Early Life
Jeffrey Edward Gundlach was born in Amherst, New York, on October 30, 1959. He came from a middle-class family, where his father was a chemist and his mother was a teacher. Gundlach graduated summa cum laude from Dartmouth College in 1981 with a B.A. in mathematics and philosophy. He later attended Yale University for a Ph.D. in mathematics but did not complete the program, choosing to pursue a career in finance.
Rise to Success
Gundlach's career in finance began with Daniel Stern & Co. before he became the head of the TCW Total Return Bond Fund, where he gained recognition for achieving top-tier performance. However, in 2009, he was fired from TCW. Undeterred, Gundlach co-founded DoubleLine Capital with Philip Barach and former TCW staff in December 2009. Under his leadership, DoubleLine Capital has become a significant player in the investment management sector, specializing in fixed-income strategies. His expertise has led to him being called the "King of Bonds" by Barron's.
Key Business Strategies
Gundlach is known for his disciplined investment approach, emphasizing thorough research and a long-term perspective, particularly in fixed-income markets. He is recognized for his contrarian views, identifying opportunities in challenging market conditions and advocating for risk management and diversification. Gundlach has also correctly predicted major market events, including the subprime mortgage crisis. DoubleLine Capital's strategy focuses on fixed-income investments, including mortgage-backed securities and emerging market debt.
Philanthropy
Beyond his financial success, Gundlach is also a philanthropist. In 2016, he donated $42.5 million to the Albright–Knox Art Gallery (now the Buffalo AKG Art Museum) in Buffalo, New York, which was the largest cultural gift from an individual in the city's history. This reflected his dedication to culture and the arts.