Charles Bronfman, with a net worth of $2.3 billion according to Forbes, belongs to an old Canadian Jewish family – his father Samuel Bronfman first started an alcoholic distilled beverage business in the 20th century.
Yes, this is the family in the back of Seagram Company. Ranked as the 810th billionaire in Forbes’ list of billionaires, Charles Bronfman is now primarily a philanthropist.
Childhood:—
Charles was born to Samuel and Saidye Bronfman on twenty-seventh June in 1931 in Montreal. He obtained his education at Selwyn House School and then went to Trinity College School. He went on to get a Bachelor’s diploma from McGill University. After completing his studies he went into his family business, occupying numerous positions withinside the Seagram Company.
Career:—
In 1951 Charles started his venture into the business world while his father gave him a stake in Camp Investments, which was a holding company that took care of the family’s corporate empire. By 1958, he has become the director and vice-president.
His father died in 1971, leaving him and Edgar Bronfman, his brother, the Seagram spirits organization which was first founded in 1924. Charles held the position of co-chairman from 1986 to 2000, while he and Edgar sold the enterprise to the French conglomerate Vivendi for $34 million.
Other Achievements:—-
Charles Bronfman owned a major part of the Montreal Expos franchise from 1968 to 1990, showing his avid interest in professional sports. It was the first Canadian team to get selected to National League. Apart from holding a high position in his family business, he also became the Chairman of Koor Industries, an Israeli investment holding company, from 1997 to 2006.
He had grown more and more attached to Israel over the years. A man of many talents and accomplishments, Charles Bronfman was also involved with the United Jewish Communities he became the organization’s first chairman.
Philanthropy:—-
Bronfman is a well-known name in the world of philanthropy – his contributions to Canadian and especially Jewish causes are noteworthy. He co-founded the Taglit Birthright with Michael Steinhardt to provide a free journey for the Jewish youth to the Holy Land of Israel, for them to learn more about their own culture.
Thousands of Jews have visited Israel for 10 days for free since 1999, thanks to this program, of which Bronfman is a principal donor. He, apart from signing the Giving Pledge of Warren Buffett and Bill Gates, has also written two books on philanthropy.
Charles is also the chairman of Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies Inc., a foundation he had started with his second wife – he is currently aiming to close it down by 2016. Bronfman also sponsors a prize named after himself, that recognizes and awards people who have made humanitarian contributions to society.
Courtesy:— Success Story
Successful man indeed.