Michael Bloomberg

Michael Bloomberg founded Innovative Market Systems (later Bloomberg L.P.) in 1981, using his $10 million severance to build a global leader in financial data services. After graduating from Johns Hopkins University in 1964 and Harvard Business School in 1966, Bloomberg began his career at Salomon Brothers in 1966, quickly rising to general partner by 1972, heading equity trading and systems development. His entrepreneurial venture, launching the innovative Bloomberg Terminal in 1982 (and renaming the company Bloomberg L.P. in 1986), revolutionized the investment industry with real-time market data and analytics.

By 2019, Bloomberg L.P. had grown into a multi-billion dollar company with over 325,000 subscribers and 20,000 employees worldwide. Bloomberg transitioned into public service, serving as the 108th Mayor of New York City for three consecutive terms from 2002 to 2013. Elected weeks after the September 11 attacks, he led New York City’s recovery and implemented transformative policies.

In 2024, Bloomberg was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his extensive contributions. His recent activities also include launching the ‘Beyond Petrochemicals’ campaign in 2022, and donating $600 million to Historically Black Medical Schools’ endowments in 2024, following an initial $100 million in 2020. He has served as UN Special Envoy for Cities and Climate Change (2014) and Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions (2021). In 2025, he is slated to receive the Department of the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award and Time Magazine’s Earth Award, further cementing his global impact.