Early Life and Career
Liesel Pritzker Simmons, born into the prominent Pritzker family in Chicago, Illinois, had a childhood marked by both affluence and the scrutiny that comes with it. Her father, Robert Pritzker, co-founded The Marmon Group, and her uncle, Jay Pritzker, founded the Hyatt Hotel chain. She attended Columbia University, where she studied African History. Simmons began her career in the entertainment industry under the stage name Liesel Matthews, appearing in the 1995 film adaptation of 'A Little Princess' and 'Air Force One'.
Rise to Success
Simmons's professional path took a significant turn when she decided to leverage her family's resources for social good. In 2002, she filed a lawsuit against her family over trust funds, which led to a settlement and gave her more control over her assets. This pivotal moment marked her transition from acting to philanthropy and impact investing. She co-founded the Blue Haven Initiative with her husband, Ian Simmons, which became one of the first family offices created with impact investing as its mission. She also co-founded the IDP Foundation.
Key Business Strategies
The Blue Haven Initiative's strategy centers on integrating impact into every investment decision. The Initiative has an international portfolio of diversified investments. Simmons focuses on investments that align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. This approach involves careful assessment of potential investments, direct engagement with companies, and strategic partnerships to advance informed investing. Her leadership at Blue Haven Initiative reflects a commitment to using capital to drive positive change and achieve financial returns. She actively works with entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and co-investors to create social, environmental, and financial value.
Philanthropy
Simmons is deeply involved in philanthropy. She co-founded the IDP Foundation, which focuses on achieving universal primary education and the IDP Rising Schools Program. She has also supported various charitable campaigns, including the “Save the Children” organization and the “Natural Resources Defense Council.” Her family's philanthropic work has been recognized with awards such as the “Philanthropist of the Year.” Through her work with Blue Haven, she has invested in companies focused on improving the quality of life and offering economic opportunity in sub-Saharan Africa.