Carl Icahn

Born 1936 · Age 89

American businessman and activist investor; founder and controlling shareholder of Icahn Enterprises; famed corporate raider turned shareholder activist.

Total Events

Career Span

88 years

Peak Net Worth

$7,000,000,000

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Life & Career Timeline

1936Age 0

Born in Brooklyn / Far Rockaway, Queens, New York

Carl Celian Icahn born to an Ashkenazi Jewish family; father Michael Icahn was a cantor and teacher; mother Bella Schnall a teacher.

2/16/1936Source

Confidence

100%

1957Age 21

Graduated Princeton University (A.B., Philosophy)

Received A.B. in philosophy; senior thesis titled 'The Problem of Formulating an Adequate Explication of the Empiricist Criterion of Meaning.'

1/1/1957Net Worth: $1,000Source

Confidence

95%

1957Age 21

Entered NYU School of Medicine

Began medical studies at New York University School of Medicine after Princeton.

1/1/1957Net Worth: $1,000Source

Confidence

90%

1959Age 23

Left NYU Med School & Joined Army Reserve

Dropped out of medical school after two years and joined the U.S. Army Reserve.

1/1/1959Net Worth: $2,000Source

Confidence

90%

1961Age 25

Started career as stockbroker at Dreyfus Corporation

Began work on Wall Street as a stockbroker, launching his finance career.

1/1/1961Net Worth: $5,000Source

Confidence

90%

1963Age 27

Became options manager at Tessel, Patrick & Co.

Transitioned from stockbroker work into options trading and management.

1/1/1963Net Worth: $10,000Source

Confidence

85%

1964Age 28

Moved to Gruntal & Co. (options trading)

Continued options trading at Gruntal & Co., further building trading expertise.

1/1/1964Net Worth: $15,000Source

Confidence

85%

1968Age 32

Bought NYSE seat and founded Icahn & Co.

With $150,000 of his own money and a $400,000 investment from his uncle M. Elliot Schnall, purchased a seat on the NYSE and formed Icahn & Co., focusing on risk arbitrage and options.

1/1/1968Net Worth: $150,000Source

Confidence

95%

1978Age 42

First takeover: Tappan Company (control) and sale to Electrolux

Took controlling stake in Tappan and forced sale to Electrolux, reportedly doubling his investment and making ~$2.7M profit.

1/1/1978Net Worth: $3,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

1978Age 42

Met Liba Trejbal

Met Liba Trejbal (a ballerina from Czechoslovakia) in the summer; relationship led to marriage the following year.

6/1/1978Net Worth: $3,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

1979Age 43

Acquired Bayswater Realty & Capital Corporation

Acquisition as part of expanding investment activities (company-level investment).

1/1/1979Net Worth: $3,500,000Source

Confidence

70%

1979Age 43

Married Liba Trejbal (first marriage)

Married Liba Trejbal in March 1979; she later filed for divorce in 1993 and settlement finalized in 1999.

3/1/1979Net Worth: $3,200,000Source

Confidence

95%

1983Age 47

Acquired ACF Industries

Purchased ACF Industries as part of takeover activities; later sold shares to Phillips Petroleum for profit.

1/1/1983Net Worth: $10,000,000Source

Confidence

70%

1984Age 48

Received Golden Plate Award (American Academy of Achievement)

Honored with the Golden Plate Award in 1984.

1/1/1984Net Worth: $50,000,000Source

Confidence

95%

1985Age 49

Sold ACF stake to Phillips Petroleum (profit ~$50M)

Sold shares in ACF Industries to Phillips Petroleum in 1985, reportedly making ~$50 million profit.

1/1/1985Net Worth: $60,000,000Source

Confidence

70%

1985Age 49

Acquired 50% stake in Trans World Airlines (TWA)

Began controlling influence over TWA by pooling funds and borrowed money; later took complete control in a leveraged buyout.

1/1/1985Net Worth: $80,000,000Source

Confidence

85%

1985Age 49

Founded Foxfield Thoroughbreds (horse breeding)

Established Foxfield Thoroughbreds; paid record prices ($4M, $7M) for broodmares at 1985 Newstead Farm sale.

