Howard William Lutnick is an American businessman, the self-made billionaire Chairman and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald L.P. and BGC Partners Inc. (a global brokerage company). His career is rooted in finance and defined by immense tragedy and resilience. Born in Long Island, New York, in 1961, he faced early loss: his mother died of lymphoma while he was in high school, and his father passed away from cancer during his freshman year of college.

Lutnick graduated with a degree in economics from Haverford College in 1983 (receiving a full scholarship to complete his education after his father's death). He immediately joined Cantor Fitzgerald as a bond broker and quickly rose, becoming President and CEO in 1991.

Howard Lutnick's strategic leadership guided Cantor Fitzgerald through its darkest moment: the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, which destroyed the firm's headquarters in the World Trade Center and tragically killed 658 of the firm's 960 New York-based employees. Lutnick, who lost his brother, Gary, and his best friend, committed himself to rebuilding the company not only to honor those lost but to support their families.

He is recognized as a symbol of resilience, successfully rebuilding Cantor Fitzgerald and spinning off its voice brokerage business to form BGC Partners in 2004, which he expanded significantly through mergers (e.g., eSpeed and Newmark). Through the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund, he has distributed more than $180 million to victims' families. His wealth is tied to the long-term, stable profitability of his global financial services empire.

• Cantor Fitzgerald L.P. (Chairman & CEO): The core private asset, a global leader in financial services, investment banking, and capital markets.
• BGC Partners Inc. (Chairman & CEO): The publicly traded global brokerage company servicing wholesale financial and real estate markets.
• 9/11 Tragedy: He led the company through the loss of 658 employees, becoming a symbol of resilience.
• Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund (Founder): The charitable fund that distributed over $180 million to 9/11 families and now aids victims of natural disasters.

Howard Lutnick's social impact is immense and humanitarian, tied to the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund's work in supporting victims of 9/11, terrorism, and global natural disasters. His commitment to philanthropy has led to the fund distributing more than $180 million.

His structural contribution is tied to his role in rebuilding and expanding a major Wall Street firm after the 9/11 attacks. He has been recognized with the Navy's Distinguished Public Service Award (the highest honor for non-military personnel) and the Financial Times Person of the Year (2001).

Howard Lutnick maintains the professional, disciplined style of a Wall Street executive. His attire is consistently bespoke, favoring dark, tailored suits. His aesthetic is one of stability and quiet determination, reflecting his resilience after the 9/11 tragedy.

Residing in New York, his luxury is the immense security and financial reward derived from his multi-billion dollar fortune. His life is dedicated to financial innovation, corporate governance, and his profound commitment to philanthropy and the memory of 9/11.