Bill Ackman Speaking Fee: $50,000 to $75,000

Bill Ackman was born on May 11, 1966, in Chappaqua, New York. His father, Lawrence Ackman, was the chairman of a real estate financing firm, which introduced Bill to the world of finance early on. He pursued higher education at Harvard, earning a bachelor's degree in social studies in 1988 and an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1992. In 1992, Ackman co-founded the investment firm Gotham Partners, which managed public and private equity investments. The firm experienced initial success but faced challenges and legal battles, leading to its closure in 2003. Undeterred, Ackman founded Pershing Square Capital Management in 2004, focusing on a concentrated portfolio of undervalued companies and employing an activist investment approach. Ackman gained prominence for his short position against bond insurer MBIA and his involvement in the restructuring of General Growth Properties, one of the nation's largest mall operators. His investment strategies have included both significant wins and notable losses, such as the high-profile short position against Herbalife, which he exited in 2018. As of March 2025, Forbes estimates his net worth at $9.1 billion. Beyond finance, Ackman is an active philanthropist. He has donated substantial sums to various causes, including education, healthcare, and social justice initiatives. He also serves on several boards, contributing his expertise to organizations beyond the financial sector. Known for his outspoken nature, Ackman frequently shares his views on economic, political, and social issues. His insights and bold investment moves have solidified his reputation as a leading figure in the financial industry.