Andrew Hauptman

Biography

Hauptman was born in 1969 to a Jewish family and raised in Smithtown, New York. His father was a pediatrician. He graduated with a B.A. from Yale University and an M.B.A. from Harvard University. After school, he worked in restructuring and mergers and acquisitions with Alex. Brown & Sons in New York City; and then as an executive with Universal Studios in London focusing on the music and film entertainment groups.

Andell Inc.

In 1998, he and his wife, Ellen Bronfman Hauptman, founded Andell Inc. (formerly known as Andell Holdings, LLC), a private investment firm based in Los Angeles with investments primarily in entertainment, sports and consumer products. Andell manages assets that grew out of the Bronfman family’s controlling position of The Seagram Co. Ltd. Andell’s current activities include direct and indirect investments in public and private companies, real estate, and partnerships with investment managers. His production company Andell Entertainment has produced several feature films including “Millions” directed by Danny Boyle in 2004; "Lions for Lambs" starring Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep and Robert Redford in 2007; and "State of Play" starring Russell Crowe in 2009.

Chicago Fire Soccer Club

In 2007, Andell purchased the Major League Soccer team, the Chicago Fire from the Anschutz Entertainment Group for $35 million. Hauptman has recruited top management and soccer talent as well increasing the number of players in its youth program from 400 to over 15,000, announcing the construction of a $22 million, 150,000 square-foot Chicago Fire Soccer Center on the north side of Chicago, and expanded the Chicago Fire Foundation, which has provided over $1.7 million in grants, contributions and in-kind support. Hauptman currently sits on the League’s Board of Governors and has held various appointments to MLS’ Media, Governance, Competition, Digital Commerce, Product and Player Development Strategy, and Marketing committees.

Other business activities

Hauptman presently serves as a director of XIX Entertainment and on the advisory board of Altas Partners. Hauptman has served as a director of numerous public and private companies including BSN SPORTS, Dick Clark Productions, Koor Industries, Loews Cineplex Entertainment, Storage Mobility and Canyon Ranch Holdings. In addition, Hauptman participates in several business organizations, including the Bel Air and Aspen chapters of Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO).

Philanthropy

He serves as Director of The Hauptman Family Foundation and as honorary Chairman of the Chicago Fire Foundation. He is on the board of the Los Angeles Fund for Public Education, the Yale University Council, and the Leadership Council of the Franklin Project at The Aspen Institute. Hauptman serves as a national trustee of City Year and is co-founder and chairman of City Year Los Angeles.

Honors and Awards

Personal life

Hauptman is married to Ellen Bronfman Hauptman, the daughter of Canadian businessman Charles Bronfman. They are raising their children in the Jewish faith.