Robert Ziff

$7.19 B

Ranked #517 in World

About Robert Ziff

Renowned for his strategic investments, Robert D. Ziff, scion of the Ziff-Davis publishing legacy, has played a pivotal role in finance since inheriting his family's fortune in 1994. A Harvard graduate and top of his class at Cornell Law School, Robert invested in various sectors, including a notable stake in Och-Ziff Capital Management. Now an independent investor, he's also known for philanthropy in education and politics, alongside his attorney wife, Michelle Angelic Locher.

Born

August 12, 1966

Age

59 years

Source Of Wealth

Investments

Industries

Finance & Investments

Citizenship

United States

Residence

New York, New York

Education

Doctor of Jurisprudence, Cornell University; Bachelor of Arts/Science, Harvard University

Spouse

Michelle Angelic Locher

Children

2 sons

Parent

William Bernard Ziff Jr., Barbara Ingrid Beitz

Robert D. Ziff was born in 1967 to William Bernard Ziff Jr. and Barbara Ingrid Beitz. His mother was German, and both his parents were recognized as "Righteous among the Nations" for saving Jews during World War II. His father was a Jewish American media magnate who built the Ziff-Davis magazine empire.

Robert Ziff: Family

Robert D. Ziff is married to Michelle Angelic Locher, a fellow Cornell Law School graduate and attorney. They have twin sons, Caleb and Jonathan Ziff.

Robert Ziff: Career Highlights

Robert D. Ziff studied electrical and computer engineering at Harvard, graduating magna cum laude. He then graduated first in his class from Cornell Law School in 1992 and served as editor of the Cornell Law Review. After graduating, he clerked for Chief Judge Monroe G. McKay and served as VP of strategic planning at Ziff Communications Company.

In 1994, Robert D. Ziff inherited the family fortune after his father sold 95% of the business. He formed Ziff Brothers Investments with his brothers Dirk and Daniel, investing in equities, debt, real estate, commodities, private equity, and hedge funds. One notable investment was providing seed money to Daniel Och in exchange for a 10% stake in Och-Ziff Capital Management, which went public in 2007.

Robert D. Ziff dissolved Ziff Brothers Investments in 2014 and now invests independently.

Robert Ziff: Companies

Robert D. Ziff has been involved with the following companies:

Ziff-Davis
Ziff Brothers Investments
Och-Ziff Capital Management

Robert Ziff: Major Achievements

Robert D. Ziff's major achievements include:

Graduating magna cum laude from Harvard
Graduating first in his class from Cornell Law School
Serving as editor of the Cornell Law Review
Clerking for Chief Judge Monroe G. McKay
Serving as VP of strategic planning at Ziff Communications Company
Inheriting the family fortune
Forming Ziff Brothers Investments
Providing seed money to Daniel Och in exchange for a 10% stake in Och-Ziff Capital Management
Dissolving Ziff Brothers Investments

Robert Ziff: Awards & Achievements

Robert D.

Ziff has received the following awards and achievements:

Righteous among the Nations (parents)
Magna cum laude, Harvard
First in class, Cornell Law School
Editor, Cornell Law Review

Robert Ziff: Personal Life & Legacy

Robert D. Ziff serves on the board of trustees at The Browning School and The IDEAL School of Manhattan. His wife, Michelle, donated $40,000 to Montana governor Steve Bullock's campaign. Robert D. Ziff established the Robert D. Ziff Professorship of Law at Cornell Law School in 2008 and endowed the Robert B. Kent Public Interest Fund at Cornell in 2017 in honor of his law school professor. He made headlines in 2011 for financial contributions to Republican legislators supportive of gay marriage.

Robert Ziff: Trivia

Robert D. Ziff's twin sons, Caleb and Jonathan Ziff, are named after his grandfathers.

Wealth History

Timeline

1967

Robert D. Ziff is born to William Bernard Ziff Jr. and Barbara Ingrid Beitz.

1992

Robert D. Ziff graduates first in his class from Cornell Law School and serves as editor of the Cornell Law Review.

1994

Robert D. Ziff inherits family fortune after his father sells 95% of the Ziff-Davis magazine empire.

2007

Och-Ziff Capital Management, in which Robert D. Ziff has a 10% stake, goes public.

2008

Robert D. Ziff establishes the Robert D. Ziff Professorship of Law at Cornell Law School.

2011

Robert D. Ziff makes headlines for financial contributions to Republican legislators supportive of gay marriage.

2014

Robert D. Ziff dissolves Ziff Brothers Investments and now invests independently.

2017

Robert D. Ziff endows the Robert B. Kent Public Interest Fund at Cornell in honor of his law school professor.

Robert Ziff : FAQs

What is Robert Ziff's current net worth?

Robert Ziff's current net worth is $7.19 billion.

What is Robert Ziff's current global rank among billionaires?

Robert Ziff holds the 517th position globally among billionaires.

What is Robert Ziff's current ranking within the United States?

Robert Ziff holds the 203rd position in United States.

What was the change in Robert Ziff's net worth compared to the previous year?

Robert Ziff's net worth decreased by 0 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 7.19 billion dollars.

What are Robert Ziff's main sources of wealth?

Robert Ziff's main source of income comes from Investments.

In which industry does Robert Ziff primarily operate?

Robert Ziff is primarily involved in the Finance & Investments industry.

What is Robert Ziff educational background?

Robert Ziff holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Cornell University and a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Harvard University.

How old is Robert Ziff?

Robert Ziff is 59 years old.

How many children does Robert Ziff have?

Robert Ziff has 2 children.

Who is Robert D. Ziff and what is his family background?

Robert D. Ziff was born in 1967 to William Bernard Ziff Jr., an American media magnate, and Barbara Ingrid Beitz, a German recognized with her family as 'Righteous among the Nations' for their efforts during WWII. His mother was German and his father was a Jewish American who founded the Ziff-Davis publishing empire.

What are Robert D. Ziff's educational achievements?

Robert D. Ziff studied electrical and computer engineering at Harvard, where he graduated magna cum laude. He continued his education at Cornell Law School, graduating first in his class in 1992 and serving as the editor of the Cornell Law Review.

How did Robert D. Ziff begin his professional career?

After completing his law education, Robert clerked for Chief Judge Monroe G. McKay and later became the VP of strategic planning at Ziff Communications Company. Post inheriting the family fortune in 1994, he formed Ziff Brothers Investments with his siblings.

What notable financial moves has Robert D. Ziff made?

Robert D. Ziff provided seed money to Daniel Och for a 10% stake in Och-Ziff Capital Management, which went public in 2007. After Ziff Brothers Investments dissolved in 2014, he continued to invest independently.

Has Robert D. Ziff been involved in any philanthropy or political contributions?

Yes, Robert D. Ziff has a history of philanthropy, including establishing the Robert D. Ziff Professorship of Law at Cornell Law School in 2008 and endowing the Robert B. Kent Public Interest Fund at Cornell in 2017. Politically, he made headlines for contributing to Republican legislators who supported gay marriage in 2011, and his wife donated to Steve Bullock's campaign.