Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#933

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Byron Trott

CEO, BDT & MSD Partners

Real-Time Net Worth

$4.3B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Investments

Industry

finance-investments

Citizenship

Biography

Byron Trott is a prominent figure in the finance and investment world, currently serving as the Chairman and Co-CEO of BDT & MSD Partners, a merchant bank catering to the needs of business owners and long-term investors. Born in 1958, Trott's career spans over three decades, beginning at Goldman Sachs, where he rose to Vice Chairman of Investment Banking. His wealth source is primarily investments, and he is known for advising wealthy families and closely held companies. Trott's career is marked by significant deals and a commitment to philanthropy, including the founding of the rootEd Alliance, which supports rural students in pursuing higher education. As of 2024, his estimated net worth is $4.3 billion.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Byron Trott was born in Springfield, Missouri, in 1958. Growing up in Union, Missouri, he developed a strong work ethic. He excelled in academics and sports, playing baseball and football at the University of Chicago.

Rise to Success

Trott's career began at Goldman Sachs in 1982. He progressed through the ranks, becoming Vice Chairman of Investment Banking. During his tenure, he advised prominent families and companies on significant deals. In 2009, he left Goldman Sachs to establish BDT & Company, which later merged with MSD Partners to form BDT & MSD Partners.

Key Business Strategies

BDT & MSD Partners focuses on providing long-term capital and advice to family and founder-led businesses. The firm's approach is often described as a 'merchant bank of the closely held,' emphasizing long-term relationships and strategic partnerships.

Philanthropy

Trott and his wife Tina are committed to philanthropy, particularly in education. They founded the rootEd Alliance and the STARS Network to support rural students' access to higher education. In 2021, they signed The Giving Pledge.

Career Milestones

1982

Joined Goldman Sachs

Began his career as a stockbroker at Goldman Sachs.

1988

Investment Banking Division

Joined Goldman Sachs' investment banking division.

2005

Vice Chairman of Investment Banking

Became Vice Chairman of the global Investment Banking Division at Goldman Sachs.

2009

Founded BDT & Company

Left Goldman Sachs to found BDT & Company.

2023

Merged with MSD Partners

Merged BDT & Company with MSD Partners, forming BDT & MSD Partners.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

rootEd Alliance

$130M (over 10 years)

Founded the rootEd Alliance to place college and career advisors in rural high schools.

Education

STARS Network

$7.4B (in financial aid over the next decade)

Established Small Town and Rural Students College Network to support students.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"I enjoyed managing money for families, but when I combined the investing skills that I had learned in my first six years with investment banking, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and capital markets capabilities, I found that it was a unique and valuable combination"

Leadership Principles

Find Your Passion

Emphasizes the importance of finding passion in one's work for success.

Integrity and Honesty

Advocates for acting with integrity and honesty in all endeavors.

Hard Work

Stresses the importance of hard work and perseverance.