1/1/1985Net Worth: $70,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

1986Age 50

Launched hostile $8B bid for US Steel (USX)

In October 1986 launched an $8 billion hostile takeover attempt for 89% of U.S. Steel; the bid was dropped January 1987.

10/1/1986Net Worth: $90,000,000Source

Confidence

95%

1987Age 51

Withdrew USX takeover bid

Dropped the $8B USX bid in January 1987 after resistance and changed conditions.

1/1/1987Net Worth: $100,000,000Source

Confidence

95%

1987Age 51

Portrayed indirectly as inspiration for Gordon Gekko in 'Wall Street' (1987)

Oliver Stone used Icahn as inspiration for the corporate-raider character Gordon Gekko; a shareholder meeting speech informed 'greed is good' speech.

1/1/1987Net Worth: $150,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

1988Age 52

Completed leveraged buyout of TWA

Completely acquired Trans World Airlines in a leveraged buyout (following earlier 50% stake).

1/1/1988Net Worth: $200,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

1989Age 53

Sold Texaco stake in largest NYSE share sale to date

Sold his stake in Texaco for $2 billion in June 1989, reportedly making a $700M profit.

6/1/1989Net Worth: $900,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

1990Age 54

Meadow Star won Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (1990)

Icahn's Meadow Star won the 1990 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies and was voted American Champion Two-Year-Old Filly.

1/1/1990Net Worth: $200,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

1990Age 54

Offered to acquire Pan Am for $375M

Made an offer to acquire Pan Am as part of continued airline-related deals.

1/1/1990Net Worth: $900,000,000Source

Confidence

80%

1990Age 54

Named Starlight Foundation Man of the Year (1990)

Received Starlight Foundation Founders Award & 1990 Man of the Year Award.

1/1/1990Net Worth: $600,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

1991Age 55

Sold TWA London routes to American Airlines ($445M)

Sold TWA's London routes for $445 million; reportedly gained $469M profit from TWA dealings and left it heavily indebted ($540M debt).

1/1/1991Net Worth: $1,000,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

1991Age 55

Sold USX stake for ~$1B (profit ~$200M)

Sold his stake in USX (United States Steel) in 1991 for approximately $1 billion, netting about $200 million profit.

1/1/1991Net Worth: $1,100,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

1992Age 56

TWA declared bankruptcy (after Icahn's tenure)

TWA later filed Chapter 11 in 1992; Icahn's asset sales and debt load had long-term effects on the airline.

1/1/1992Net Worth: $1,100,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

1992Age 56

Foxfield ceased racing operations (became commercial breeder)

In 1992 Foxfield ended racing operations and became a commercial breeder after breeding more than 140 graded stakes horses.

1/1/1992Net Worth: $250,000,000Source

Confidence

85%

1997Age 61

Sold 7.3% interest in RJR Nabisco (profit ~$125M)

In February 1997 sold a 7.3% stake in RJR Nabisco, realizing a reported $125M profit.

2/1/1997Net Worth: $1,200,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

1997Age 61

Took control of Marvel Comics

In June 1997 Icahn took control of Marvel Comics in a high-profile battle with Ronald Perelman.

6/1/1997Net Worth: $1,250,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

1998Age 62

Led acquisition of 5% stake in RJR Nabisco (pressure to split units)

In December 1998 led an investor group acquiring a 5% stake and pressured management to separate tobacco and food units.

12/1/1998Net Worth: $1,300,000,000Source

Confidence

80%

1999Age 63

Finalized divorce settlement with Liba Trejbal (divorce settled July 1999)

Divorce filed 1993; settlement finalized July 1999.

1/1/1999Net Worth: $1,200,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

1999Age 63

Married Gail Golden (second marriage)

Married longtime assistant and former broker Gail Golden in 1999.

1/1/1999Net Worth: $1,200,000,000Source

Confidence

95%

1999Age 63

Donated $20M to Princeton; Carl C. Icahn Laboratory named

Icahn Family Foundation gave $20 million for a genomics laboratory at Princeton University (Oct 21, 1999 press release).

