Kenneth C Griffin American Entrepreneur and Philanthropist

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Kenneth C Griffin is a renowned American entrepreneur and philanthropist who has made a significant impact in the world of finance and beyond.

He is the founder and CEO of Citadel LLC, a global investment firm that has been a major player in the financial industry for decades. Griffin has a net worth of over $20 billion, making him one of the richest people in the world.

Kenneth Griffin's philanthropic efforts are just as impressive as his business accomplishments. He has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to various causes, including education and healthcare initiatives.

Curious to learn more? Check out: John Griffin Blue Ridge Capital

Early Life & Education

Kenneth C. Griffin was born in 1968 in Daytona Beach, Florida, the son of a building supplies executive.

He grew up in Boca Raton, Florida, with some time in Texas and Wisconsin, and attended Boca Raton Community High School, where he was the president of the math club.

Griffin ran a discount mail-order education software firm out of his bedroom called EDCOM while in high school.

Concentrated businessman in suit touching face and sitting at table with laptop and takeaway drink against modern art sculpture Cloud Gate in Chicago in daytime
Credit: pexels.com, Concentrated businessman in suit touching face and sitting at table with laptop and takeaway drink against modern art sculpture Cloud Gate in Chicago in daytime

He started at Harvard College in the fall of 1986 and was inspired by an article in Forbes magazine to invest, making a $5,000 profit by buying put options on Home Shopping Network.

Griffin convinced school administrators to allow him to install a satellite dish on the roof of the Cabot House dormitory to receive stock quotes.

His first fund launched in 1987 with $265,000, days after his 19th birthday, and he also launched a second fund that same year.

Griffin graduated from Harvard University in 1989 with a degree in economics, having made significant investments and profits during his time at the university.

Business

Kenneth C. Griffin founded Citadel in 1990 with starting assets under management of around $4.6 million.

He has since grown the company into a massive investment firm, managing over $28 billion in assets today.

Griffin is also the owner of Citadel Securities, a Wall Street market maker that has seen significant profits in recent years, including a $2.36 billion profit in the first half of 2020.

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He is outspoken on the issue of regulations in the financial services industry, testifying at government hearings to advocate for more effective regulations and guidelines.

Griffin is a member of the G100, a group of 100 CEOs that meet to discuss global economic issues and challenges.

In 2015, he donated $5.8 million to several conservative political action committees, including Freedom Partners Action Fund and Right to Rise USA.

Griffin serves on the board of several non-profit organizations in Chicago, including the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

He is a prolific art collector and has made several high-profile purchases, including a $60 million Cezanne painting in 1999 and a $300 million de Kooning painting in 2016.

Transformational Gift

Kenneth C. Griffin is known for his transformational gifts, and one notable example is his $50 million donation to the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in South Florida.

He gifted the money to fund the Transformational Cancer Research Building, a 12-story, 244,000-square-foot facility on the medical campus that will double the research footprint of the center.

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This donation is part of the University's $2.5 billion Ever Brighter fundraising campaign, and the facility will be named the Kenneth C. Griffin Cancer Research Building in recognition of his gift.

Griffin's donation will allow the center to accelerate efforts to develop new therapies, enhance care for patients, and expand access to clinical trials.

He has a history of high-impact and effective giving, and this gift is considered "trajectory changing" by Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., director of Sylvester.

Griffin's generosity will help Sylvester in its mission to find cures for cancer, and it will also help the center raise even more funds for important, lifesaving cancer research.

Griffin's gift comes as Sylvester renews its NCI designation, which it achieved in 2019, becoming one of 72 cancer centers nationwide to hold the distinction.

He is honored to support the transformational work of Sylvester's team of physicians, scientists, and healthcare professionals in discovering, developing, and delivering lifesaving treatments to those affected by cancer in South Florida and beyond.

Broaden your view: C B a Share Price

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the CEO of Citadel worth?

Ken Griffin's net worth is approximately $46 billion, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in the world. He has accumulated this wealth through his successful hedge fund business, Citadel LLC.

How many jets does Ken Griffin have?

Ken Griffin owns two private jets. They are a Bombardier Global Express and a Bombardier Global 6000.

What art does Ken Griffin own?

Ken Griffin's art collection includes works by renowned artists such as Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock, and Paul Cézanne, among others. His collection also features contemporary artists like Njideka Akunyili Crosby.

Greg Brown

Senior Writer

Greg Brown is a seasoned writer with a keen interest in the world of finance. With a focus on investment strategies, Greg has established himself as a knowledgeable and insightful voice in the industry. Through his writing, Greg aims to provide readers with practical advice and expert analysis on various investment topics.

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