In June 2017, amidst personal and professional turmoil, billionaire hedge-fund financier Bill Ackman, joined Twitter. His posts in the following years included a variety of content, from snapshots at Chipotle to position papers and awards announcements. His foray into Twitter marked a shift from his usual investing drama, giving insight into his personal life and interests.
Mr. Ackman’s meeting with Neri Oxman in 2017 led to a whirlwind romance and eventual marriage. His confidence at Pershing Square’s annual investor meeting in 2018, attributed to his relationship with Dr. Oxman, marked a turning point in his firm’s performance. The newfound love was matched by a burgeoning relationship with Twitter, which Mr. Ackman credits for helping him navigate the pandemic and make profitable investments.
Over the years, Mr. Ackman’s Twitter presence has grown exponentially, propelling him to celebrity status beyond the finance world. He has used the platform to engage with followers, including notable figures like Elon Musk. His tweets touch on a range of topics, from investing to social issues, garnering a diverse following.
Despite his newfound fame, Mr. Ackman has faced criticism for his outspoken views on various subjects, including a public campaign against Harvard’s president and allegations of plagiarism. He has shown a willingness to address controversial issues head-on, even at the risk of backlash.
Looking ahead, Mr. Ackman plans to leverage his influence for social good, including funding initiatives to combat antisemitism and child sex trafficking. His recent announcement of a closed-end fund through an IPO targets retail investors, expanding his reach beyond the traditional finance sphere.
While Mr. Ackman’s approach may not always be without controversy, his commitment to effecting change and pursuing his convictions remains unwavering. Whether in his personal life, business dealings, or social impact efforts, Mr. Ackman continues to assert his influence in a way that is uniquely his own.
