Howard Lutnick is a prominent American businessman and philanthropist, widely recognized for his leadership of Cantor Fitzgerald, a global financial services firm. He gained public attention following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, when Cantor Fitzgerald lost 658 employees, including his brother, in the World Trade Center attacks. Lutnick, who survived the attacks, emerged as a central figure in the recovery and rebuilding efforts, establishing the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund to support victims’ families and expand its charitable reach.

Born on July 14, 1961, in Jericho, New York, Lutnick faced personal tragedy early in life, losing both parents by the time he was 18. Supported by a scholarship from Haverford College, he earned a degree in economics in 1983. Lutnick joined Cantor Fitzgerald shortly after and rose through the ranks, becoming CEO in 1991 and chairman in 1996.
Under his leadership, Cantor Fitzgerald embraced technological innovation, launching the electronic trading platform eSpeed, which played a pivotal role in the firm’s post-9/11 survival. Lutnick also spearheaded the company’s diversification, establishing BGC Partners as a separate entity focused on broker-driven trading. His business ventures include bringing the video platform Rumble public and leading SPAC mergers such as the Satellogic deal.
Lutnick’s philanthropic efforts are notable. The Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund has distributed hundreds of millions to victims of 9/11, natural disasters, and other hardships. He also established Global Charity Day, an annual event generating significant funds for charitable causes.
In 2024, Lutnick’s political and business influence expanded with his nomination as U.S. Secretary of Commerce under President Donald Trump, reflecting his alignment with pro-tariff policies and support for cryptocurrency innovation.
Beyond his professional achievements, Lutnick has supported numerous causes, including education, disaster relief, and cultural initiatives. His resilience and commitment to rebuilding after 9/11 have cemented his legacy as both a business leader and a humanitarian.
Career Highlights
Cantor Fitzgerald: Lutnick joined the firm in 1983 and quickly ascended to President and CEO by 1991, becoming Chairman in 1996. Under his stewardship, Cantor Fitzgerald emerged as a global financial services leader.
BGC Group: In 2004, Lutnick spearheaded the creation of BGC Partners, separating Cantor’s voice brokerage business. He later merged BGC with eSpeed in 2008, forming a financial technology powerhouse.
Newmark Group: Lutnick guided the acquisition of Newmark in 2011, driving its growth into a leading commercial real estate services firm. Newmark’s IPO in 2017 and its spin-off from BGC in 2018 marked significant milestones.
A Symbol of Resilience
The September 11, 2001, attacks claimed the lives of 658 Cantor Fitzgerald employees, including Lutnick’s brother, Gary. Determined to rebuild, Lutnick dedicated himself to supporting the families of those lost. He established the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund, which distributed $180 million to 9/11 families over five years and provided 10 years of healthcare coverage. The fund remains active, extending aid to victims of terrorism and natural disasters.
Recognitions and Contributions
Lutnick’s leadership and resilience have garnered widespread acclaim:
- Named Financial Times’ Person of the Year (2001) and Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year (2010).
- Recipient of the Department of the Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award, the highest honor for non-military personnel.
- Board memberships include the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, Partnership for New York City, and Weill Cornell Medicine.

Personal and Educational Background
A graduate of Haverford College with a degree in economics, Lutnick has remained a steadfast advocate for philanthropy and innovation. His 40-year tenure at Cantor Fitzgerald reflects his enduring influence on Wall Street and his commitment to rebuilding stronger communities.
Howard W. Lutnick’s story is not only one of business success but also of humanity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference.
The Immediate Aftermath
In the days following the attacks, Lutnick’s emotional vulnerability was on full display. He openly wept during interviews, becoming a symbol of a grief-stricken leader. However, his decision to halt the paychecks of deceased employees sparked outrage. Lutnick defended the move as a necessary step to reassure the company’s bankers of its financial stability. Despite the backlash, he later announced a $180 million relief plan for victims’ families, including five years of profit-sharing and ten years of healthcare coverage.
Controversial Leadership
Lutnick’s approach to crisis management reflected his sharp-edged reputation. Known for his no-nonsense leadership style, he made tough decisions to ensure the survival of Cantor Fitzgerald. Critics labeled him callous, but supporters pointed to his unwavering focus on rebuilding the firm. “You could either get run over by the future or be part of it,” Lutnick remarked, encapsulating his pragmatic philosophy.
Rebuilding Cantor Fitzgerald
In the wake of 9/11, Lutnick led a remarkable recovery. Cantor Fitzgerald’s pivot to electronic trading through its subsidiary eSpeed allowed it to continue operations despite the loss of so many employees. Lutnick’s ability to adapt under pressure underscored his reputation as an innovator in the financial sector.
A Complex Legacy
Lutnick’s story is one of duality—his humanity and hard edges coexisting in the public eye. He remains a polarizing figure, with detractors criticizing his corporate ruthlessness and supporters lauding his vision and commitment. Even in the midst of rebuilding, Lutnick emphasized the importance of living, famously telling a grieving friend, “You didn’t die. You have to live.”
Looking Forward
For Lutnick, moving forward was not just a coping mechanism but a necessity. His leadership through one of the darkest chapters in American history demonstrates the complexities of managing personal loss and professional responsibilities. Though his decisions will always be subject to scrutiny, Lutnick’s resolve to rebuild Cantor Fitzgerald and support the families of those lost defines his second life as one marked by both resilience and redemption.
In his own words, “If you didn’t have a greater purpose, you couldn’t go on. There would be no point.” For Howard Lutnick, that purpose has been rebuilding, living, and leading in the face of unimaginable tragedy.