Steve Witkoff Biography: Steven Charles Witkoff, born on March 15, 1957, is an American lawyer, real estate investor, and diplomat. He is the founder and chairman of the Witkoff Group and currently serves as the United States Special Envoy to the Middle East. Witkoff began his professional journey as a real estate attorney before transitioning into property development and investment. Some of his major acquisitions include the Woolworth Building, the Daily News Building, 33 Maiden Lane, and the Park Lane Hotel in New York City. According to the 2025 Forbes World’s Billionaires List, he has an estimated net worth of $2 billion, ranking him as the 1,763rd wealthiest person globally. In 2020, during Donald Trump’s first presidential term, Witkoff was appointed to the Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups, formed to address the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Steve Witkoff Biography
Steve Witkoff is a well-known name in the real estate world, celebrated for his sharp investment strategies and decades of success in the industry. Over the years, he has built a diverse and valuable portfolio, earning him a strong reputation among his peers. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated to exceed $500 million. Witkoff’s career has been marked by his ability to manage and grow a wide array of properties, significantly boosting both his personal wealth and the influence of his firm, the Witkoff Group. Beyond his accomplishments in real estate, he has also stepped into the public arena, having been appointed as Special Envoy to the Middle East by President-elect Donald Trump in 2024—a move that highlights his expanding role on the global stage.
Steven Charles Witkoff is an American real estate investor, lawyer, and diplomat who serves as the United States Special Envoy to the Middle East. He is the founder and chairman of the Witkoff Group. He began his career as a real estate attorney, before transitioning to property investment and development.
Steve Witkoff Wiki
Born: 15 March 1957 (age 68 years), The Bronx, New York, United States
Net worth: 200 crores USD (2025) Forbes
Spouse: Lauren Rappoport (m. 1987)
Children: Andrew Witkoff
Education: Hofstra University, Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University
Organization founded: Witkoff Group
Nationality: American
Early Life and Education
Steven Witkoff was born in the Bronx, New York City, and raised in Baldwin Harbor and Old Westbury on Long Island. He is of Jewish heritage and the son of Martin and Lois Witkoff. His father worked in New York City as a manufacturer of women’s coats, and his paternal grandparents emigrated from the Russian Empire. He began his college education at Union College in Schenectady, New York, but later transferred to Hofstra University, where he earned a B.A. in political science in 1980. He went on to receive a J.D. from Hofstra Law School in 1983.
Personal Life
Steve Witkoff is married to Lauren Rappoport, and together they had three sons: Zach, Alex, and Andrew. In 2011, the family experienced a tragic loss when their son Andrew passed away due to an opioid-related incident.
Career and Achievements
In 1997, Steve Witkoff founded the Witkoff Group, a real estate investment and development firm. Under his leadership, the company has acquired and revitalized more than 70 major properties across key cities in the United States and internationally. Notable projects include the restoration of iconic New York landmarks like the Woolworth Building and the Park Lane Hotel.
Lifestyle and Real Estate Holdings
Witkoff’s lifestyle reflects his business success, with residences in some of the world’s most exclusive locations. His real estate portfolio includes luxury hotels, residential complexes, and commercial properties, which not only boost his net worth but also contribute significantly to urban development and design.
Diplomatic Engagements
Beyond his real estate ventures, Witkoff also took on a diplomatic role. Appointed by President Trump, he served as the U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East from 2025 to 2026. During his tenure, he was involved in high-stakes negotiations, including peace talks between Israel and Hamas and coordinating a prisoner exchange between Russia and Israel.
Steve Witkoff Net Worth 2025
Steve Witkoff’s financial journey includes several major milestones. By the late 1990s, he had accumulated a portfolio of 30 office buildings valued at approximately $2.5 billion. His sustained success in real estate has contributed to an estimated net worth of $500 million by 2025.
FAQs
What led Steve Witkoff to transition from law to real estate?
Steve Witkoff began his professional journey as a real estate attorney, but his growing interest in property development and investment inspired him to launch his own firm, the Witkoff Group, in 1997.
How did Steve Witkoff get involved in diplomacy?
Though he had no prior diplomatic background, Steve Witkoff was appointed by President Donald Trump as the U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East in 2025, where he played a role in several key negotiations.
What is the Witkoff Group known for in the real estate sector?
The Witkoff Group is recognized for acquiring and repositioning high-profile real estate properties, especially in urban hubs. Its projects include luxury hotels, commercial towers, and historic renovations.
How has Steve Witkoff’s family influenced his philanthropic outlook?
The tragic loss of his son Andrew in 2011 deeply impacted Witkoff and has played a role in shaping his philanthropic interests, particularly in issues surrounding addiction and public health.
Where does Steve Witkoff own property?
Witkoff owns real estate in several prime locations across the U.S. and internationally, including high-end hotels, apartment buildings, and commercial developments in major cities.
What sets Steve Witkoff apart from other real estate developers?
Beyond his success in real estate, Witkoff stands out due to his involvement in diplomacy and international affairs, as well as his ability to manage high-stakes negotiations on the global stage.
