

January 12, 2024: Ackman Disassociates from Democratic Party

On January 12, 2024, Bill Ackman stated in an interview that he no longer wants to be associated with the Democratic Party and does not want to be part of any party.

January 15, 2024: Phillips Floated Cabinet Post for Ackman

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

April 2024: Ackman Announced He Would Not Support Joe Biden

In April 2024, Bill Ackman announced via X that he would not support Joe Biden in the upcoming election, citing a lack of support for Israel, and was open to voting for Trump.

July 14, 2024: Ackman Endorsed Trump

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

2024: Ackman and Oxman become co-trustees of Foundation

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

2024: Ackman Endorses Trump

In 2024, long-time Democratic donor Ackman endorsed Donald Trump in the United States presidential election. He also actively supported Israel, criticized pro-Palestinian protests, and called for Claudine Gay's resignation as Harvard's president.

July 2025: Ackman Responds to Tucker Carlson's Comments

In July 2025, following comments made by Tucker Carlson about Bill Ackman's net worth and contributions, Ackman responded on social media about his upbringing and rise to wealth.

2025: Participation in Hall of Fame Open and Declined Endowment

In 2025, Bill Ackman received a wild card berth at the Hall of Fame Open at the age of 59, where he lost in a doubles match. Following criticism, Ackman offered a $10 million endowment to the International Tennis Hall of Fame, which declined the offer.