Early Life and Education
Mortimer Benjamin Zuckerman was born on June 4, 1937, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. His parents were Jewish immigrants who owned a tobacco and candy store. He attended McGill University at 16, earning a B.A. in 1957 and a B.C.L. in 1961. He then pursued an MBA at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, earning it with distinction, and an LL.M. from Harvard University.
Rise to Success
Zuckerman began his career in real estate, joining Cabot, Cabot & Forbes, where he rose to Senior Vice President and CFO. In 1970, he co-founded Boston Properties, a major real estate investment trust (REIT). Boston Properties owns and manages commercial properties across major U.S. markets. Zuckerman also entered the media industry. In 1984, he purchased U.S. News & World Report, where he currently serves as editor-in-chief. He previously owned the New York Daily News, The Atlantic, and Fast Company.
Key Business Strategies
Zuckerman's business strategy involves a combination of strategic acquisitions and developments. In real estate, he focused on acquiring and developing high-quality office properties. In media, he transformed U.S. News & World Report into a multi-platform publisher of news and consumer advice. Zuckerman's strategy involves exercising political influence and taking an active role in editorial direction.
Philanthropy
Zuckerman is a well-known philanthropist, giving through The Mortimer Benjamin Zuckerman Foundation. His major donations have created the Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University and the Zuckerman STEM Leadership Program. He has also pledged significant funds to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
