Bill Ackman is an American investor and hedge fund manager, known for founding Pershing Square Capital Management in 2004. He gained prominence for his bold investment strategies and high-profile bets on companies like Target and Valeant Pharmaceuticals. Ackman is recognized for his activist investing approach, where he seeks to influence company management and operations to increase shareholder value. Born on May 11, 1966, in Chappaqua, New York, Ackman graduated from Harvard College and later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. He has been involved in various philanthropic efforts and is known for his outspoken views on financial markets and corporate governance.