Michael R. Bloomberg

Michael R. Bloomberg is an American businessman, politician, and philanthropist who served as the 108th mayor of New York City for three terms. He founded the global financial data and media company Bloomberg L.P., which made him one of the world's wealthiest individuals. His tenure as mayor was marked by major public health initiatives and economic development projects, and he has since become a leading global advocate for climate action and gun control through his extensive philanthropy.

Early life and education

He was born in Boston and raised in Medford, Massachusetts. His father, William Henry Bloomberg, was a bookkeeper for a dairy company. He attended Medford High School and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Johns Hopkins University, where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. He subsequently received a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School in 1966.

Business career

He began his career on Wall Street with the investment bank Salomon Brothers, where he became a general partner. After being let go following a merger with Phibro Corporation, he used his severance package to found Innovative Market Systems in 1981. The company, later renamed Bloomberg L.P., revolutionized financial data with the Bloomberg Terminal. Under his leadership, the company expanded into a global media empire, encompassing Bloomberg News, Bloomberg Television, and Bloomberg Radio. His ownership of the company established him as a dominant figure in the world of financial services and business journalism.

Political career

After switching his party affiliation, he was elected mayor of New York City in 2001, succeeding Rudy Giuliani shortly after the September 11 attacks. His administration, spanning from 2002 to 2013, oversaw the redevelopment of Lower Manhattan, including the World Trade Center site. Key policies included a comprehensive smoking ban in public places, a focus on public health with initiatives against trans fat and promoting bike sharing, and major economic development projects like the Hudson Yards Redevelopment Project. He briefly sought the Democratic nomination for President of the United States in the 2020 election.

Philanthropy and public health advocacy

Through Bloomberg Philanthropies, he has donated billions to causes worldwide, with a major focus on public health, climate change, gun violence, and education. He is a World Health Organization Global Ambassador for Noncommunicable Diseases and a major funder of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. His philanthropic work supports major initiatives like the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, Beyond Coal campaign with the Sierra Club, and the American Cities Climate Challenge. He has also provided substantial funding to his alma maters, Johns Hopkins University and Harvard University.

Personal life

He was married to Susan Brown from 1975 until their divorce in 1993; they have two daughters, including Emma Bloomberg. Since 2000, his longtime partner has been former New York State banking superintendent Diana Taylor. He owns multiple residences, including in Manhattan, Bermuda, and London. An avid aviator, he holds a pilot's license. His art collection includes works by Francis Bacon and Willem de Kooning, and he has written several books, including Bloomberg by Bloomberg.

Category:American billionaires Category:Mayors of New York City Category:American philanthropists