Early Life
Born in Toronto, Canada, in 1945, Larry Tanenbaum is the son of Max Tanenbaum, the owner of York Steel, and Anne Tanenbaum. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in economics from Cornell University in 1968. His grandfather, Abraham Tanenbaum, arrived in Toronto from Poland in 1911, and launched Runnymede Metal & Salvage Company in 1917.
Rise to Success
Tanenbaum's career has been defined by his deep interest and investments in sports and entertainment. He has played a pivotal role in the acquisition of major sports teams in Toronto, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, and Toronto FC, through Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE). In 1991, he spearheaded the effort to bring an NBA franchise to Toronto. He became a major shareholder in Lafarge North America after Kilmer merged with Warren Paving & Materials Group Limited.
Key Business Strategies
His business acumen is evident in his leadership roles and strategic investments within the sports and entertainment industry. Tanenbaum's approach involves not only acquiring stakes in sports franchises but also actively participating in their management and growth. He has also been the Chairman and CEO of Kilmer Van Nostrand Co. Limited, which later merged with Lafarge North America. Tanenbaum's foresight and understanding of the sports market have been critical to his success.
Philanthropy
Tanenbaum and his wife, Judy, are well-known philanthropists. They have contributed significantly to various causes, including healthcare, education, and Jewish community initiatives. They created the Tanenbaum Institute for Science in Sport to promote research and to improve athlete health, wellness, and performance. Their notable donations include significant contributions to Mount Sinai Hospital and the Montreal Neurological Institute.