JEAN-BAPTISTE WAUTIER

Wautier Family Office founder, Board member at Pershing Square Holdings, Howard Hughes Holdings, and The Wall Street Journal Board of Directors Council, private equity leader, and World Economic Forum speaker, driving impact across finance, academia, and philanthropy.

Professional Background

Jean-Baptiste (JB) Wautier is a leading figure in the financial sector with over 30 years of experience in private equity, mergers and acquisitions, board governance, and corporate finance. He currently manages five consumer-focused portfolio companies within his family office, guiding their growth as a board member and Chairman. JB also serves as an Independent Director on the Boards of Pershing Square Holdings (PSH: LN) and Howard Hughes Holdings (HHH: US), where he brings strategic insight and governance expertise to two high-profile and transformative companies, active in global investment and large-scale real estate development. Additionally, JB serves as a Council Member of The Wall Street Journal Board of Directors Council, a distinguished network of global leaders who contribute insights on governance, leadership, and the evolving role of boards in driving sustainable growth and stakeholder value. His career highlights include significant roles at Arthur Andersen, Morgan Stanley, IK Partners, and BC Partners (BC), where he spent 20 years and was CIO for a decade. At BC, he co-managed €40 billion of assets, helped raise three flagship funds, and led ten major investments.

Board Member

JB serves as an Independent Director on the boards of Pershing Square Holdings (PSH: LN) and Howard Hughes Holdings (HHH: US), two prominent and innovative organizations in the investment and real estate sectors. At PSH, he brings his financial expertise to the governance of one of the most closely watched long-only fund investment vehicles globally. At HHH, he contributes to a visionary company that is redefining the American urban and suburban experience through large-scale, transformational developments, while it is now also embarking on a new strategy emulating the model Warren Buffett implemented at Berkshire Hathaway. These roles, alongside one of the most highly respected investors– Bill Ackman– underscore JB’s strategic acumen and deep commitment to value creation at the highest levels of corporate leadership. He also serves as a Council Member of The Wall Street Journal Board of Directors Council, joining a select group of influential leaders shaping boardroom standards and corporate governance practices worldwide.

Academic Contributions

In addition to his professional achievements, JB is dedicated to academia, both as Visiting Lecturer at Sciences Po Paris as well as Executive Fellow at Adam Smith’s Panmure House. He contributes to economic policy discussions through platforms like Les Echos, Fondapol, the World Economic Forum, and The Wall Street Journal Board of Directors Council.

Philanthropy and Mentorship

Jean-Baptiste is also dedicated to philanthropy, serving as Chair of the Board of Trustees at Aspire, a UK charity for spinal cord injuries, and chairing the Investment Committee at SCI Ventures, a fund for spinal cord injury research. He mentors students through Sciences Po’s CEP program and supports various charitable causes.

Personal Interests

Outside his professional life, JB enjoys reading, traveling, sailing, cycling, and spending time with his family. His advice to aspiring professionals emphasizes hard work, patience, and balance in achieving long-term success.