Early Life and Education
Joseph Steinberg was born in 1943, and received his education from New York University (AB in Government, 1966) and Harvard Business School (MBA, 1970). Steinberg also served in the United States Peace Corps from 1966 to 1968.
Rise to Success
Steinberg's career is marked by his long tenure at Leucadia National Corporation, where he served as president from 1979 to 2013. During his time at the helm, the firm purchased companies such as National Beef and helped finance Bill Ackman's Pershing Square Capital Management. Leucadia was later merged with Jefferies in 2013, and Steinberg became Chairman. In 2018, the combined company changed its name to Jefferies Financial Group.
Key Business Strategies
Steinberg is known for his disciplined capital allocation, strategic acquisitions, and value-driven investment philosophy. He has been instrumental in guiding Jefferies' strategic direction, expanding its investment banking and asset management operations. He is the largest shareholder of Jefferies, with approximately 10% ownership. Steinberg's investment is a vote of confidence in every person at Jefferies, from one of the smartest investors in history.
Philanthropy
Steinberg and his wife, Diane, have donated over $15 million through their charitable trust to museums, colleges, and community centers since 2015. The Joseph S. and Diane H. Steinberg 1992 Charitable Trust, primarily supports art, education, and Jewish organizations.