Early Life and Education
Gerry Cardinale was born in Villanova, Pennsylvania, and later studied at Harvard University, where he graduated magna cum laude. He also attended Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, earning a Master of Philosophy in Politics and Political Theory. He was also a rower, competing in the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race.
Rise to Success
Cardinale began his career at Goldman Sachs in 1992, becoming a partner in 2004. He focused on building the firm's investment business and worked with entrepreneurs to develop multi-billion-dollar companies. He played a key role in creating the YES Network with New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner.
Key Business Strategies
In 2014, Cardinale founded RedBird Capital Partners, a private equity firm focused on investments in sports, media, entertainment, and financial services. RedBird has invested in various ventures, including AC Milan, Skydance Media, and the XFL. Cardinale emphasizes a hands-on approach, seeking to transform businesses by leveraging their underlying assets rather than just extracting profits. He aims to modernize the fan experience and create a perpetual income stream, particularly in sports.
Philanthropy
Cardinale is actively involved in philanthropy, supporting causes related to education, healthcare, and the arts. He serves on the boards of the Mount Sinai Health System and the US Rowing Foundation. He has also made commitments to international economic development and women's empowerment through Water.org.