Born in Israel, Ben Ashkenazy is a self-made American billionaire real estate developer and investor, the founder of Ashkenazy Acquisition Corporation (AAC). His family emigrated and he grew up in Lawrence, Long Island, New York. His father, Izzy Ashkenazy, was also involved in real estate, providing a foundation for his son's early career.

Ashkenazy's entrepreneurial spirit was evident at a remarkably young age: he bought his first property at the age of 18. He attended night classes at Adelphi University but, driven by the success of his early ventures, ultimately left just six credits shy of graduating. His defining moment came earlier, at age 17, when he went to a Bronx shopping center to check out a site for a fast-food restaurant but quickly realized the lease offered was undervalued. Instead of renting, he decided to find a lender and buy the property instead. This immediate ability to spot and execute a value-add real estate opportunity became his lifelong signature.

Ben Ashkenazy founded Ashkenazy Acquisition Corporation (AAC) in 1987. His business strategy is aggressive and highly focused on prime, iconic retail and mixed-use properties, often in major global gateway cities. His philosophy is built on identifying undervalued, high-traffic commercial assets and leveraging them for massive, long-term capital appreciation and rental income.

AAC's portfolio is a roster of global landmarks, including significant stakes or long-term leases in: Washington D.C.'s Union Station, Boston's Faneuil Hall Marketplace, and New York's famed Plaza Hotel (where he holds a minority stake). He also made major international acquisitions, notably purchasing London's Grosvenor House Hotel for about $750 million in 2017. His success is a testament to his high-risk, high-reward strategy of betting on the enduring value of irreplaceable, trophy real estate assets.

Ben Ashkenazy’s philanthropy is often channeled through Jewish community organizations and cultural institutions, reflecting his family heritage. He is a minority owner of the Euroleague Basketball club Maccabi Tel Aviv B.C., demonstrating a personal and financial commitment to Israeli sports.

His most visible social contribution is the preservation and commercial revitalization of historic landmarks across the United States, such as Union Station and Faneuil Hall, ensuring these crucial civic centers remain economically viable and accessible to the public.

Ben Ashkenazy projects the aggressive, high-stakes style of a New York real estate mogul. His attire is consistently bespoke and high-end, favoring sharp, dark business suits that reflect his deal-making prowess in Manhattan and internationally. His aesthetic is one of confident, unyielding power.

Residing on New York City's Fifth Avenue, his luxury is the ownership of global landmarks and the ability to command immense real estate capital. His personal life includes high-profile events, such as hiring rapper Drake to perform at his daughter's bat mitzvah in the Rainbow Room, a clear display of ultra-high-net-worth entertainment. His wealth is a testament to a lifelong, aggressive commitment to prime commercial real estate investment.