David Tepper is a highly successful hedge fund manager and a significant presence in professional sports ownership, known for his incisive investment strategies and philanthropic efforts. After ascending to head trader in the high-yield group at Goldman Sachs in 1985 and playing a crucial role in the firm’s recovery after the 1987 stock market crash by purchasing undervalued bonds, David Tepper went on to establish Appaloosa Management in early 1993. Founding the global hedge fund with an initial focus on distressed debt, Tepper quickly positioned the firm for significant returns. Appaloosa Management rapidly gained recognition for its impressive performance, notably generating a 61% return in 2001 by specializing in distressed bonds and equity.

Beyond his influential work in finance, Tepper has made significant inroads into professional sports ownership. His first venture came in 2009 with the acquisition of a 5% stake in the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers. Expanding his sports portfolio, in 2018, Tepper purchased the Carolina Panthers NFL team for $2.3 billion. This acquisition represented the highest amount ever paid for an NFL team at the time, leading him to divest his shares in the Steelers.

He has also extended his support to the University of Pittsburgh and numerous other philanthropic causes, underscoring his commitment to community and education alongside his financial and sports industry leadership.