Stephen Feinberg

CEO, Cerberus Capital Management

Real-Time Net Worth

$5B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Private equity

Industry

finance-investments

Citizenship

Biography

Stephen Feinberg is an American businessman and government official, currently serving as the Deputy Secretary of Defense. He is the co-founder and former CEO of Cerberus Capital Management, a global investment firm specializing in private equity. Feinberg's career began on Wall Street, and he co-founded Cerberus in 1992. Under his leadership, Cerberus grew to manage approximately $65 billion in assets. His achievements include navigating complex financial landscapes and making significant investments across diverse industries, earning him a prominent position in the finance world. Feinberg's current net worth is estimated at $5.0 billion.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Stephen Andrew Feinberg was born in The Bronx, New York, on March 29, 1960. He was raised in Spring Valley, New York. Feinberg graduated from Princeton University in 1982 with a Bachelor of Arts in Politics, where he also captained the tennis team.

Rise to Success

Feinberg began his career in finance as a trader at Drexel Burnham Lambert in 1982 and later at Gruntal & Co.. In 1992, at the age of 32, Feinberg co-founded Cerberus Capital Management with William L. Richter. Under Feinberg's leadership, Cerberus grew from an initial $10 million under management to approximately $65 billion by 2024. He hired key figures such as former Vice President Dan Quayle and former U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow.

Key Business Strategies

Feinberg's approach at Cerberus involved investing in distressed assets, turnarounds, and undervalued investments. The firm invested in diverse sectors, including automotive, real estate, and financial services. His strategic investments and operational focus helped Cerberus gain a reputation for its decisiveness and strategic prowess.

Philanthropy

Stephen Feinberg and his wife, Gisela, recently established the Feinberg Family Medical Student Scholarship Endowment to transform the lives of future doctors.

Career Milestones

1982

Trader at Drexel Burnham Lambert

Began his career in finance as a trader at Drexel Burnham Lambert.

1992

Co-founded Cerberus Capital Management

Co-founded Cerberus Capital Management with William L. Richter.

2018

Appointed Chair of the President's Intelligence Advisory Board

Appointed to lead the President's Intelligence Advisory Board.

2025

Nominated as Deputy Secretary of Defense

Nominated as Deputy Secretary of Defense by President Donald Trump.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Feinberg Family Medical Student Scholarship Endowment

Undisclosed

Established the Feinberg Family Medical Student Scholarship Endowment.