Bill Ackman Bio, Age, Height, Wife, Kids, Education, Net Worth
Bill Ackman Biography
Who is Bill Ackman?
Bill Ackman (born May 11, 1966) leads Pershing Square Capital Management as its founder and CEO. He grew up in Chappaqua, New York, son of Lawrence D. Ackman, a real estate firm leader. Ackman graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College in 1988. Later he earned an MBA at Harvard Business School.
After business school, he co-founded Gotham Partners in 1992. He closed it in 2003 after facing regulatory and investor pressure. In 2004, Ackman launched Pershing Square. His style emphasizes activist investing—buying major stakes and pushing for company change.
He made phenominal rallies with losses and wins. Notably, his short on Herbalife attracted major public attention. In 2025, Pershing Square reported about US$19.7 billion in assets under management. Firm’s YTD return in its holding company (Pershing Square Holdings) reached ~25.3% through September.
Ackman also offered to deepen control over Howard Hughes Holdings. He proposed a $900 million deal to raise his stake to near 48%, with vision to turn the firm into a “modern-day Berkshire Hathaway.”
Beyond investing, Ackman commits heavily to philanthropy. He signed The Giving Pledge, promising to give away at least 50% of his wealth. His foundation supports education, healthcare, and innovation.
Today, Ackman blends financial activism, bold investments, and public causes. He remains one of the most influential hedge fund managers in 2025.
How Old Is Bill Ackman? Age and Birthday
Bill Ackman was born on May 11, 1966, in New York. As of 2025, the billionaire investor is 59 years old. He will celebrate his 60th birthday in May 2026. Ackman’s age highlights his decades of experience shaping global finance through Pershing Square Capital Management and bold activist investment strategies.
Bill Ackman Height
How tall is Bill Ackman?
Ackman stands at a height of 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm). He personally confirmed this measurement in 2024. His tall stature complements his commanding presence as a billionaire hedge fund manager and activist investor. Ackman’s height, combined with his bold personality, reflects his strong influence in global finance and corporate leadership through Pershing Square Capital Management.
Bill Ackman’s Education
Bill Ackman studied at Harvard University, where he excelled academically. He earned a Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, in Social Studies in 1988. Additionally, for his senior thesis, he compared Harvard’s historical quotas for Jewish and Asian-American admissions. Afterward, following his undergraduate success, he attended Harvard Business School and obtained his MBA in 1992. Subsequently, Ackman used this strong educational foundation to launch his career as an activist investor. Moreover, his Harvard background continues to shape his views on higher education reform and DEI activism.
Bill Ackman Wife: Neri Oxman and Family Life
Bill Ackman married Neri Oxman in 2019. She is a renowned architect, designer, and former MIT professor. The couple shares one child, born in 2019. Previously, Ackman was married to Karen Ann Herskovitz, with whom he has three children. Oxman also co-leads the Pershing Square Foundation, supporting philanthropy alongside Ackman.
Bill Ackman’s First Wife
Bill married Karen Ann Herskovitz, a landscape architect, on July 10, 1994. They had three daughters together: Eloise, Lucy, and Liza Ackman. Ackman and Karen separated in December 2016 after roughly 22 years. Together, they founded the Pershing Square Foundation in 2006. Karen played major roles in philanthropy alongside Ackman during their marriage.
Bill Ackman Children | Kids and Family
Bill Ackman has four children. With his first wife, Karen Ann Herskovitz, he has Eloise Ackman, Lucy Ackman, and Liza Ackman. In 2019, Ackman and his wife Neri Oxman welcomed a daughter, though her name remains private. While he openly discusses business, Ackman protects his children’s privacy, keeping their personal lives out of the spotlight.
Bill Ackman’s Religion
Bill Ackman identifies as Jewish, tracing roots to Ashkenazi Jewish descent. He grew up in the Reform movement tradition. Ackman emphasizes Jewish heritage in his public life. He raised his children with Jewish identity. Although not strictly religious, he values culture, faith, and tradition.
Bill Ackman’s Ethnicity
Bill Ackman comes from an Ashkenazi Jewish background. He grew up with Jewish parents, Ronnie I. (née Posner) and Lawrence D. Ackman. Moreover, Ackman raised his children with Jewish identity. Although he practices Reform Judaism, he emphasizes cultural, historical roots. His Jewish heritage shapes his philanthropic focus and public activism.
Bill Ackman & Charlie Kirk: Reaction, Support, and Recent Conflict
Bill Ackman expressed deep sorrow following Charlie Kirk’s tragic death in September 2025. He pledged $1 million endowment for Kirk’s family and matched a reward to aid the FBI. Previously, reports said Ackman convened a meeting in the Hamptons in August 2025 with conservative influencers to challenge Kirk’s public criticism of Israeli policies. Ackman denies those claims, calling them “totally false.” He posted on X that he felt “privileged to have spent a day and shared a meal” with Kirk this past summer.
Bill Ackman on Israel: Support, Investments & Recent Statements
Bill Ackman has expressed strong support for Israel especially since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. He bought nearly 5% stake in the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, seeing it as a symbolic and financial commitment. Ackman describes himself as “very bullish on Israel” after recent visits and meetings with business and political leaders. Moreover, he urges U.S. support for Israel’s security and condemns antisemitism globally. Finally, Ackman sees capitalism and markets playing vital roles in rebuilding and strengthening Israel’s economy amid regional tensions.
Bill Ackman on X (Twitter)
Bill actively shares opinions on X (formerly Twitter) under the handle @BillAckman. He posts about business, politics, and global finance. He also expresses strong support for Israel and openly discusses antisemitism. Ackman engages followers with investment insights, public debates, and philanthropy updates. His handle remains a key platform for influencing discussions in finance and politics.
Bill Ackman & Seth Dillon: What’s the Latest Controversy?
Bill Ackman allegedly held a meeting with Seth Dillon, CEO of Babylon Bee, and others in the Hamptons in August 2025. Sources say Ackman pressured Kirk for changing views on Israel and international influence. However, Ackman called those claims “totally false” and promised to clear up misunderstandings. Dillon has not publicly responded to the allegations.
Bill Ackman Net Worth
Bill holds an estimated net worth of $9.2 billion in 2025. He jumped from approximately $4.3 billion in 2024, thanks to huge gains in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac stocks. Forbes and other sources agree on figures near $9.1–$9.4 billion. Ackman earned most wealth through Pershing Square Capital Management and its major activist investments.
