Peter Lewis

$1.20 B

Ranked #1175 in World

About Peter Lewis

Peter Benjamin Lewis, the visionary American businessman and chairman of Progressive Insurance Company, passed away in 2013, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and philanthropy. Born into a Jewish family in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Lewis transformed Progressive Insurance into a powerhouse with over 27,000 employees and $15 billion in sales by focusing on high-risk drivers. A Princeton University alumnus, he was known for his significant contributions to liberal causes and the arts, including substantial donations to Princeton University, Case Western Reserve University, and various marijuana legalization initiatives. Lewis's commitment to philanthropy was evident in his signing of the Giving Pledge. Despite his professional success, Lewis's personal life was marked by his passion for art, sailing on his yacht Lone Ranger, and his family, with whom he shared homes across Miami, Cleveland, New York City, and Aspen. His death in Coconut Grove, Florida, at age 80 from a heart attack ended the journey of a man whose net worth was estimated at $1.25 billion.

Born

November 11, 1933 in Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.

Died

November 23, 2013 (aged 80)

Source Of Wealth

Insurance

Industries

Logistics

Citizenship

United States

Education

Bachelor of Arts / Science, Princeton University

Spouse

Toby Devan (1955-1981; divorced), Janet Rosel (2013)

Children

--Ivy Lewis--Jonathan Lewis--Adam Joseph Lewis

Parent

Joseph LewisHelen Lewis

Peter Benjamin Lewis was born on November 1, 1933, in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. He was raised in a Jewish family and attended Cleveland Heights High School. After graduating, he went on to earn an A.B. in politics from Princeton University in 1955.

Peter Lewis: Family

Lewis was married to Toby Devan from 1955 to 1981. They had three children together: Ivy, Jonathan, and Adam Joseph. In September 2013, he married Janet Rosel. Lewis passed away on November 21, 2013, at the age of 80 from a heart attack in Coconut Grove, Florida.

Peter Lewis: Career Highlights

After graduating from college, Lewis joined Progressive Insurance as an underwriting trainee. In 1965, he completed a leveraged buyout of Progressive with his mother, becoming CEO. Under his leadership, the company grew to over 27,000 employees and $15 billion in sales by 2010. Lewis focused on insuring high-risk drivers with innovative pricing and customer service. He retired as CEO in 2000 but remained chairman of the board.

Peter Lewis: Companies

Lewis was the chairman of Progressive Insurance Company. He also served on the boards of directors of several other companies, including The Cleveland Clinic, Forest City Enterprises, and KeyCorp.

Peter Lewis: Major Achievements

Lewis is credited with transforming Progressive Insurance from a small regional company into one of the largest auto insurers in the United States. He was also a pioneer in the use of technology in the insurance industry. In 1995, Progressive became the first insurance company to offer online quotes.

Peter Lewis: Awards & Achievements

Lewis received numerous awards and honors for his business achievements and philanthropy. He was inducted into the Ohio Business Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Automotive Hall of Fame in 2010. He also received the Horatio Alger Award in 2007.

Peter Lewis: Personal Life & Legacy

Lewis was a passionate art collector and displayed Andy Warhol's art at Progressive's office.

He was also a supporter of marijuana legalization and donated to several organizations working to reform marijuana laws. Lewis had homes in Miami, Cleveland, New York City, and Aspen, Colorado. He traveled the world on his motor yacht, Lone Ranger.

Peter Lewis: Trivia

Lewis's net worth was estimated at $1.25 billion at the time of his death. He signed the Giving Pledge, promising to give at least half his wealth to charity. Notable donations include $233 million to Princeton University, $36.9 million to Case Western Reserve University, $3 million to the Marijuana Policy Project, $50 million to the Guggenheim Museum, and $15 million to the American Civil Liberties Union.

Wealth History

Timeline

1933

Peter Benjamin Lewis is born in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

1955

Lewis graduates from Princeton University with an A.B. in politics and marries Toby Devan.

1965

Lewis completes a leveraged buyout of Progressive Insurance with his mother and becomes CEO.

1981

Lewis and Toby Devan divorce amicably.

2000

Lewis retires as CEO of Progressive Insurance but remains chairman of the board.

2010

Progressive Insurance grows to over 27,000 employees and $15 billion in sales.

2013

Lewis marries Janet Rosel in September and dies of a heart attack at age 80 in Coconut Grove, Florida.

Peter Lewis : FAQs

What is Peter Lewis's net worth?

As of 2013, Peter Lewis's net worth was $1.20 billion.

What are Peter Lewis's main sources of wealth?

Peter Lewis's main source of income comes from Insurance.

In which industry does Peter Lewis primarily operate?

Peter Lewis is primarily involved in the Logistics industry.

What is Peter Lewis educational background?

Peter Lewis holds a Bachelor of Arts / Science from Princeton University.

Is Peter Lewis dead?

Yes, Peter Lewis died on November 23, 2013 (aged 80).

How many children does Peter Lewis have?

Peter Lewis has 3 children.

Who was Peter Benjamin Lewis and what is he known for?

Peter Benjamin Lewis was an American businessman, best known as the chairman of Progressive Insurance Company. He transformed the company into a major player in the insurance industry, focusing on insuring high-risk drivers with innovative pricing and customer service strategies.

What were Peter Benjamin Lewis's contributions to education and the arts?

Peter Benjamin Lewis was a significant philanthropist, donating millions to educational institutions like Princeton University and Case Western Reserve University, as well as supporting the arts, including a notable donation to the Guggenheim Museum. He also displayed Andy Warhol's art at Progressive's office.

How did Peter Benjamin Lewis impact the insurance industry?

Lewis revolutionized the insurance industry by focusing on insuring high-risk drivers through Progressive Insurance, employing innovative pricing models and emphasizing customer service. Under his leadership, Progressive grew to over 27,000 employees and $15 billion in sales by 2010.

What were some of Peter Benjamin Lewis's most significant philanthropic efforts?

Lewis's philanthropy included substantial donations to various causes, including $233 million to Princeton University, support for marijuana legalization initiatives, and contributions to liberal political groups. He also signed the Giving Pledge, committing to donate at least half of his wealth to charity.