Edgar Miles Bronfman Jr., an American businessman based in New York City, defied his wealthy Jewish business family’s expectations by pursuing a career in music and entertainment. From his early days in production, he eventually delved into investing in music and mass media companies. Notably, he held the positions of chairman and CEO at Warner Music Group for eight years. Today, he continues to make an impact as the managing partner of Accretive LLC, a private equity firm.
Quick Facts
- Canadian Celebrities Born In May
- Also Known As: Edgar Miles Bronfman Jr.
- Age: 68 Years, 68 Year Old Males
- Spouse/Ex-: Clarissa Alcock (m. 1993), Sherri Brewer (m. 1979–1991)
- Father: Edgar Bronfman Sr.
- Mother: Ann Loeb Bronfman
- Siblings: Adam Bronfman, Holly Bronfman, Matthew Bronfman, Samuel Bronfman, Sara Bronfman
- Children: Aaron Bronfman, Benjamin Bronfman, Bettina Bronfman, Clarissa Bronfman, Erik Bronfman, Hannah Bronfman, Vanessa Bronfman
- Born Country: United States
- City: New York City
- U.S. State: New Yorkers
Childhood & Early Life
Edgar Bronfman Jr. was born on 16th May 1955, to Canadian-American businessman Edgar Miles Bronfman and his wife, Ann Loeb. He was the second of the five children of the couple. His family was one of the most influential and wealthiest Jewish families in Canada. In 1973, his parents divorced.
Career
Edgar Bronfman Jr. began his career in the entertainment industry by producing Broadway plays and films. In 1972, his first work as a producer, ‘The Blockhouse,’ was recognized. In 1977, his production house, ‘Efer Productions,’ signed a three-movie contract with Universal Studios. In 1982, he joined the Seagram Company and went on to become the managing director of Seagram Europe. Two years later, he returned to New York as the president of the U.S marketing division of the House of Seagram.
In 1994, he became the chief executive officer of Seagram and focused on shifting the business from traditional liquor to entertainment. This involved selling Seagram’s stake in the chemical company DuPont and acquiring entertainment companies such as Polygram, MCA, and Universal Pictures. In 2000, Seagram made headlines for its stock acquisition of the French mass media conglomerate Vivendi. The following year, Edgar Bronfman Jr. announced his departure from Vivendi Universal and joined Accretive LLC as a general partner.
In 2004, he completed the acquisition of the Warner Music Group and served as its chairman and CEO for the next seven years. In 2011, the company was sold to Access Industries, and Edgar Bronfman Jr. stepped down as chairman of Warner Music. In 2017, he announced his venture Waverley Capital, which aimed to invest in innovative companies in the technology and entertainment industries.
Currently, he serves as the chairman of Endeavor, a non-profit organization supporting entrepreneurs.
Major Works
Edgar Bronfman Jr.’s role as the chairman and CEO of Warner Music Group is noteworthy. During his tenure, he implemented initiatives that boosted company sales, improved artists’ relationships with the company, and diversified revenue streams.
Family & Personal Life
In 1979, Edgar Bronfman Jr. married African-American actress Sherry Brewer. Due to his father’s disapproval of their relationship, the couple eloped and remained estranged from his father. They had three children named Benjamin, Vanessa, and Hannah before separating in 1991.
In 1993, he married Clarissa Alcock San Roman, the daughter of a Venezuelan oil executive. The couple has four children together: Aaron, Bettina, Erik, and Clarissa.