Howard Lutnick

Howard W. Lutnick was born on July 14, 1961, and raised in Jericho, New York. He attended Haverford College, where he studied economics and graduated in 1983. Lutnick’s early life was marked by personal tragedy, including the loss of both parents during his teenage years, which shaped his resilience and determination.

Career at Cantor Fitzgerald

Lutnick joined Cantor Fitzgerald in 1983 and quickly advanced through the ranks, becoming President and CEO in 1991 and Chairman in 1996. Under his leadership, Cantor Fitzgerald expanded into one of the world’s leading financial services firms. In 2004, Lutnick oversaw the separation of Cantor’s voice brokerage business, creating BGC Partners, L.P., which later merged with eSpeed in 2008 to form BGC Partners, Inc..

In 2011, Lutnick led BGC’s acquisition of Newmark, transforming it into a global leader in commercial real estate services. Newmark went public in 2017 and completed a spin-off from BGC in 2018.

9/11 Tragedy and Leadership

On September 11, 2001, Cantor Fitzgerald lost 658 employees, including Lutnick’s brother Gary, in the World Trade Center attacks. Lutnick spearheaded efforts to rebuild the firm and launched The Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund, providing $180 million in financial aid to the families of employees lost that day and offering 10 years of healthcare coverage. The Relief Fund remains active, supporting victims of terrorism and natural disasters.

Philanthropy and Honors

Lutnick serves on the boards of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, Weill Cornell Medicine, and the Partnership for New York City. He is a recipient of the Department of the Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Awardand was named The Financial Times’ Person of the Year (2001) and Ernst & Young’s U.S. Entrepreneur of the Year (2010).

Legacy and Recognition

In 2023, Lutnick celebrated his 40th anniversary at Cantor Fitzgerald, solidifying his position as one of Wall Street’s longest-serving CEOs. His story is widely regarded as a symbol of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.Howard Lutnick

• Cantor Fitzgerald Chairman & CEO