Mark Walter, an American businessman and the chief executive officer of Guggenheim Partners, is the son of Ed Walter, who worked at a local concrete block manufacturing plant.
He worked his way up and became the chief executive officer of Guggenheim Partners. It is a privately held global financial services firm with assets under management exceeding $325 billion.
Highlights
- Mark Walter grew up in a middle-class family not far from the iconic Field of Dreams in Iowa.
- Ed Walter, who worked at a local concrete block manufacturing plant, declined interviews, honoring Mark’s preference to keep family matters out of the public eye.
- Mark’s parents’ support has always been a steady, silent presence in his life.
Mark had agreed to buy majority control of the Los Angeles Lakers at a $10 billion valuation from the Buss family on June 18, 2025. It is the highest price tag for a team in the history of professional sports.
He is the incoming majority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team, who purchased 20% of the team from Philip Anschutz in 2021.
He teamed up with Todd Boehly to buy out Anschutz’s 27% stake for a valuation of $5 billion.
Since 2014, Mark has owned one-sixth of the Los Angeles Sparks women’s basketball team, which won the 2016 WNBA championship and advanced to the 2017 WNBA Finals.
He credited Magic Johnson, who gave him the idea to save the Sparks and keep them in Los Angeles.
Furthermore, the CEO of Guggenheim Partners owns 27% of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team. He led Guggenheim Baseball Management (GBM)’s $2.15 billion purchase of the team in 2012.
Laker fans should be estatic. A few things I can tell you about Mark – he is driven by winning, excellence, and doing everything the right way. AND he will put in the resources needed to win! I can understand why Jeanie sold the team to Mark Walter because they are just alike – they are competitive people, l have big hearts, love to give back, and both prefer to be behind the scenes. This makes all the sense in the world.
Magic Johnson
Mark Walter’s Success: The Quiet Influence Of His Parents
Mark Richard Walter, the son of Ed Walter, was born on January 1, 1960, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. His father worked at a local concrete block manufacturing plant.
He is now a prominent figure in finance and sports ownership, but his roots trace back to a modest, middle-class upbringing in the middle of America.
Lakers fans, how do you feel about Mark Walter? #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/ke4e4a9hp2
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) June 18, 2025
Mark’s parents instilled in him the values of hard work, humility, and the importance of family, which shaped his future.
During a conference in Los Angeles, Mark reflected on his childhood, mentioning that he was raised not far from the iconic Field of Dreams in Iowa.
His parents taught him that success comes from dedication and love and support are the foundation of a meaningful life.
Although Mark has achieved great professional success, he remains private about his personal life. It seems the Walter family has a deep respect for privacy.
When approached for an interview about his son, Ed Walter politely declined, honoring Mark’s preference to keep family matters out of the public eye.
Ed protected the wishes of his child as a good parents, prioritizing his son’s wishes over public attention.
Mark’s journey from a middle-class upbringing to earning a law degree reflects the lessons his parents instilled in him. Their emphasis on perseverance and integrity played a role in his achievements.
While his professional accomplishments are widely recognized, the quiet support of his parents remains an enduring private part of his story.
I think I’m turning a page in my life, where I can begin to focus on things beyond business, such as building platforms that have impact, social responsibility and philanthropic activities.
Mark Walter
Mark Walter Established Scholarship Fund At Northwestern Law
Mark Walter and his wife, Kimbra Walter, have established the Walter Family Foundation Scholarship Fund at Northwestern University School of Law.
It will fully fund an entering law student with related financial need for up to three years, covering tuition, educational expenses, and living costs.
Meet our 2024 Billie Jean King Leadership Award honorees Kimbra and Mark Walter! We cannot wait to honor them at the biggest night in women's sports on Oct. 16 at Cipriani Wall Street®, NYC. Learn more: https://t.co/4gxaDP5zQe#WSFAnnualSalute pic.twitter.com/2U86Ipgcok
— Women's Sports Foundation (@WomensSportsFdn) October 4, 2024
The scholarship reflects the Walters’ dedication to reducing financial barriers in legal education. It enables talented students to pursue careers in law without the burden of student debt.
We are committed to educating students regardless of their financial situation. This very generous gift from our friends and long-time supporters, Mark and Kimbra, will help us expand that promise.
Dean Daniel B. Rodriguez
Mark Walter is a prominent figure in business and sports. He is the controlling owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, a co-owner of the Los Angeles Sparks, and holds leadership roles in insurance and other industries.
He is a dedicated philanthropist and serves on the boards of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, the Field Museum, and Northwestern University’s Board of Trustees.
Meanwhile, Kimbra Walter, also an attorney and Northwestern graduate, is deeply involved in civic and cultural organizations. She serves on the boards of the Lincoln Park Zoo, OneGoal, and the Goodman Theatre.
The Walters have been longtime supporters of Northwestern, and their contribution continues to open doors for future generations of legal professionals.
Additional Information
- Mark Walter graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business from Creighton University in 1982 and graduated from Northwestern University Law School in 1985.
- He married Kimbra Walter and lives happily with a daughter in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago.
- He also owns 12.7% of BlueCo and the Professional Women’s Hockey League.
- As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $6.1 billion.