1/1/1999Net Worth: $1,250,000,000Source

Confidence

95%

2001Age 65

Riverdale LLC loaned GenesisIntermedia $100M (options received)

In July 2001 Riverdale lent Genesisintermedia $100 million and received options to buy 5.5 million shares at avg $5.09.

1/1/2001Net Worth: $1,250,000,000Source

Confidence

85%

2001Age 65

Guardian Angel Man of the Year (2001)

Received Guardian Angel 2001 Man of the Year award.

1/1/2001Net Worth: $1,200,000,000Source

Confidence

85%

2004Age 68

Began raising $3 billion to form Icahn Partners hedge fund

Started raising $3B to form Icahn Partners; also began taking stakes in Blockbuster and Time Warner.

1/1/2004Net Worth: $2,000,000,000Source

Confidence

85%

2004Age 68

Sold Foxfield racing operation / shut down racing operation

In 2004 Icahn shut down Foxfield Thoroughbreds, selling mares and weanlings at Keeneland November 2004 auction.

1/1/2004Net Worth: $2,000,000,000Source

Confidence

85%

2004Age 68

Sold Nevada casino interests to a Goldman Sachs unit ($1.3B)

In April 2007 (deal originated 2004–2007 timeframe) sold Stratosphere and other casino properties for $1.3 billion to a Goldman Sachs unit.

1/1/2004Net Worth: $2,300,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

2004Age 68

Sold all Foxfield mares and weanlings at Keeneland auction

In November 2004 sold Foxfield bloodstock without reserve at Keeneland Sales, ending the breeding program entirely.

1/1/2004Net Worth: $2,000,000,000Source

Confidence

85%

2004Age 68

Honored by Center for Educational Innovation for work with charter schools

Recognized in 2004 for contributions to public education initiatives.

1/1/2004Net Worth: $2,000,000,000Source

Confidence

85%

2005Age 69

XO Communications wired-business proposed purchase ($700M) — blocked

XO announced intention to sell wired part for $700M to Icahn; minority shareholders blocked transaction in court (2008) citing conflict of interest; penalties imposed.

1/1/2005Net Worth: $2,300,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

2006Age 70

Received 100 Women in Hedge Funds 'Effecting Change' Award

Honored in 2006 for contributions to improving education.

1/1/2006Net Worth: $2,200,000,000Source

Confidence

85%

2006Age 70

Bought stock in Take-Two Interactive

Began purchasing Take-Two (video game publisher) in Aug 2006; holdings increased to 11.3% by 2009.

1/1/2006Net Worth: $2,400,000,000Source

Confidence

80%

2007Age 71

Invested $50M in Motricity

Invested $50 million into Motricity, a mobile content delivery technology provider.

1/1/2007Net Worth: $2,500,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

2007Age 71

Lear Corporation accepted Icahn takeover offer ($2.3B)

Lear's board accepted a $2.3B takeover offer from Icahn; he was chairman and large shareholder.

2/9/2007Net Worth: $2,500,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

2008Age 72

Involved in ImClone sale to Eli Lilly ($6.5B)

Involved in the failed attempted purchase of ImClone by Bristol-Myers and the eventual sale of ImClone to Eli Lilly for $6.5B cash.

1/1/2008Net Worth: $2,600,000,000Source

Confidence

85%

2008Age 72

Purchased large block of Yahoo! shares and forced board expansion

Bought a large stake in Yahoo! and forced an agreement to expand Yahoo's board to 11 members, including three chosen by Icahn.

5/1/2008Net Worth: $2,600,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

2008Age 72

Launched The Icahn Report (blog)

Started publishing The Icahn Report in June 2008 to publicize views and campaigns.

6/1/2008Net Worth: $2,600,000,000Source

Confidence

95%

2009Age 73

Filed suit against Realogy over proposed debt swap (Dec 2008–2009)

Filed suit contesting a proposed debt swap intended to dilute equity holders.

1/1/2009Net Worth: $2,600,000,000Source

Confidence

80%

2010Age 74

Joined the Giving Pledge

Joined the Giving Pledge in 2010, pledging to give away more than half his fortune.

