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 for his activist investment style, Ackman's strategic moves in the financial world have garnered him significant attention and wealth, with a net worth estimated at $9.3 billion as of June 2024. He is a prominent figure in the world of finance and investment.

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, the American billionaire hedge fund manager who is the founder and chief executive officer of Pershing Square Capital Management, was born.

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1988: Ackman Receives Bachelor of Arts Degree from Harvard

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

1992: Ackman Receives MBA 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, Bill Ackman married Karen Ann Herskovitz, a landscape architect.

2006: Pershing Square Foundation Founded

In 2006, Bill Ackman and his then-wife Karen founded the Pershing Square Foundation to fund innovative organizations.

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: Endorsement and Vote

In 2016, Bill Ackman endorsed Michael Bloomberg as a prospective candidate for President of the United States and voted for Trump.

2017: Ownership of 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, Bill Ackman married Neri Oxman at the Central Synagogue in Manhattan.

March 18, 2020: Ackman Calls for Economic Shutdown

On March 18, 2020, in a phone interview with CNBC, Bill Ackman called upon President Donald Trump for a "30-day shutdown" of the American economy to slow the spread of coronavirus. He warned of potential economic destruction.

November 2020: Ackman's Concern About COVID-19 Inspired by 'Contagion'

In a November 2020 interview, Bill Ackman said that he had grown concerned about COVID-19 because he had seen the film Contagion.

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2020: Tennis comments

In 2020, Bill Ackman controversially commented that he could play a close and even doubles match against John McEnroe in a Bloomberg News interview with David Rubenstein.

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, one of them his own foundation.

March 1, 2022: Remarks about Sabatini's treatment

On March 1, 2022, Bill Ackman delivered remarks at a Pershing Square Foundation event about what he called David M. Sabatini's unfair treatment after allegations of sexual misconduct.

December 2022: Charity auction for lunch with Ackman

In December 2022, Bill Ackman auctioned a lunch with himself for charity in partnership with the David Lynch Foundation to benefit New York's frontline healthcare workers, police, and veterans.

February 2023: Funding for Sabatini's research laboratory

In February 2023, Bill Ackman announced that his foundation and an anonymous donor would together fund David M. Sabatini US$25 million over five years to establish and run a new research laboratory.

October 8, 2023: Demand for names of Harvard students

On October 8, 2023, following the Hamas-led attack on Israel, Bill Ackman demanded the publication of the names of Harvard students who signed a letter condemning Israeli actions, so that he could ensure his company and others do not "inadvertently hire" any of the signatories.

November 2023: Support for Elon Musk and campaign against Claudine Gay

In November 2023, Bill Ackman supported Elon Musk after his antisemitic remarks and engaged in a campaign to remove Claudine Gay from her position as Harvard's president.

2023: Video call

In 2023, Members of the 2023-2024 WhatsApp group chat also held a video call.

January 3, 2024: Business Insider publishes exposé on Oxman's dissertation

On January 3, 2024, Business Insider published an exposé detailing how Bill Ackman's wife, Neri Oxman, plagiarized portions of her dissertation.

January 10, 2024: Ackman's exit from WhatsApp group chat

On January 10, 2024, Bill Ackman reportedly exited the WhatsApp group chat.

January 15, 2024: Phillips floats possible Cabinet post for Ackman and Musk

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

April 2024: Ackman's statement on Biden and openness to voting for Trump

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

April 2024: Video call with Mayor Eric Adams

In April 2024, members of the WhatsApp group chat held a video call with New York City Mayor Eric Adams to pressure Columbia's president and trustees to shut down campus protests.

May 16, 2024: WhatsApp group chat reported

On May 16, 2024, The Washington Post reported that Bill Ackman was involved in a long-standing WhatsApp group chat with Israeli military leaders and top US business leaders to "change the narrative" in favor of Israel.

June 2024: Ackman's Net Worth Estimated at $9.3 Billion

In June 2024, Forbes estimated Bill Ackman's net worth to be $9.3 billion.

July 14, 2024: Endorsement of Trump

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

2024: Co-trustees of the Foundation

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

2024: Ackman Endorses Trump and Supports Israel

In 2024, Bill Ackman, a longtime donor to Democratic candidates and organizations, endorsed Donald Trump in the United States presidential election. Ackman has also expressed public support for Israel's actions in the Gaza war and has demanded the publication of the names of Harvard students involved in signing a letter condemning statements from Israeli officials.