Sam Zell

Sam Zell is a real estate mogul from Chicago, Illinois. He is also the Chairman and CEO of Tribune Company, which includes the newspapers Chicago Tribune and the Los Angeles Times,, and Equity Group Investments. About a year and a half after Zell privatized the Tribune papers, the company filed for bankruptcy protection.Bloomberg.com: Tribune Needs Bankruptcy to Save Business, Zell Says (December 8, 2008)

1. Born: September 1941
2. Ranked 52nd richest American by Forbes Magazine
3. Estimated worth of $6 billion (2006)
4. Chairman and CEO of Tribune Company and Equity Group Investments
5. Through Tribune Co., also owns Chicago Cubs
6. Had considered selling Chicago's Tribune Tower to pay off company's debtDealBook (NYT): Zell Mulls Sale of Tribune Tower (June 27, 2008)
7. Bought the Tribune Company in April of 2007
8. Nicknamed "The Grave Dancer" for his ability to resurrect failing companiesBloomberg.com: Tribune Needs Bankruptcy to Save Business, Zell Says (December 8, 2008)

Sam Zell was born in Chicago, Illinois and attended the University of Michigan where he received his BA and his JD. After graduation, he founded the Equity Group Investments, which became a major real estate company.

• Forbes.com: Invest Like a Billionaire: Sam Zell (November 9, 2006)

• Current Projects:
  • Owner, Tribune Company
  • Chairman, Anixter International
  • Chairman, Equity Group Investments
  • Chairman, Capital Trust
  • Chairman, Covanta Holding Corp.
  • Member, J.P. Morgan Advisory Board
  • Member, University of Michigan President's Advisory Board

• Past Projects:
  • Chairman, Equity Office Properties Trust