Early Life
Mark Richard Walter was born on January 1, 1960, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He grew up in a middle-class family. His father worked at a local concrete block manufacturing plant. Walter graduated from Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School in 1978.
Rise to Success
Walter earned a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Creighton University in 1982 and a Juris Doctor from Northwestern University School of Law in 1985. He began his career at First Chicago Capital Markets. He co-founded Liberty Hampshire Company, LLC in Chicago in 1996. In 2000, Walter co-founded Guggenheim Partners, which has grown into a global financial services firm with over $345 billion in assets under management. He is also the CEO and co-chairman of TWG Global, an American multinational holding company.
Key Business Strategies
Walter is known for his strategic investments, particularly in professional sports. He is the chairman and controlling owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, the National Basketball Association's Los Angeles Lakers, and the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL). He has also invested in European football, holding a 12.7% stake in BlueCo, which controls Premier League club Chelsea. Walter's focus extends to businesses in various sectors, including financial services, media, and real estate. In June 2025, Walter secured a controlling stake in the Los Angeles Lakers through a $10 billion deal.
Philanthropy
Walter and his wife, Kimbra, are major philanthropists, focusing on social justice, education, and conservation. He is a trustee of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, Creighton University, Northwestern University, and the Field Museum. The Walters have supported numerous organizations and initiatives, including the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, Chicago Beyond, OneGoal, and The Academy Group. The Walter Family Foundation supports education and wildlife rescue, as well as arts and culture and community organizations.
