Early Life and Education
Kenneth Jeffrey Feld was born on October 31, 1948, in Washington, D.C.. His father, Irvin Feld, was a successful businessman who founded Feld Entertainment. Kenneth grew up in a Jewish household and attended local schools in the Washington, D.C. area. He graduated from Boston University in 1970 with a degree in management.
Rise to Success
Kenneth Feld's career in entertainment began in the 1970s when he joined his father's company, Irvin & Kenneth Feld Productions. He started working in the family business after graduating from Boston University. He learned the ropes of the entertainment business under his father's guidance. Kenneth became CEO after his father's death in 1984. Under Kenneth's leadership, the company has grown significantly, producing a wide array of live entertainment events. His vision led to creating the Walt Disney World on Ice in 1981. In 2023, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus was relaunched as a human-only performance. In 2024, Kenneth was awarded an Honorary degree as a Doctor of Humane Letters.
Key Business Strategies
Kenneth Feld expanded the company's portfolio beyond the Big Top by creating various live events. He established successful partnerships with brands such as Disney, Marvel, and Nickelodeon. He also expanded the company by creating Feld Motor Sports in 2008. Feld Entertainment moved its corporate headquarters to Ellenton, Florida, in 2013.
Philanthropy
In 2009, the Feld Family Foundation pledged $10 million to Boston University.