Early Life
Mark Richard Walter was born on January 1, 1960, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Growing up in the Midwest, Walter developed an early interest in sports, particularly baseball. His father worked in a local concrete block manufacturing plant. He graduated from Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School in 1978. Walter pursued higher education at Creighton University, earning a bachelor's degree in business in 1982. He later attended Northwestern University School of Law, where he earned a Juris Doctor degree in 1985.
Rise to Success
After graduating from law school, Walter began his career in the financial sector. He co-founded Liberty Hampshire Company in 1996. In 1999, he co-founded Guggenheim Partners, a global investment and advisory firm. Under his leadership as CEO, Guggenheim Partners has grown to manage over $350 billion in assets. Walter's strategic vision and leadership have been instrumental in the firm's expansion and success.
Key Business Strategies
Walter's business acumen is evident in his diverse investments and ventures. He co-founded TWG Global, a holding company, and has a significant stake in it. Walter's investments extend to the sports industry, where he is the chairman and controlling owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the controlling owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. His portfolio includes the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA and the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL). He has demonstrated a strategic approach to combining business with cultural and community impact.
Philanthropy
Mark Walter and his wife, Kimbra, are dedicated philanthropists who invest a significant portion of their wealth in charitable causes. They focus on social justice initiatives, closing the “opportunity gap” for low-income youth, and supporting conservation efforts to protect endangered species and preserve natural habitats. Walter is involved with the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation and serves as a trustee for the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, Creighton University, Northwestern University, and the Field Museum.