John’s passion for investing began at age 12 when his father began buying him stocks as Christmas and birthday gifts. His interest in equities grew at Princeton University, where he majored in economics, and over the two-plus years he worked as a stockbroker for William Blair & Company, LLC. In 1983, John founded Ariel to focus on patient, value investing within small- and medium-sized companies.

Early in his career, John’s investment acumen brought him to the forefront of media attention and culminated in him being selected as Co-Mutual Fund Manager of the Year by Sylvia Porter’s Personal Finance magazine as well as an All-Star Mutual Fund Manager by USA TODAY. Furthermore, John has been highlighted alongside legendary investors Warren Buffett, Sir John Templeton and Ben Graham in the distinguished book: The World’s 99 Greatest Investors by Magnus Angenfelt.

His professional accomplishments extend to the boardroom where he is a member of the board of directors of McDonald’s, NIKE, The New York Times Company, and Ryan Specialty Group Holdings. John also serves as vice chair of the board of trustees of the University of Chicago. Additionally, he is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and a director of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights. In 2008, John was awarded Princeton University’s highest honor, the Woodrow Wilson Award, presented each year to the alumnus or alumna whose career embodies a commitment to national service. Following the election of President Barack Obama, John served as co-chair for the Presidential Inaugural Committee 2009, and more recently, he joined the Barack Obama Foundation’s Board of Directors. John received an AB in economics from Princeton University, where he was also captain of the varsity basketball team.

For more than one hundred years, the success of the ITW business model has been complemented by a set of core values that include giving back to the communities where ITW colleagues live and work. ITW has been making a difference within communities for more than 70 years. Nationally, ITW is United Way’s top manufacturing partner. And in the Chicago region, ITW consistently ranks among United Way’s top 10 corporate partners.

Approximately seven out of ten ITW employees annually give to United Way, contributing tens of millions of dollars over the life of the partnership. ITW employees participate in large-scale volunteer events and serve on United Way’s Board of Directors, multiple Affinity Groups, and CSR Executive Committee.

ITW was an early donor to the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund and invested $2 million dollars to help bridge the digital divide to Chicago Connected. ITW also supports multiple United Way events and programs every year, most notably our Stronger Neighborhoods Awards.

As a part of its Do More Agenda, ITW is committed to supporting more inclusive economic growth and opportunities in disinvested communities. As part of this commitment, United Way is thrilled to announce ITW’s partnership as a cornerstone investor in the development and implementation of the Commit to a Neighborhood Initiative.