Jonathan Nelson | |
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| Born | Jonathan Milton Nelson 1956 (age 69–70) Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. |
| Education | Brown University Harvard Business School |
| Occupation | Founder ofProvidence Equity Partners |
Jonathan Milton Nelson (born 1956) is an American billionaire businessman. He is the founder ofProvidence Equity Partners, a globalprivate equity firm based inProvidence, Rhode Island, which manages funds with over US$45 billion in commitments.[1][2] As of September 2023, Nelson's net worth is estimated byForbes at $3.4 billion.[3]
Nelson grew up in Providence. He graduated fromBrown University in 1977 with aBachelor of Arts in economics. After graduation, he managed the Chinese division of Wellman, Inc.[4] On returning to theUnited States, he earned a Master of Business Administration fromHarvard Business School in 1983.[5]
In 1983, Nelson joined Narragansett Capital, a private equity firm, where he was a managing director. At Narragansett, he specialized in the broadcasting, cable television and publishing sectors.[6]
In 1989, he foundedProvidence Equity Partners, a pioneering sector-focused private equity firm. It is the world's leading private equity investment firm focused on media, communications, education, and information investments.[7] He was dubbed the "stealth mogul" byThe New York Times for keeping a low profile despite his firm's substantial media holdings.[8]
In 2008, Nelson and other Providence principals launched Providence's credit investment arm with Thomas Gahan of Deutsche Bank.[9] The unit is called Benefit Street Partners, which has US$9.16 billion (inflation-adjusted) under management.[10]
Nelson is on the boards of the Chernin Group, MLS Media, theInstitute for Advanced Study inPrinceton, New Jersey,Television Broadcasts Ltd andUnivision Communications. he has also been a director ofEircom Plc,Hulu,Language Line, MetroNet (nowAT&T Canada),VoiceStream Wireless (nowDeutsche Telekom),Warner Music Group, (nowAlltel Wireless) andYankees Entertainment & Sports Network.[11]
As of March 2019, Nelson is listed as a Fellow of Brown University, and has previously been a trustee.[12] He has donated at least $36 million to the university, contributing to the construction of the Nelson Fitness Center[13] and establishment of theNelson Center for Entrepreneurship and endowment of twoprofessorships.[14][15] As of January 2025, these professorships are held by the mathematicianBrendan Hassett[16] and the philosopherPaul Guyer.[17] In 2013,The Institute of Classical Architecture and Art named Nelson the winner of the Arthur Ross Award for Excellence In The Classical Tradition (Patronage) for his guidance of the design and construction of the Nelson Fitness Center.[18] In 2018, Following a $25 million gift from Nelson, Brown established the Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship.[15] Nelson is a trustee ofRockefeller University.[19] In August 2014, Harvard Business School gave Nelson an Alumni Achievement Award, the highest honor bestowed by the school on its graduates.[20]
Nelson has committed to theGiving Pledge, a campaign led byWarren Buffett andBill Gates to encourage the wealthiest people in the United States to make a commitment to give most of their wealth to philanthropic causes.[21] He is on the board of the Newport Festivals Foundation. He is an avidsailor and big mountain skier.[3]
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