1/1/2010Net Worth: $3,000,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

2010Age 74

Acquired Fontainebleau Las Vegas (~$150M)

Through a subsidiary of Icahn Enterprises LP acquired the unfinished Fontainebleau Las Vegas for about $150 million.

2/1/2010Net Worth: $2,700,000,000Source

Confidence

95%

2010Age 74

Lenders group bought Tropicana Atlantic City ($200M)

One of a group of lenders to purchase Tropicana Casino & Resort Atlantic City out of bankruptcy for $200M.

3/1/2010Net Worth: $2,750,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

2010Age 74

Acquired 8.54% stake in Lawson Software

Announced purchase of an 8.54% stake in Lawson Software.

5/1/2010Net Worth: $2,750,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

2010Age 74

Accumulated stake in Mentor Graphics (6.9% then 14%)

Held a 6.9% stake in May, increasing to 14% by July; later attempted $1.86B takeover in Feb 2011.

5/1/2010Net Worth: $2,800,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

2011Age 75

Stopped managing outside clients (2011)

Announced that since 2011 he would no longer manage money for outside clients; investors could still invest in Icahn Enterprises.

1/1/2011Net Worth: $3,000,000,000Source

Confidence

95%

2011Age 75

Made unsolicited $10.2B offer for Clorox

Announced an offer to buy Clorox for $10.2 billion; had accumulated a 9.08% stake by February 2011.

1/1/2011Net Worth: $2,900,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

2012Age 76

Reported 10% stake in Netflix

Filed disclosure showing a ~10% stake in Netflix; share price rose after disclosure.

10/1/2012Net Worth: $3,200,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

2012Age 76

Pledged $200M to Mount Sinai (renaming / funding medical school)

Announced a $200 million gift to Mount Sinai Medical Center; school later renamed the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

11/1/2012Net Worth: $3,300,000,000Source

Confidence

95%

2013Age 77

Sued Dell to block Michael Dell's $24.4B buyout (Aug 2, 2013)

Filed suit on Aug 2, 2013 attempting to derail Michael Dell's buyout in favor of a rumored competing bid.

8/1/2013Net Worth: $3,500,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

2013Age 77

Large positions: Apple, Talisman Energy; partial exit of Netflix (2013)

Held millions of Apple shares; acquired ~61M shares in Talisman Energy; sold ~50% of Netflix stake for >$800M profit.

10/1/2013Net Worth: $4,000,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

2014Age 78

Invested additional $500M in Apple

Reportedly invested another $500 million into Apple in January 2014.

1/1/2014Net Worth: $4,200,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

2014Age 78

Settled proxy fight with eBay over PayPal spin-off (Apr 2014)

Pushed eBay to spin off PayPal; proxy battle settled by April 2014 with PayPal spinoff plans moving forward.

4/1/2014Net Worth: $4,200,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

2015Age 79

Invested $100M in Lyft

Made a $100 million investment in ride-sharing service Lyft on May 15, 2015.

5/15/2015Net Worth: $4,300,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

2015Age 79

Swapped eBay stake for PayPal shares; disclosed Xerox stake (7.13%)

Exchanged eBay holdings for PayPal shares after the spinoff; disclosed a 7.13% stake in Xerox in Nov 2015.

11/1/2015Net Worth: $4,400,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

2015Age 79

Offered to acquire Pep Boys; increased Cheniere Energy stake to 13.8%

In December 2015 offered to buy Pep Boys and raised stake in Cheniere Energy to 13.8%, becoming its largest shareholder.

12/1/2015Net Worth: $4,450,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

2016Age 80

Disclosed 4.66% stake in Gannett

Reported holding a 4.66% stake in Gannett Company and held shares in Cheniere Energy and Freeport-McMoRan.

1/1/2016Net Worth: $4,400,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

2016Age 80

Endorsed Donald Trump and pledged $150M super PAC for tax reform

Endorsed Trump in 2016; announced formation of a super PAC pledging $150 million to push corporate tax reform and oppose tax inversions.

1/1/2016Net Worth: $4,200,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

2016Age 80

Sold entire Apple stake (April 2016)

Sold Apple shares in April 2016, citing concerns about Apple's relationship with China.

