Gerry Schwartz

Date of Birth: June 24, 1941

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Biography

Gerry Schwartz is a prominent Canadian businessman and philanthropist, best known as the founder, chairman, and CEO of Onex Corporation, one of the oldest and most successful private equity firms in Canada. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Schwartz has had an illustrious career that spans several decades, contributing significantly to the business landscape in Canada and beyond. After earning his Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Manitoba and an MBA from Harvard Business School, Schwartz started his career at Bear Stearns in New York. He later returned to Canada to work at CanWest Capital before founding Onex in 1984. Under his leadership, Onex has grown into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise with diverse investments across various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and aerospace. Schwartz is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and healthcare.

5 Interesting Facts about Gerry Schwartz

1. Gerry Schwartz was awarded the Order of Canada in 2006 for his contributions to the business community and his philanthropic efforts.

2. He is married to Heather Reisman, the CEO of Indigo Books and Music; together, they are considered one of Canada’s most influential power couples.

3. Schwartz is a major supporter of the University of Toronto, having donated millions to various programs and initiatives.

4. In addition to his business ventures, Schwartz is a trained pilot and has a keen interest in aviation.

5. He played a significant role in the acquisition and turnaround of several key businesses, including Celestica, Spirit AeroSystems, and JELD-WEN.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gerry Schwartz

1. “Success in business is about being prepared to take risks and making the right decisions at the right time.”

2. “Philanthropy is not just about giving money; it’s about making a difference in people’s lives.”

3. “The key to a successful investment is understanding the business and its potential for growth.”

4. “Leadership is about inspiring people to achieve more than they ever thought possible.”

5. “Innovation and adaptability are crucial in maintaining a competitive edge in today’s market.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Gerry Schwartz is estimated to be around $1.5 billion.

Children

Gerry Schwartz and Heather Reisman have four children: Elana, Dana, Jordan, and Kaila. They are known to be active in both business and philanthropic activities, following in their parents’ footsteps.