Howard William Lutnick, born on July 14, 1961, in Jericho, New York, is an American billionaire businessman. He is best known as the CEO and chairman of Cantor Fitzgerald and BGC Group. Lutnick’s life and career have been shaped by both personal tragedy and remarkable resilience, particularly during and after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Early Life and Education
Howard Lutnick was born to Solomon Lutnick, a history professor, and Jane Lutnick, a painter and sculptor. He was the middle child, with an older sister, Edie, and a younger brother, Gary. Tragedy struck early in Howard Lutnick life when his mother died of lymphoma in 1978, during his senior year of high school. A year later, his father passed away due to a medical mistake while being treated for cancer. At just 18 years old, Howard and his siblings were left orphans and had to rely on each other for support.
Despite these hardships, Howard Lutnick enrolled at Haverford College in Pennsylvania. The college president, recognizing Howard Lutnick challenges, offered him a full scholarship. He graduated in 1983 with a degree in economics, setting the foundation for his successful career.
Career at Cantor Fitzgerald
Howard Lutnick joined Cantor Fitzgerald, a financial services firm, and eventually succeeded Bernard Cantor as CEO. Under his leadership, Howard Lutnick expanded the company, creating a separate entity, BGC Partners, in 2004. This decision allowed both Cantor Fitzgerald and BGC Partners to grow independently, even though it required taking on significant debt. In 2008, Howard Lutnick oversaw the $1.3 billion merger of BGC Partners with eSpeed, further strengthening the company’s position in the financial market.
September 11, 2001: A Day of Tragedy
On September 11, 2001, Cantor Fitzgerald offices were located on the 101st to 105th floors of the North Tower of the World Trade Center, directly above where a hijacked plane struck. That morning, Howard Lutnick was taking his son, Kyle, to his first day of kindergarten, which kept him out of the office. The attacks claimed the lives of 658 of Cantor’s 960 employees, including Howard Lutnick brother, Gary.
In the aftermath, many expected Cantor Fitzgerald to shut down. However, Howard Lutnick led the firm recovery, pledging support to the families of those who died. He created the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund, which provided health insurance and a share of the company profits to victims’ families. The firm eventually donated $180 million to the families and continues to support disaster relief efforts worldwide.
Business Expansion and Innovations
Over the years, Howard Lutnick has continued to lead Cantor Fitzgerald and BGC Group into new ventures. In 2024, he launched the FMX Futures Exchange, attracting major investors like Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo. He also played a role in taking the video platform Rumble public through a SPAC deal. Howard Lutnick vision has made him one of the most influential figures in the financial industry.
Political Involvement
Howard Lutnick has been an active supporter of Donald Trump, fundraising for his 2020 and 2024 presidential campaigns. In November 2024, President-elect Trump announced his intent to nominate Howard Lutnick as Secretary of Commerce, recognizing his business acumen and leadership.
Personal Life
Howard Lutnick married Allison Lambert in 1994. The couple has four children: Brandon, Casey, Kyle, and Ryan. His family has been a source of strength throughout his life, especially during the challenges he faced in 2001.
Legacy
Today, Howard Lutnick is celebrated as a leader who overcame immense personal and professional challenges. With a net worth of over $1.5 billion, he continues to lead Cantor Fitzgerald and BGC Group while supporting philanthropic efforts through the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund.
Howard Lutnick Parents
Howard Lutnick parents, Solomon and Jane Lutnick, were both accomplished individuals with unique talents. His father, Solomon Lutnick, was a history professor at Queens College, known for his dedication to teaching and learning. His mother, Jane Lutnick, was a talented painter and sculptor who expressed her creativity through art.
Tragically, Howard Lutnick mother passed away from lymphoma in 1978 when he was still in high school. Just a year later, his father also died due to a medical mistake during cancer treatment. These losses profoundly affected Howard Lutnick and his siblings, leaving them to navigate life on their own at a young age. Despite these hardships, the values and inspiration from his parents helped shape Howard Lutnick into the resilient and successful leader he became.
Howard Lutnick Height and Weight Measurements
Howard Lutnick stands at a height of 1.76 meters (5 feet 9 inches), giving him an average build suitable for his professional presence. While his exact weight is not publicly known, Howard Lutnick maintains a healthy and balanced physique. His appearance reflects the discipline and focus he applies to both his personal and professional life.
Howard Lutnick Religion
Howard Lutnick was born into a Jewish family and follows the Jewish faith. His upbringing was influenced by Jewish traditions and values, which played a significant role in shaping his character and resilience. Despite facing personal tragedies, Howard Lutnick faith and heritage have remained an integral part of his identity throughout his life and career.
Howard Lutnick Brother
Howard Lutnick grew up with two siblings, an older sister named Edie and a younger brother named Gary. The three shared a close bond, especially after the tragic loss of their parents during Howard Lutnick teenage years. Edie has supported Howard through various challenges, while Gary also played an important role in his life. Sadly, Gary was among the 658 Cantor Fitzgerald employees who lost their lives in the September 11 attacks. This devastating loss deeply impacted Howard Lutnick and further strengthened his commitment to supporting families affected by tragedy. Despite their challenges, Howard and his siblings shared experiences shaped his determination and resilience.
FAQS
1. What is Howard Lutnick real name?
Howard Lutnick full name is Howard William Lutnick.
2. How old is Howard Lutnick?
Howard Lutnick was born on July 14, 1961, making him 63 years old as of 2024.
3. What is Howard Lutnick career?
Howard Lutnick is a billionaire businessman, serving as the Chairman and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald and BGC Group. He is also known for his charitable work through the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund.
4. What is Howard Lutnick educational background?
Howard Lutnick graduated from Haverford College in 1983 with a degree in economics.
5. Who are Howard Lutnick parents?
Howard Lutnick parents were Solomon Lutnick, a history professor, and Jane Lutnick, a painter and sculptor.
6. What are Howard Lutnick height and weight?
Howard Lutnick is 1.76 meters tall (5 feet 9 inches) and weighs approximately 75 kg (165 pounds).
7. Does Howard Lutnick have siblings?
Yes, Howard Lutnick has an older sister, Edie Lutnick, and a younger brother, Gary Lutnick, who tragically passed away during the September 11 attacks.
8. Who is Howard Lutnick wife?
Howard Lutnick is married to Allison Lambert, whom he wed in 1994.
9. How many children does Howard Lutnick have?
Howard and Allison Lutnick have four children: Brandon, Casey, Kyle, and Ryan Lutnick.
10. What is Howard Lutnick religion and nationality?
Howard Lutnick was raised in a Jewish family and is an American by nationality.
11. What is Howard Lutnick net worth?
As of 2018, Howard Lutnick net worth is estimated to be at least $1.5 billion.
12. What notable events shaped Howard Lutnick’s life?
Losing his parents as a teenager and surviving the September 11 attacks, which claimed the lives of his brother and 658 Cantor Fitzgerald employees, profoundly influenced his life and career.
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