Sidney Kimmel

Early Life

Sidney Kimmel was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1928, to a Jewish family. His father worked as a cab driver. Kimmel attended Temple University but did not graduate. He served in the U.S. Army for two tours of duty before starting his career.

Rise to Success

Kimmel's business acumen was first displayed in the fashion industry. In 1970, he founded Jones Apparel Group, which would grow into a global leader in the apparel market. The company owned brands such as Jones New York, Nine West, and Stuart Weitzman. He stepped down as CEO in 2002 and sold the company in 2014 for $2.2 billion.

Key Business Strategies

Kimmel focused on creating affordable, stylish apparel. Kimmel’s strategy was to target professional women with accessible fashion, which drove the success of Jones Apparel Group. He demonstrated a strong understanding of market trends.

Philanthropy

Kimmel is a dedicated philanthropist and has donated over $1.3 billion to various causes. Major donations include $150 million to Johns Hopkins University for cancer research and $110 million to Thomas Jefferson University, leading to the renaming of the Sidney Kimmel Medical College. He is also a part of “The Giving Pledge.”