4/1/2016Net Worth: $4,300,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

2016Age 80

Increased stake in Herbalife to 21%

Raised his Herbalife Nutrition holdings to about 21% in August 2016.

8/1/2016Net Worth: $4,350,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

2016Age 80

Closed Trump Taj Mahal Casino (Oct 2016)

Closed the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, citing $350M losses and inability to reach union deal; ~3,000 workers lost jobs.

10/1/2016Net Worth: $4,200,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

2016Age 80

Increased holdings in Hertz following share price decline

Expanded his stake in The Hertz Corporation after the company's stock dropped.

11/1/2016Net Worth: $4,200,000,000Source

Confidence

85%

2016Age 80

Named Special Advisor to President Trump on Regulatory Reform

Announced Dec 21, 2016 that Icahn would serve as a special advisor (in an individual capacity) on regulatory reform starting with the Trump administration.

12/21/2016Net Worth: $4,250,000,000Source

Confidence

95%

2017Age 81

Sold Fontainebleau Las Vegas for $600M (Aug 2017)

Sold the unfinished Fontainebleau Resort Las Vegas for $600 million in Aug 2017, reportedly more than four times his purchase price.

1/1/2017Net Worth: $4,800,000,000Source

Confidence

95%

2017Age 81

Official start as Special Advisor (Trump admin)

Listed as Special Advisor to the President on Regulatory Reform; served in this capacity while retaining business interests.

1/20/2017Net Worth: $4,300,000,000Source

Confidence

95%

2017Age 81

Resigned as Special Advisor to President Trump

Stepped down Aug 18, 2017 citing desire not to interfere with regulatory staff and amid concerns about conflicts of interest.

8/18/2017Net Worth: $4,300,000,000Source

Confidence

95%

2020Age 84

Sold entire stake in Hertz (May 2020) — lost nearly $2B

Sold his entire 39% stake (55.3M shares) of Hertz Global at $0.72 per share (72 cents), losing almost $2 billion on the investment.

5/1/2020Net Worth: $2,800,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

2022Age 86

Featured in HBO documentary 'Icahn: The Restless Billionaire' (2022)

Subject of a 2022 HBO documentary exploring his life and career.

1/1/2022Net Worth: $3,200,000,000Source

Confidence

95%

2022Age 86

Nominated two people for McDonald's board (animal welfare campaign)

Filed to nominate two directors to pressure McDonald's to improve conditions for pigs in supplier farms; held 200 shares at time.

2/1/2022Net Worth: $3,200,000,000Source

Confidence

80%

2022Age 86

McDonald's shareholders reject Icahn nominees (May 2022)

Only ~1% of shareholders voted for Icahn's nominees, representing a defeat for his campaign to change McDonald's pork sourcing policies.

5/1/2022Net Worth: $3,200,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

2023Age 87

Public net worth estimates fluctuate (~$6.7B–$7.8B range)

Public sources (Wikipedia/Investopedia/Forbes) estimate Icahn's net worth in recent years in the roughly $6.7B to $7.8B range, reflecting market and Icahn Enterprises volatility.

1/1/2023Net Worth: $7,000,000,000Source

Confidence

70%

2023Age 87

Hindenburg Research publishes critique of Icahn Enterprises (May 2023)

Short-seller Hindenburg released analysis alleging Icahn Enterprises overvalued and heavily leveraged; IEP stock plunged ~20% on the day.

5/1/2023Net Worth: $3,000,000,000Source

Confidence

90%

2024Age 88

Forbes profile and ongoing reporting

Forbes continued to profile Icahn with articles on his holdings, legal issues (SEC fine filings), and activism; net worth publicly tracked.

1/1/2024Net Worth: $6,700,000,000Source

Confidence

60%

Key Achievement Ages

Explore what Carl Icahn and others achieved at these notable ages:

Age 21

Graduated Princeton University...

Age 23

Left NYU Med School & Joined A...

Age 25

Started career as stockbroker ...

Age 27

Became options manager at Tess...

Age 28

Moved to Gruntal & Co. (option...

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