Who Is Penny Pritzker? Age, Biography and Wiki
Penny Pritzker, born on May 2, 1959, is a prominent American businesswoman and lawyer, known for her influential role in various industries. As of 2025, she is 65 years old. With a rich background in both law and business, she has made significant contributions through her innovative ventures and philanthropic efforts. Pritzker gained national attention when she served as the U.S. Secretary of Commerce under President Barack Obama from 2013 to 2017.
| Occupation | Business Executive |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 2, 1959 |
| Age | 66 Years |
| Birth Place | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Penny Pritzker's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Penny Pritzker stands at an approximate height of 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm). While her weight is not publicly disclosed, she is known for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which is reflected in her poised appearance. Her physical stats, including measurements, remain private, reflecting her preference for keeping certain aspects of her life out of the public eye.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Penny Pritzker's relationship status continues to be the subject of interest. She is married to Bryan Traubert, a physician and entrepreneur, with whom she shares a strong partnership built on mutual respect and collaboration. The couple has two children, reinforcing Pritzker’s commitment to family alongside her professional endeavors. While she maintains a relatively low profile regarding her personal life, her enduring marriage speaks to her values of loyalty and family support.
As a child, Penny Pritzker accompanied her father to the hotels and checked the cleanness of the ladies restrooms. In 1972, Pritzker's father died suddenly of a heart attack and her mother began battling depression. Penny had to act as a caregiver at times for her mother and younger brothers. At age 16, Penny wrote a letter to A.N.
Pritzker, her grandfather and the head of the family business empire, asking why he talked business with the men in the family and not with her. Realizing her interest in business, her grandfather provided her with a summer course in accounting.
Net Worth and Salary
Penny Pritzker's net worth is estimated to be around $2.5 billion, showcasing her successful career in both business and politics. Her wealth primarily stems from her family's involvement in the Pritzker Group and investments in various sectors, including hospitality, real estate, and technology. As a former Secretary of Commerce, her salary during her time in office contributed to her public profile, yet her entrepreneurial ventures have cemented her place among the wealthiest individuals in America.
Pritzker is a member of the prominent Pritzker family and was involved with the family business empire from a young age. She was eventually appointed as one of three successors to her uncle, Jay Pritzker.
She is the founder of finance and real estate concerns, PSP Partners, PSP Capital Partners, and Pritzker Realty Group, and co-founder of Artemis Real Estate Partners and Inspired Capital. She is on the board of Microsoft and was chair of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
As of May 2025, Forbes estimated her net worth at US$3.9 billion. In 2009, Forbes named Pritzker one of the 100 most powerful women in the world. She is the sister of J. B. Pritzker, the current governor of Illinois
Career, Business and Investments
Pritzker's career is marked by her dynamic roles in entrepreneurship and public service. After receiving her JD from Harvard Law School and a BA from Stanford University, she began her career in law before quickly pivoting to business. She co-founded the Pritzker Realty Group and has been heavily involved in the family's investment firm. Through the Pritzker Group, she has invested in numerous high-profile companies and startups, making her a key figure in the entrepreneurial landscape.
In addition to her business ventures, she has held positions on various boards and has been an advocate for policies that foster innovation and economic growth. Her tenure as Secretary of Commerce was instrumental in advancing U.S. trade policies and international economic relationships.
From 2021 to 2022, she was a member of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), and from September 2023 to August 2024, she was the U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine's Economic Recovery. She has been a fellow of the Harvard Corporation since 2018 and was elected Senior Fellow in 2022, the first woman to serve in this capacity.
Social Network
Penny Pritzker remains active on social media platforms, where she shares insights on business, philanthropy, and leadership. While she primarily utilizes platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter for professional networking, she has a significant following that appreciates her expertise and contributions to public discourse. Her online presence reflects her commitment to fostering connections within the business community and beyond.
After Jay Pritzker's death in 1999, other family members challenged Tom, Nick, and Penny Pritzker's control of the businesses in multiple lawsuits. Penny's brothers joined in one of the lawsuits. In 2001, they decided to sell family assets to allow eleven cousins to receive a share, dissolving the family's business ties.
Disentangling the family's business interests took nearly a decade. The family sold its controlling stake in the Marmon Group to Berkshire Hathaway for $4.5billion in 2008. The Pritzker Realty Group sold Parking Spot, an airport parking management business Penny co-founded in 1998, to Green Courte Partners LLC for $360million in 2011.
Education
Penny Pritzker's educational background is impressive and foundational to her success. She completed her undergraduate degree at Stanford University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Following this, she went on to earn her Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School, a credential that has been instrumental in her business dealings and political career. Her education has profoundly influenced her approach to leadership and investment strategies, allowing her to navigate complex challenges in the business landscape effectively.
Pritzker had been involved in several Chicago based organizations, including the Chicago Board of Education, Museum of Contemporary Art, and her own foundation, the Pritzker Traubert Family Foundation. A friend of the Obama family since their Chicago years, Pritzker was an early supporter of Obama's presidential candidacy.
