Wilbur Ross

Wilbur Louis Ross Jr., born on November 28, 1937, is a prominent American businessman and financier, recognized for his significant contributions to the fields of investment and banking. He served as the 39th United States Secretary of Commerce from 2017 to 2021, marking a notable chapter in his career as a member of the Republican Party. Prior to his role in government, Ross was the chairman and chief executive officer of WL Ross & Co from 2000 to 2017, where he gained a reputation for his expertise in restructuring distressed companies.

Ross's career began in the late 1970s when he joined N M Rothschild & Sons in New York, where he led the bankruptcy restructuring practice. His strategic insights were instrumental during the 1990s when he advised New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani on privatization efforts. Additionally, he was appointed by President Bill Clinton to the board of the U.S. Russia Investment Fund, further showcasing his influence in both the public and private sectors.

Known as the 'King of Bankruptcy,' Ross specialized in acquiring and revitalizing failing companies across various industries, including steel, coal, telecommunications, and textiles. His ability to turn around these businesses and sell them for profit solidified his status as a leading figure in the investment community. Over his career, he has held leadership positions in more than one hundred companies across twenty countries.

In 2017, at the age of seventy-nine, Ross made history as the oldest first-time Cabinet appointee in U.S. history when he was appointed as Commerce Secretary in the Donald Trump administration. His extensive experience and unique perspective have left a lasting impact on both the business world and government policy.