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Kenneth Feld

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Parent: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Hop 4
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Kenneth Feld
NameKenneth Feld
Birth date2 October 1948
Birth placeWashington, D.C., U.S.
OccupationChairman and CEO of Feld Entertainment
EducationBoston University
SpouseBonnie Feld
Children3, including Nicole Feld

Kenneth Feld. He is an American entertainment industry executive, best known as the chairman and chief executive officer of Feld Entertainment, the world's largest producer of live family entertainment. Under his leadership, the company has grown to encompass iconic brands such as Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Disney on Ice, and Monster Jam. Feld's career has been defined by his innovative approach to live spectacle and his stewardship of a family business into a global entertainment empire.

Early life and education

Born in Washington, D.C., he is the son of Irvin Feld, a pioneering showman who purchased the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1967. He attended Boston University, where he earned a degree in business administration. His early exposure to the entertainment world came through working for his father's company, Irvin Feld & Kenneth Feld Productions, which managed touring acts for artists like The Jackson 5 and James Brown. This foundational experience provided him with a deep understanding of production, marketing, and touring logistics.

Career

After graduating, he joined the family business full-time, taking on increasing responsibilities. Following the death of his father in 1984, he assumed control of the company, which was renamed Feld Entertainment. He demonstrated a keen business acumen, navigating the company through significant industry shifts. A major strategic move was the 2000 acquisition of Ice Follies and Holiday on Ice, which were merged to form the foundation of the massively successful Disney on Ice franchise. He also oversaw the expansion of Monster Jam, transforming it from a stadium motorsport into a global touring phenomenon.

Feld Entertainment

As chairman and CEO, he has presided over a diverse portfolio of live entertainment properties. The company's productions include Sesame Street Live, Marvel Universe LIVE!, and Jurassic World Live Tour. A significant and controversial chapter was the 2017 decision to close the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus after 146 years, citing declining attendance and high operating costs. The company later revived the circus in 2023 under a new, animal-free format. Feld Entertainment is also a major producer of ice skating shows and operates its own dedicated production facility in Palmetto, Florida.

Philanthropy and civic involvement

He and his family are active philanthropists, primarily through the Feld Family Foundation. Key areas of support include the arts, education, and medical research. He has served on the boards of several institutions, including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. His contributions to the Kennedy Center have supported numerous educational and artistic programs. He has also been a significant donor to Boston University and various health-related charities in the Washington, D.C. area.

Personal life

He is married to Bonnie Feld, and they have three daughters. His daughter, Nicole Feld, serves as the executive vice president of Feld Entertainment and has been instrumental in the creative direction of the company's productions. The family maintains residences in Florida and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. He is known to be a private individual who maintains a focus on business and family, with a noted passion for art collecting and a deep commitment to the legacy of his father, Irvin Feld.

Awards and recognition

Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades for his impact on the entertainment industry. These include the International Circus Hall of Fame's Lifetime Achievement Award and the Theodore Roosevelt Award from the National Hockey League's Washington Capitals for his civic contributions. He has been honored by organizations such as the Big Apple Circus and the U.S. Department of Commerce. His leadership in transforming live family entertainment has been widely recognized by industry peers and business publications.

Category:American businesspeople Category:American entertainment industry executives