Career Timeline of Howard Lutnick: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Howard Lutnick, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Howard Lutnick is an American businessman and government official. He has served as the forty-first United States Secretary of Commerce since February 2025. Lutnick's career is primarily centered around business and now, public service.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1983: Hired at Cantor Fitzgerald

In 1983, Howard Lutnick was hired at Cantor Fitzgerald, encouraged by Rod Fisher, becoming chief executive of a division managing Cantor's investments.

December 1990: Appointed Cantor's Successor

In December 1990, Howard Lutnick was appointed as Cantor's successor in the event of his death.

1991: Lutnick Becomes CEO and President

In 1991, Howard Lutnick became the chief executive and president of Cantor Fitzgerald.

September 1998: Electronic Trading Begins

In September 1998, Cantor Fitzgerald began electronic trading for futures contracts on Treasury bonds and notes.

March 1999: eSpeed Released

In March 1999, the electronic trading platform eSpeed was released with an investment of US$250 million.

September 2001: eSpeed Creates Marketplaces

By September 2001, eSpeed had created four dozen marketplaces, including TradeSpark, an exchange for natural gas and electricity.

October 2001: Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund Begins Donations

In October 2001, The Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund began donating US$5,000 to families of victims of the September 11 attacks with one or more children.

February 2002: Firm Announces Profit Distribution

In February 2002, Cantor Fitzgerald announced it would divide US$4.9 million in profit to survivors of the September 11 attacks.

September 2002: Cantor Fitzgerald Donates to Relief Fund

In September 2002, Cantor Fitzgerald donated US$4 million to the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund.

September 2006: Relief Fund Donations Reach Milestone

As of September 2006, the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund had donated US$180 million to families affected by the September 11 attacks.

2008: Appearance on The Celebrity Apprentice

In 2008, Howard Lutnick appeared on Donald Trump's The Celebrity Apprentice in a charity auction.

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2013: Donations to Victims of Moore Tornado

In 2013, Lutnick provided debit cards worth an equal amount to victims of the Moore tornado.

September 2014: Charity Day Raises Millions

By September 2014, Cantor Fitzgerald and BGC Partners' annual charity day on September 11 had raised US$101 million for non-profits dedicated to the attacks.

October 2014: Largest Single Donation to Haverford College

As of October 2014, Howard Lutnick gave the largest single donation to Haverford College, valued at US$25 million, bringing his total donations to US$65 million.

January 2017: Anshu Jain Joins Cantor Fitzgerald

In January 2017, Anshu Jain, a former Deutsche Bank executive, joined Cantor Fitzgerald as its president.

2017: Donations to Hurricane Harvey Relief

In 2017, the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund donated to hurricane relief, including Hurricane Harvey.

June 2024: Lutnick served as a board member of the Horace Mann School

From July 2003 to June 2024, Howard Lutnick served as a board member of the Horace Mann School.

June 2024: Lutnick Co-Hosted Fundraiser for Donald Trump

In June 2024, Howard Lutnick co-hosted a fundraiser for Donald Trump in London organized by Duke Buchan.

July 2024: Lutnick at Bitcoin Conference

In July 2024, Howard Lutnick and Donald Trump spoke at a Bitcoin conference, where Lutnick announced Cantor Fitzgerald would open a US$2 billion lending facility with Bitcoin as collateral.

November 2024: Lutnick Joins Partnership for New York City's board and Weill Cornell Medicine

As of November 2024, Howard Lutnick became a member of the Partnership for New York City's board and Weill Cornell Medicine.

November 19, 2024: Trump selected Lutnick as his nominee for secretary of commerce

On November 19, 2024, Donald Trump selected Howard Lutnick as his nominee for secretary of commerce.

January 29, 2025: Lutnick Promotes Tarrifs Before Senate Committee

On January 29, 2025, Howard Lutnick appeared before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, promoting tariffs and vowing greater action on China's advances in artificial intelligence, particularly the release of DeepSeek R1.

February 2025: Lutnick Involved in Discussions to Offer Intel's Manufacturing Facilities to TSMC

In February 2025, Howard Lutnick was involved in discussions to offer Intel's manufacturing facilities to TSMC.

February 2025: Appointments at Cantor

In February 2025, after being confirmed as the United States secretary of commerce, Lutnick named his sons Brandon and Kyle as chairman and executive vice chairman, respectively.

February 18, 2025: Lutnick Confirmed by the Senate

On February 18, 2025, Howard Lutnick was confirmed by the Senate in a 51–45 vote.

March 2025: Lutnick Comments on Recession and Tariffs

In March 2025, Howard Lutnick said there was "no chance" of a recession due to Trump's economic policies. He also stated that tariffs would be "worth it" even if they led to a recession.