Abess

Rank #1739

UNITED STATES•finance-investments•Banking

Leonard Abess

Net Worth

$2.26B

0% (24h)

Leonard Abess, a prominent figure in the banking sector, is known for his success as a businessman and his commitment to philanthropy. Born in 1948, he is currently 77 years old. His wealth stems from his career in banking, most notably as the former owner of City National Bank of Florida, which he grew significantly. His net worth is estimated at $2.3 billion. Abess is celebrated for his generosity, including distributing $60 million to his employees after selling the bank. His career achievements include leading City National Bank to become a major financial institution in Florida. He is also actively involved in supporting educational and environmental causes. He resides in Miami, Florida, and is a graduate of The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

The Full Dossier

Early Life and Education

Leonard Abess was born in 1948. He is an alumnus of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. His father, Leonard Abess Sr., co-founded City National Bank of Florida in 1946.

Rise to Success

Abess began his career at City National Bank, eventually becoming the majority owner and chairman in 1984. Under his leadership, the bank's assets grew significantly. In 2008, he sold his 83% share of City National Bank to Caja Madrid banking group for $927 million.

Key Business Strategies

Abess's success is attributed to his focus on banking and real estate ventures. His company, ThinkLab Ventures, provides capital and financing for commercial real estate development projects. He has invested in various other ventures, including a stake in Jersey Jack Pinball.

Philanthropy

Abess is known for his significant philanthropic contributions. He is a trustee of the University of Miami and established the Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy at the university. He also founded a floating research station in the Amazon and the Abess Center for Environmental Studies at Miami Country Day School. Abess is a strong advocate for environmental causes and has been involved in various initiatives supporting environmental research and education.

Career Timeline

2011

Chairman of the Board of Trustees, University of Miami

Appointed Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the University of Miami.

2009

Philanthropic Gift to Employees

Distributed $60 million from the bank sale to current and former employees.

2008

Sale of City National Bank of Florida

Sold a majority stake in City National Bank of Florida to Caja Madrid.

1984

Chairman and Majority Owner of City National Bank of Florida

Became the majority owner and chairman of City National Bank of Florida, significantly growing the bank's assets.

Philanthropic Impact

Education and Environment$5M

Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy

Established at the University of Miami to support environmental science and policy research.

HealthcareUnknown

Abess Family Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Established at Mount Sinai Medical Center.

Education and EnvironmentUnknown

Abess Center for Environmental Studies

Established at Miami Country Day School.