Anwar Zakkour: From Wall Street to Private Investor
In the world of global finance, few names have carried the weight and influence that Anwar Zakkour has built throughout his decades-long career. Known for his sharp deal-making skills, deep strategic insight, and leadership across some of Wall Street’s most prestigious firms, Zakkour has shaped landmark transactions valued at more than half a trillion dollars. Today, as a private investor and founder of AMZ Investments LLC, he continues to apply his expertise to help dynamic companies maximize shareholder value while also being recognized for his personal story as a Lebanese-born, Denmark-raised, American businessman.
This article explores the journey of Anwar Zakkour in detail: his early education, meteoric rise in investment banking, leadership roles at institutions such as J.P. Morgan and Bank of America Merrill Lynch, his tenure as Chief Investment Officer at Majid Al Futtaim, and his current role as a private investor. We will also look at the frequently asked questions surrounding his net worth, children, wife, and family background.
Early Life and Education
From Lebanon to Denmark
Anwar Zakkour was born in Lebanon in 1963 but relocated to Denmark at a young age due to the Lebanese Civil War. This early displacement helped shape his international outlook and adaptability—qualities that would later serve him in the world of global banking.
Academic Background
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University of Copenhagen (Medical School, 1981–1983): He began his academic journey in medicine before transitioning into business.
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Copenhagen Business School (1984–1986): Here, he laid the foundation for his financial and economic understanding.
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ESCP Business School (Paris, Oxford, Berlin campuses, 1986–1989): Zakkour completed a top-tier business program that gave him access to Europe’s leading financial centers.
This combination of medical, business, and international education created a unique foundation for his career in mergers and acquisitions.
Early Career in Investment Banking
Morgan Stanley (1990–1995)
Zakkour began his Wall Street career at Morgan Stanley, working in Mergers & Acquisitions in both London and New York. His analytical skills and ability to execute complex deals quickly established him as a rising star.
Citi and Cendant Corporation (1996–2000)
After joining Salomon Brothers (later Citi), Zakkour became a Managing Director in M&A, leading teams in the media and telecom sectors. He also held senior corporate roles at Cendant Corporation, where he worked on strategic realignment, divestitures worth $4.5 billion, and internet business investments.
J.P. Morgan: Vice Chairman of Investment Banking
From 2005 to 2013, Anwar Zakkour served as Global Vice Chairman of Investment Banking at J.P. Morgan. He was recruited by the late Wall Street legend Jimmy Lee, who saw his potential to lead some of the most high-profile transactions in the technology, media, and telecom (TMT) sectors.
Landmark Deals at J.P. Morgan
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Sale of NBC Universal to Comcast.
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Acquisition of Dow Jones by Fox.
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Merger of Sirius and XM Satellite Radio.
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Verizon’s buyout of Verizon Wireless stake.
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Restructuring of Activision with Vivendi.
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Sale of MetroPCS to T-Mobile.
These transactions not only reshaped industries but also positioned Zakkour as one of the most influential investment bankers in the TMT space.
Bank of America Merrill Lynch: Global Head of TMT Investment Banking
From 2013 to 2018, Zakkour joined Bank of America Merrill Lynch as the Global Head of TMT Investment Banking. He transformed what was once a debt-financing group into a fully integrated investment banking powerhouse.
Key Highlights at BAML
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Personally advised on deals such as:
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Sale of the Los Angeles Clippers to Steve Ballmer.
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Sale of Time Inc. to Meredith Corporation.
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Match.com IPO.
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King Digital’s acquisition by Activision.
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Built and led a global team of 150 professionals, one of the largest groups on Wall Street.
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Served on the Investment Banking Group-Head Committee and helped mentor future leaders through the Summer Associate Program.
Majid Al Futtaim: Chief Investment Officer
In 2019, Zakkour became the Chief Investment Officer of Majid Al Futtaim Holding, one of the Middle East’s largest private conglomerates. Based in Dubai, he oversaw:
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Business portfolio optimization.
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Capital structure and investment frameworks.
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Corporate strategy and private equity solutions.
This role expanded his influence beyond Wall Street into the global markets of the Middle East.
Private Investor: AMZ Investments LLC
Since 2020, Anwar Zakkour has focused on private investment through AMZ Investments LLC, based in New York. He also serves as a Senior Advisor to 25madison, a venture studio focused on incubation and early-stage investment.
His focus today includes:
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Strategic advisory for growth companies.
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Early-stage venture investments.
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Board management and corporate governance.
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Debt and equity structuring for innovative businesses.
Net Worth of Anwar Zakkour
One of the most asked questions is about Anwar Zakkour’s net worth. While no official figures are publicly disclosed, it is widely understood that his career as a senior executive at some of the world’s largest investment banks, combined with his private investments, has generated significant wealth. Given the magnitude of the transactions he has advised on—worth over half a trillion dollars—his personal net worth is likely in the multi-million-dollar range. However, any exact figure remains speculative, as he has not publicly released financial details.
Anwar Zakkour’s Family
Children
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Charlie Zakkour: His son, Charlie, has appeared on Bravo’s reality show Next Gen NYC, which explores the lives of wealthy young New Yorkers.
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Oonagh Zakkour: Though less publicly visible, there are indications that Anwar also has a daughter named Oonagh. She has appeared in family references but remains largely private.
Wife
Public reports connect Anwar Zakkour to Elizabeth “Liz” Williams, an art collector and mother of Charlie. Additionally, past records indicate a brief marriage to Dina Azar in 2012. His current marital status remains private, with no confirmed public updates.
Leadership and Expertise
Key Skills and Expertise Areas
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M&A strategy and execution.
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Corporate governance and investor relations.
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Capital structuring and allocation.
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Defense against activist investors.
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Equity and debt financing, including IPOs and high-yield bonds.
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Building and leading global investment banking teams.
Zakkour’s expertise continues to make him a sought-after advisor and private investor.
Conclusion
Anwar Zakkour’s story is a blend of resilience, international experience, and financial mastery. From his early days in Lebanon and Denmark to leading multi-billion-dollar deals on Wall Street, he has built a reputation as one of the foremost dealmakers of his generation. Today, through AMZ Investments LLC and his role as a private investor, he remains active in shaping businesses and strategies for the future.
Whether advising global CEOs, mentoring new generations of bankers, or investing in innovative startups, Anwar Zakkour continues to leave a lasting mark on the financial world. His legacy is defined not only by the size of the deals he executed but also by the global relationships and long-term value he helped create.
