Early Life
Jean "Gigi" Pritzker was born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 27, 1962, into the wealthy Pritzker family. Her father, Jay Pritzker, was a co-founder of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, and her mother, Marian "Cindy" Friend Pritzker, was a noted philanthropist. Gigi grew up with four siblings and attended The Latin School of Chicago and Stanford University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in anthropology.
Rise to Success
Pritzker began her career in the entertainment industry in the late 1990s. In 2001, she co-founded Odd Lot Entertainment with Deborah Del Prete. The company produced several notable films, including "Rabbit Hole," "Drive," and "Ender's Game." In 2015, Pritzker founded Madison Wells Media, a media and entertainment company focused on developing and producing projects in film, television, and theater. Under her leadership, Madison Wells has produced a variety of projects, including the Oscar-winning film "The Eyes of Tammy Faye." The company also expanded into live theater, producing Broadway shows like "Shucked" and "Jaja's African Hair Braiding."
Key Business Strategies
Pritzker's business strategy has focused on championing diverse stories and supporting projects that push boundaries. Madison Wells Media aims to spotlight stories for, by, and about women, and overlooked voices. The company's diverse portfolio includes film, television, theatre, and podcasting projects. Pritzker also co-leads Relevant Theatricals, a company involved in live stage productions. Pritzker has experience in identifying and investing in promising ventures, as she was an early investor in Beyond Meat.
Philanthropy
Through the Pritzker Pucker Family Foundation, Gigi Pritzker supports initiatives in the arts, education, and community-focused non-profits. The foundation's focus areas include gun violence reduction, community revitalization, and advancing social justice in Chicago. Her family is also associated with the Pritzker Children's Initiative.
