Stephen M. Peck
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Philanthropist
Stephen M. Peck | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 2, 1935 New York City, US |
| Died | March 30, 2004 (age 69) |
| Education | Fieldston School University of Pennsylvania |
| Occupation(s) | Investor Philanthropist |
| Known for | Co-founder of Weiss, Peck & Greer |
| Spouses | Barbara Rubin Peck (divorced)
|
| Children | 3 (and 3 stepchildren) |
Stephen M. Peck (February 2, 1935 – March 30, 2004) was an American investor and philanthropist who co-founded the asset management firm Weiss, Peck & Greer.
Stephen Martin Peck was born to a Jewish family on February 2, 1935, in New York City, U.S.[1][2][3] He was the third child and only son of Helen (née Epstein) and Barney Peck, a partner in a Wall Street brokerage firm and member of the New York Stock Exchange. Barney Peck, who began his career as a runner for Herrick, Berg and Co., was committed to youth charities and an active supporter of Camp Williams, which provided free vacations to underprivileged children.[3][4]
Peck graduated from the Fieldston School in New York and with a bachelor's degree in economics from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.[2]
Career
In 1956, aged 21 and still attending college, Peck became the youngest ever member of the New York Stock Exchange when his father bought him a seat.[5] They then worked together at the specialist firm which became known as Barney Peck & Son.[4] After his father died unexpectedly just a year later,[4] Peck formed S.M. Peck & Company, with his mother Helen serving as a limited partner.[6]
In 1970, Peck co-founded the private investment firm Weiss, Peck & Greer with Philip Greer and brothers Roger and Stephen H. Weiss.[2] Weiss Peck offered investment-management, private equity, venture-capital and clearing services. With assets under management in excess of $16.5 billion, it was acquired by Dutch asset manager Robeco in 1998.[7] In 1971, at age 36, Peck was named vice chairman of the New York Stock Exchange's board of governors.[2] In 1985, he joined Saul Steinberg at the insurance company Reliance Group Holdings as the firm's chief investment officer.[2] Throughout his career Peck served on numerous corporate boards including those of Tiger International Inc. and Advance Auto Parts, the company led by his college roommate Nicholas F. Taubman.[8][9]