Who Is Carl Icahn? Age, Biography and Wiki
Carl Icahn, born on February 16, 1936, is a prominent American businessman, investor, and activist shareholder. As of 2025, he is 89 years old and continues to be an influential figure in the world of finance. Often regarded as one of the most successful investors of his time, Icahn has made a name for himself by taking significant positions in underperforming companies and pushing for corporate changes. His bold investment strategies and outspoken nature have led to a legacy that extends well beyond his years in the industry.
| Occupation | Manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 16, 1936 |
| Age | 89 Years |
| Birth Place | New York City, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Carl Icahn's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Carl Icahn is approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall and weighs around 180 lbs (82 kg). His measurements, while not publicly documented in detail, reflect his esteemed presence as a businessman, characterized by a sharp mind and an unmistakable sense of style, often seen in tailored suits.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Carl Icahn's personal life has included two marriages. He was married to his first wife, such a significant individual in his life, until their divorce in 1999. Currently, he is married to Gail Golden, who he wed in 1999. Together, they have built a family that includes his children from his previous marriage. There is no public information regarding any significant relationship outside of his marriage.
He was raised in the Far Rockaway neighborhood of Queens in New York City, where he attended Far Rockaway High School. His father, Michael Icahn, a "sworn atheist", was a cantor, and later a substitute teacher. His mother, Bella (née Schnall) also worked as a schoolteacher.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Carl Icahn's net worth is estimated to be around $20 billion, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in the world. His earnings are primarily derived from his investment firm, Icahn Enterprises, which has stakes in various industries, including energy, pharmaceuticals, and real estate. Icahn's strategic investments and ability to influence corporate governance have consistently generated substantial returns over the decades.
In 2005, XO Communications announced its intention to sell the wired part of its business for $700 million to Icahn, who was then chairman and a large shareholder; the money would be used to pay back its debts and to buy back its preferred stock for about $600 million from Icahn.
Icahn would have then owned the wired business outright, and still own his 60% stake in XO.
Despite Icahn's majority ownership and the board of directors declaring the deal to be in the best interest of shareholders, R2 and other minority shareholders blocked the transaction through the court system in 2008, which charged Icahn with penalties due to his conflict of interest.
Career, Business and Investments
Carl Icahn's career started in the 1960s when he became a Wall Street stockbroker. Over the years, he transitioned into an activist investor, known for his willingness to take control of struggling companies to enhance shareholder value. Notable investments include companies like Apple, NVIDIA, and CVR Energy. His aggressive strategies often involve proxy fights, plays on mergers and acquisitions, making him a formidable presence in the stock market.
Icahn's approach has not only earned him billions but has also revolutionized how other investors view corporate governance and shareholder rights. His influence continues to shape investment strategies globally.
Carl Celian Icahn (born February 16, 1936) is an American businessman and investor. He is the founder and controlling shareholder of Icahn Enterprises, a public company and diversified conglomerate holding company based in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida.
Icahn's business model is to take large stakes in companies that he believes will appreciate from changes to corporate policy; Icahn then pressures management to make the changes that he believes will benefit shareholders, and him.
Widely regarded as one of the most successful hedge fund managers of all time and one of the greatest investors on Wall Street, he was one of the first activist shareholders and is credited with making that investment strategy mainstream for hedge funds.
Social Network
Carl Icahn is active on several social networks, where he shares insights into his investment philosophy and engages with both fans and critics. You can follow him on:
- Twitter: @CarlIcahn
- LinkedIn: Icahn Enterprises’ professional page
- Instagram: Not widely used for personal branding but may feature business-related posts.
In June 1989, in the largest share sale to date on the New York Stock Exchange, Icahn sold his stake in Texaco for $2 billion, making a profit of $700 million.
Education
Icahn graduated from New York University in 1957 with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. His educational background provided a strong foundation for his analytical abilities, enabling him to make calculated investment decisions that have driven his success in the financial world.
Icahn graduated from Princeton University in 1957 with an A.B. in philosophy after completing a senior thesis titled "The Problem of Formulating an Adequate Explication of the Empiricist Criterion of Meaning." He entered New York University School of Medicine, but dropped out after two years to join the Army Reserve.
