Early Life
Sidney Kimmel was born on January 16, 1928, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a Jewish family and attended Temple University but did not graduate. Kimmel's early life experiences, including his father's work as a cab driver during the Great Depression, shaped his ambition and philanthropic spirit.
Rise to Success
Kimmel's career began in the garment industry, where he progressed from an inventory clerk and traveling salesman to a knitwear designer at Villager. He later founded Jones Apparel Group in 1970 while working at W.R. Grace and Company. Kimmel purchased the Jones Apparel Group with a partner five years later. Under his leadership, the company produced successful clothing lines like Jones New York, Evan-Picone, and 9 West, and secured licensing deals with Ralph Lauren.
Key Business Strategies
Kimmel's business strategy centered on identifying and catering to the needs of working women, which led to the success of Jones New York. Kimmel stepped down as CEO of Jones in 2002 but remained chairman until the company was sold in 2014. Following his success in fashion, Kimmel moved into the film industry, founding Sidney Kimmel Entertainment (SKE) in 2004, and produced over 40 feature films.
Philanthropy
Kimmel is a significant philanthropist with a commitment to giving away his wealth. He founded the Sidney Kimmel Foundation in 1993, with an initial commitment of $120 million to institutions serving healthcare, education, arts, and culture. Kimmel has donated to healthcare, cancer research, education, and the arts. Noteworthy contributions include $150 million to Johns Hopkins University, which led to the renaming of their cancer center to the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center. His philanthropy has also included significant donations to Thomas Jefferson University and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.