Jeffrey Smith: Biography, Career, and Business Insights

Jeffrey Smith’s Profile Summary

Company	Starboard Value
Position	Managing Member, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer at Starboard Value.
Source of wealth	Management and performance fees from Starboard Value’s investment strategies, corporate board memberships, equity ownership in targeted companies.
Also known as	Corporate board member, activist investor.
Age	60
Education	University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor of Science in Economics (Wharton School).
Citizenship	United States
Residence	New York City, USA
Family	Information about Jeffrey Smith's family is
Website, Social Media	https://www.starboardvalue.com/

Jeffrey Smith’s biography

Jeffrey Smith is a highly regarded American investment fund manager and activist investor, best known for his leadership role at Starboard Value, a New York-based hedge fund. He was born in 1965 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Smith began his career in finance by working at firms like Jefferies & Co. and quickly gained a reputation for his analytical rigor and keen sense for shareholder value. In 2002, he co-founded Starboard Value, which operates as a spin-off from Ramius LLC. Under his guidance, Starboard has become known for its activist investing strategies, often targeting underperforming companies with the goal of improving management and enhancing shareholder returns. Smith has played an instrumental role in high-profile corporate battles, including campaigns involving Darden Restaurants and Yahoo!, among others. His aggressive yet strategic approach to investment has earned him recognition as one of the most influential activist investors in the industry. Besides his work at Starboard, he has served on the boards of several companies, leveraging his expertise to steer them toward financial stability and growth.

How did Jeffrey Smith make money?

Jeffrey Smith makes money in the following areas:

Management and performance fees from Starboard Value’s investment strategies, corporate board memberships, equity ownership in targeted companies.
What is Jeffrey Smith net worth?

As of 2025, there is no publicly available and reliable information regarding Jeffrey Smith’s net worth.

What is Jeffrey Smith also known as?

Jeffrey Smith is widely recognized not only as an investment manager but also as a corporate board member, having served on the boards of various companies, including Yahoo! and Darden Restaurants, where he played a crucial role in driving operational and management changes. His expertise in turning around companies has made him a highly sought-after figure in corporate governance. Additionally, Smith is well-known for his role as an activist investor, focusing on improving shareholder value through strategic restructuring and leadership changes within targeted companies.

Prominent achievements of Jeffrey Smith

Recognized as one of the top activist investors in the U.S., successfully led major corporate turnarounds, such as Darden Restaurants and Yahoo!, regularly featured in financial media for his influential role in shareholder activism, nominated for various industry awards for his corporate governance impact, regarded as one of the top-performing hedge fund managers in activist investing.

What are Jeffrey Smith’s key insights?

Jeffrey Smith’s business philosophy revolves around maximizing shareholder value by focusing on operational efficiency and strong corporate governance. He believes in actively engaging with the companies he invests in to implement changes in leadership, improve operational metrics, and ensure that management is aligned with shareholder interests. His approach emphasizes deep analysis and strategic oversight, often taking an activist stance to initiate significant corporate changes.

Jeffrey Smith’s personal life

There are no reliable or detailed public records available regarding Jeffrey Smith's family members.

Useful insights

Leading with purpose and integrity

To achieve long-lasting success, leading with integrity and purpose is crucial. Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, demonstrates how strong leadership can propel you forward in your career or business.

Define your purpose and align it with your goals

Mary Barra emphasizes the importance of having a clear purpose. Identify your core values and ensure that your actions align with these values. This will give you the clarity and motivation needed to succeed, especially in challenging times.
Adapt to innovation and stay flexible

Barra's success is tied to her ability to guide GM through a transition toward electric vehicles. Always be open to innovation and stay flexible when markets or industries change. Adaptability is a key trait for anyone aiming to succeed.
Empower those around you

Successful leaders know how to empower their teams. By trusting and supporting the people around you, you create a culture of accountability and innovation. Help others succeed, and you’ll find that success naturally follows you as well.