Michael Steinhardt

Steinhardt himself began conservatively in business, working at mutual fund group Calvin Bullock and brokerage Loeb Rhoades after graduating. Then in 1967 he co-founded the hedge fund company eventually known as Steinhardt Partners with William Salomon, former managing partner of Salomon Bros., and Jack Nash, founder of Odyssey Partners. For three decades investors admired Steinhardt’s big personality and even bigger financial gains. Steinhardt is also an active philanthropist. In 1994 he founded the Jewish Life Network/Steinhardt Foundation, which seeks to revitalize Jewish identity through educational, religious, and cultural initiatives. One of Steinhardt’s most successful efforts has been the Birthright Israel program, which brings young Jews for their first visit to Israel. Steinhardt is now chairman of Wisdom Tree Investments, a venture begun by Jonathan Steinberg, W’88, for which legendary Wharton professor Jeremy Siegel serves as Senior Investment Strategy Advisor.