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Howard Lutnick

Howard Lutnick is an American businessman and government official best known as the longtime chairman and chief executive of Cantor Fitzgerald.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Howard Lutnick is an American businessman and government official best known as the longtime chairman and chief executive of Cantor Fitzgerald. He was confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Commerce in 2025. Lutnick is also known for surviving the September 11 attacks, which killed many Cantor Fitzgerald employees.

Early life and education

Howard William Lutnick was born on July 14, 1961, in Jericho, New York. He later entered the financial industry and joined Cantor Fitzgerald in 1983.

Career at Cantor Fitzgerald

Lutnick rose to become president and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald in 1991 and chairman in 1996. He also played a central role in the firm's modernization and in the later formation and growth of BGC-related businesses.

September 11 attacks

On September 11, 2001, Lutnick was not in the World Trade Center because he had taken his son to kindergarten. Cantor Fitzgerald lost 658 employees in the attacks, including Lutnick's brother Gary. Lutnick later created the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund.

Public service

In 2025, Lutnick became U.S. Secretary of Commerce under President Donald Trump. As commerce secretary, he has been associated with trade and tariff policy.

Key facts

  • Lutnick was born on July 14, 1961, in Jericho, New York.
  • He joined Cantor Fitzgerald in 1983 and later became its president and CEO.
  • He survived the September 11, 2001 attacks after being away from the World Trade Center that morning.
  • Cantor Fitzgerald lost 658 employees in the attacks, including Lutnick's brother Gary.
  • He became the 41st United States Secretary of Commerce in 2025.
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Canadian context

Howard Lutnick is relevant to Canadian readers mainly through his role in U.S. trade and commerce policy, which can affect Canada-U.S. business relations, tariffs, and cross-border markets.[7][8]

Frequently asked questions

Who is Howard Lutnick?
Howard Lutnick is an American businessman and government official best known as the longtime chairman and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald and as the 41st U.S. Secretary of Commerce.
What is Howard Lutnick's net worth?
Available sources describe him as having a net worth of at least US$1.5 billion, while other reports have estimated it at more than US$2 billion.
What happened to Howard Lutnick on 9/11?
He survived the September 11 attacks because he was away taking his son to kindergarten when the World Trade Center was struck. His firm lost 658 employees that day.
Is Howard Lutnick married?
Yes. Sources identify his wife as Allison Lambert, and they have four children.
How old is Howard Lutnick?
Born on July 14, 1961, Howard Lutnick is 65 years old as of July 23, 2026.
What company does Howard Lutnick run?
He has long been associated with Cantor Fitzgerald, where he served as chairman and CEO.

References

  1. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Lutnick
    Supports: Birth date, role as Cantor Fitzgerald chairman, 9/11 survival, and net worth estimate.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/money/Howard-Lutnick
    Supports: Biography, 9/11 account, family details, and leadership at Cantor Fitzgerald.
  3. Associated Press — https://www.apnews.com/article/howard-lutnick-trump-crypto-economy-elon-musk-a03d95e323f7d2d4b722184d83e7b388
    Supports: Cantor Fitzgerald leadership and 9/11 losses at the firm.
  4. Miller Center — https://www.millercenter.org/howard-lutnick-2025
    Supports: Birth date, Cantor Fitzgerald career timeline, and commerce secretary appointment.
  5. MarketsWiki — https://www.marketswiki.com/wiki/Howard_Lutnick
    Supports: Commerce secretary role and Cantor Fitzgerald/BGC leadership history.
  6. TIME — https://time.com/collections/100-most-influential-people-2025/7273801/howard-lutnick/
    Supports: Net worth estimate above US$2 billion and general profile.
  7. OpenSecrets — https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2025/03/trump-administration-profile-howard-lutnick/
    Supports: Commerce secretary confirmation and transition role.