Early Life and Education
Gregg S. Hymowitz was born on November 16, 1965, in Bellmore, New York. His father and grandfather owned a sponge manufacturing business, which inspired him to build a secure financial future. Hymowitz received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the State University of New York at Binghamton in 1987. He furthered his education at Harvard Law School, graduating cum laude with a Juris Doctor in 1990. Hymowitz was the 1985 Harry S. Truman Scholar from New York.
Rise to Success
Hymowitz began his career as an attorney at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, focusing on mergers and acquisitions. In 1992, he joined Goldman Sachs & Co. as a vice president. In 1997, he founded EnTrust Global (originally EnTrust Capital). Under his leadership, the firm grew to over $1.1 billion in assets by the end of its first year. In 2016, Hymowitz combined EnTrust with Legg Mason's hedge fund, selling a 65% stake, but he later reacquired the firm in 2020. Hymowitz has been involved in activist investing and is known for concentrated and bold investment strategies.
Key Business Strategies
Hymowitz is known for his event-driven co-investments, partnering with other billionaire activists. In 2015, the firm launched Blue Ocean Funds, a maritime lending division. In December 2024, the firm reached an agreement to acquire Belships for $450 million. Hymowitz is also the chairman of Purus Marine, a holding company launched by Entrust in 2021.
Philanthropy
Hymowitz is actively involved in philanthropy, supporting causes related to education, social issues, and the arts. He established the Hymowitz Scholarship, endowed the Hymowitz Professorship of Global Health at Duke University, and established and endowed the Jolli Humanitarian Award. His philanthropic contributions extend to organizations such as the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and New York Cares.
