Wilbur Ross

Wilbur Ross
US Department of Commerce · Public domain · source
Name	Wilbur Ross
Office	39th United States Secretary of Commerce
President	Donald Trump
Term start	February 28, 2017
Term end	January 20, 2021
Predecessor	Penny Pritzker
Successor	Gina Raimondo

Wilbur Ross is a renowned American businessman, investor, and former United States Secretary of Commerce, serving under President Donald Trump from 2017 to 2021. Ross has had a distinguished career, with notable affiliations with Kluge Investments, Invesco, and DLJ Investment Partners. His professional journey has been marked by significant interactions with prominent figures, including Carl Icahn, Henry Kravis, and George Soros. Ross's expertise in bankruptcy law and private equity has been influential in shaping his business approach, often drawing comparisons to Warren Buffett and Mitt Romney.

● Early Life and Education

Wilbur Ross was born in Weehawken, New Jersey, and grew up in New Jersey, attending Xavier High School (New York City) and later graduating from Yale University, where he was a member of Skull and Bones. Ross earned his MBA from Harvard Business School, following in the footsteps of notable alumni, including Michael Bloomberg, Mitt Romney, and George W. Bush. During his time at Yale University, Ross was exposed to the ideas of prominent economists, such as Milton Friedman and Joseph Schumpeter, which would later influence his business philosophy. Ross's early life and education have been shaped by interactions with influential individuals, including William F. Buckley Jr. and Ayn Rand.

● Career

Ross's professional career began at N M Rothschild & Sons, where he worked alongside Jacob Rothschild and Nathan Rothschild, 1st Baron Rothschild. He later joined DLJ Investment Partners, a subsidiary of Credit Suisse, and worked with notable figures, including Henry Kravis and George Roberts. Ross's experience in private equity and investment banking has been marked by significant deals, including the acquisition of International Steel Group and Burlington Industries. His career has been influenced by interactions with prominent business leaders, such as Warren Buffett, Carl Icahn, and Bill Gates.

● Secretary of Commerce

As the 39th United States Secretary of Commerce, Ross played a crucial role in shaping United States trade policy, working closely with President Donald Trump, Robert Lighthizer, and Steven Mnuchin. During his tenure, Ross was involved in key trade negotiations, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and the United States-China trade war. His experience in international trade and global economics has been influenced by interactions with world leaders, including Xi Jinping, Justin Trudeau, and Angela Merkel. Ross's time as Secretary of Commerce was marked by significant events, including the 2019 United States federal government shutdown and the COVID-19 pandemic.

● Personal Life

Ross has been married three times, including to Hilary Geary Ross and Betsy McCaughey. He has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including the New York-Presbyterian Hospital and the Juilliard School. Ross's personal life has been influenced by interactions with notable figures, including Elaine Chao, Ivanka Trump, and Jared Kushner. His interests include art collecting and yachting, and he has been a member of the Yale University Council and the Harvard Business School Board of Dean's Advisors.

● Controversies

Ross has been involved in several controversies, including criticism of his handling of the 2020 United States Census and his role in the United States-China trade war. He has faced scrutiny from lawmakers, including Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, and has been the subject of investigations by the House Oversight Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee. Ross's business dealings have also been criticized, including his involvement with Invesco and Kluge Investments. His response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been influenced by interactions with Anthony Fauci and Deborah Birx.

● Business Career

Ross's business career has been marked by significant successes and challenges, including his time as a private equity investor and his role as the founder of WL Ross & Co.. He has been involved in various high-profile deals, including the acquisition of International Steel Group and Burlington Industries. Ross's experience in bankruptcy law and restructuring has been influential in shaping his business approach, often drawing comparisons to Carl Icahn and Henry Kravis. His business career has been influenced by interactions with prominent figures, including Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, and George Soros. Ross's legacy as a businessman and United States Secretary of Commerce continues to be shaped by his interactions with notable individuals, including Donald Trump, Mike Pence, and Nancy Pelosi.