Early Life and Education
James S. Tisch was born on January 2, 1953, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He graduated from Suffield Academy in 1971. Tisch received a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Cornell University in 1975, graduating as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He then earned a Master of Business Administration with distinction from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1976.
Rise to Success
Tisch began his professional career in 1976 at CNA Financial Corporation, an insurance firm in which Loews held a significant stake. In 1977, he joined Loews Corporation, the diversified holding company founded by his father, Laurence Tisch, and his uncle Preston Robert Tisch. Tisch held various positions within the company, including CEO of Diamond Offshore Drilling from 1989 to 1994. He became President and Chief Operating Officer of Loews in 1994. In 1999, he became President and Chief Executive Officer of Loews Corporation, a role he held until December 31, 2024. In January 2025, Tisch transitioned to Chairman of the Board.
Key Business Strategies
Tisch's leadership at Loews has been marked by a focus on conservative financial management and long-term value creation. Loews operates primarily through subsidiaries involved in insurance (CNA Financial Corporation), natural gas transportation (Boardwalk Pipelines), and hospitality (Loews Hotels). Tisch emphasized disciplined capital allocation and a value-investing approach, essential to navigating diverse markets and ensuring shareholder returns.
Philanthropy
Tisch is actively involved in philanthropy. He and his wife, Merryl, have donated $40 million to establish The Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York. Tisch has also been involved in various Jewish communal affairs and served as Chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations from 2003 to 2005.
