Gerald Schwartz

$1.56 B

Ranked #2503 in World

About Gerald Schwartz

Gerald W. Schwartz, born in Winnipeg, Canada, in 1941, is the notable founder, chairman, and CEO of Onex Corporation, amassing a net worth of US$1.5 billion by 2021. A graduate of the University of Manitoba and Harvard University, Schwartz's career flourished from his early days at Bear Stearns, under the mentorship of Jerome Kohlberg, Jr., to co-founding CanWest Global Communications in 1977. By 1983, Schwartz established Onex Corporation, eventually becoming the highest-paid CEO in Canada by 2015. Married to Indigo Books and Music CEO Heather Reisman since 1982, Schwartz is also a committed philanthropist, notably co-founding the Heseg Foundation and donating significantly to education and healthcare institutions across Canada. His numerous accolades include the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2005 Ontario Lifetime Achievement award and being appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2006.

Born

November 24, 1941 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Age

84 years

Source Of Wealth

Finance

Industries

Finance & Investments

Citizenship

Canada

Residence

Toronto

Education

Master of Business Administration, Harvard University

Spouse

Heather Reisman

Children

Gerald W. Schwartz was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada in 1941. He graduated from Kelvin High School and went on to pursue higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Manitoba. Schwartz then furthered his studies at Harvard University, where he obtained a Master of Business Administration degree.

Gerald Schwartz: Family

Gerald Schwartz is married to Heather Reisman, the CEO of Indigo Books and Music. They tied the knot in 1982 and have two children together. Schwartz also has two children from his previous marriage. The family is known to be members of the Reform synagogue, Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto.

Gerald Schwartz: Career Highlights

Schwartz's career journey began in the 1970s when he worked at Bear Stearns, where he was mentored by Jerome Kohlberg, Jr. In 1977, he co-founded CanWest Global Communications alongside Izzy Asper. Later, in 1983, he established Onex Corporation, where he currently serves as the Founder, Chairman, and CEO.

Gerald Schwartz: Companies

Gerald Schwartz is associated with the following companies:

Onex Corporation
CanWest Global Communications
Scotiabank

Gerald Schwartz: Major Achievements

Schwartz has achieved significant milestones throughout his career. He is credited with founding Onex Corporation, which has grown into a prominent investment firm. Additionally, he has served as a director of Scotiabank since 1999.

Gerald Schwartz: Awards & Achievements

Schwartz's contributions have been recognized through various awards and honors. Notably, he received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2005 Ontario Lifetime Achievement award and was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2006. The Gerald Schwartz School of Business at St. Francis Xavier University is named in his honor.

Gerald Schwartz: Personal Life & Legacy

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Schwartz is known for his personal life and legacy. He owns the most expensive house in Toronto, valued at $28 million. Schwartz is actively involved in philanthropy and has made significant donations to various institutions, including the University of Waterloo, Mount Sinai Hospital, St.

Francis Xavier University, and the University of Toronto.

Gerald Schwartz: Trivia

Here are some interesting facts about Gerald Schwartz:

He was the highest-paid CEO in Canada in 2015.
Schwartz and his wife, Heather Reisman, co-founded the Heseg Foundation for Lone Soldiers, which supports non-Israeli Jews who volunteer for the Israeli military and some Israeli soldiers.
He has made substantial donations to educational institutions, including the University of Waterloo, Mount Sinai Hospital, St. Francis Xavier University, and the University of Toronto.

Wealth History

Timeline

1941

Gerald W. Schwartz is born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

1970s

Schwartz works at Bear Stearns, mentored by Jerome Kohlberg, Jr.

1977

Schwartz co-founds CanWest Global Communications with Izzy Asper.

1982

Schwartz marries Heather Reisman, CEO of Indigo Books and Music.

1983

Schwartz founds Onex Corporation.

1999

Schwartz becomes a director of Scotiabank.

2005

Schwartz receives the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2005 Ontario Lifetime Achievement award.

2006

Schwartz is appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada.

2015

Schwartz is named the highest paid CEO in Canada.

Gerald Schwartz : FAQs

What is Gerald Schwartz's current net worth?

Gerald Schwartz's current net worth is $1.56 billion.

What is Gerald Schwartz's current global rank among billionaires?

Gerald Schwartz holds the 2503rd position globally among billionaires.

What is Gerald Schwartz's current ranking within the Canada?

Gerald Schwartz holds the 69th position in Canada.

What was the change in Gerald Schwartz's net worth compared to the previous year?

Gerald Schwartz's net worth decreased by 88.68 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 1.65 billion dollars.

What are Gerald Schwartz's main sources of wealth?

Gerald Schwartz's main source of income comes from Finance.

In which industry does Gerald Schwartz primarily operate?

Gerald Schwartz is primarily involved in the Finance & Investments industry.

What is Gerald Schwartz educational background?

Gerald Schwartz holds a Master of Business Administration from Harvard University.

How old is Gerald Schwartz?

Gerald Schwartz is 84 years old.

How many children does Gerald Schwartz have?

Gerald Schwartz has 4 children.

What are Gerald W. Schwartz's academic achievements and early career history?

Schwartz graduated from Kelvin High School, the University of Manitoba (B.A., LL.B.), and Harvard University (MBA). In the 1970s, he worked at Bear Stearns, where he was mentored by Jerome Kohlberg, Jr., and co-founded CanWest Global Communications with Izzy Asper in 1977.

How is Gerald W. Schwartz connected to Scotiabank and what recognizes his influence in business?

Gerald W. Schwartz has been a director of Scotiabank since 1999 and was named the highest paid CEO in Canada in 2015. The Gerald Schwartz School of Business at St. Francis Xavier University is named in his honor, highlighting his influence in the business sphere.

Who is Gerald W. Schwartz married to and what is known about their personal life?

Gerald W. Schwartz is married to Heather Reisman, CEO of Indigo Books and Music, since 1982. They are members of the Reform synagogue, Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto, and own the most expensive house in Toronto, valued at $28 million.

Can you detail Gerald W. Schwartz's philanthropic efforts and awards received?

Schwartz co-founded the Heseg Foundation for Lone Soldiers with Heather Reisman, supports non-Israeli Jews volunteering for the Israeli military, and has made significant donations to institutions like University of Waterloo, Mount Sinai Hospital, St. Francis Xavier University, and the University of Toronto. He was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2006 and received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2005 Ontario Lifetime Achievement award.