Leonore Annenberg Chairman and President of the Annenberg Foundation Date of Birth: 20.02.1918 Country: USA

1. Biography of Leonore Annenberg
2. Early Life and Education
3. Ambassadorship and Philanthropy
4. Current Activities

Biography of Leonore Annenberg

Leonore Annenberg, the chair and president of the Annenberg Foundation, was born on February 20, 1918, in New York. She graduated from Stanford University in 1940 with an honorary bachelor's degree in the arts. With an estimated personal fortune of approximately $2.0 billion, Leonore Annenberg is a widow of Walter Annenberg, a former United States ambassador to the United Kingdom and a prominent business magnate, as well as a renowned philanthropist. She was listed in Forbes magazine as one of the most influential individuals in the world.

Early Life and Education

Leonore Annenberg was born on February 20, 1918, in New York. She graduated from Stanford University in 1940 with an honorary bachelor's degree in the arts. Shortly after, she married Lewis Rosenstiel, a liquor sales executive, and they had two children together before divorcing. In 1951, Leonore married Walter Annenberg, her second husband, and they enjoyed a successful marriage.

Ambassadorship and Philanthropy

In 1969, Walter Annenberg was appointed as the United States ambassador to the United Kingdom. The family relocated to London, where they oversaw the renovation of the luxurious Winfield House, a thirty-five-room residence. Six months later, they moved into a mansion with a price tag of one million dollars. While in London, Leonore founded the organization American Friends of Covent Garden, which aimed to establish and strengthen friendly relations between the United Kingdom and the United States through music.

In 1980, Walter Annenberg actively participated in the presidential campaign of Ronald Reagan, and in 1981, after Reagan's victory, Leonore was appointed to a highly responsible role in the White House. However, her tenure in the White House was short-lived, as she left the position after a year, stating her desire to dedicate more time to her family. Throughout their married life, Leonore and her husband were actively involved in philanthropy, donating significant amounts of money to various organizations, including educational and cultural institutions.

Current Activities

Presently, Leonore continues to provide financial support to numerous companies and organizations through her philanthropic efforts. As the chair and president of the Annenberg Foundation, she plays a crucial role in overseeing its initiatives and contributions to society.