Zoe Cruz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Zoe Cruz
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| Born |
Zoe Papadimitriou
February 2, 1955 |
| Citizenship | American |
| Education | Harvard Business School |
| Occupation | Business executive |
| Known for | Former banking executive at Morgan Stanley |
| Spouse(s) | Ernesto Cruz (div. 2014) |
| Children | 3 |
Zoe Cruz, born Zoe Papadimitriou on February 2, 1955, is a successful Greek American business leader. She used to be a top executive at a big bank called Morgan Stanley. Today, she is the founder and CEO of her own company, Menai Financial Group.
Early Life and Education
Zoe Cruz was born in Greece. When she was 14, her family moved to Massachusetts, United States. She worked hard in school and graduated from Harvard University in 1977. She studied languages like French and Spanish.
Later, in 1982, she earned a special business degree from Harvard Business School. Zoe is very good with languages and can speak Greek, English, Spanish, and French.
Career Highlights
After finishing business school in 1982, Zoe Cruz started working at Morgan Stanley. This was a big financial company, and she stayed there for 25 years! She quickly moved up the ranks.
- In 1986, she became a vice president.
- By 1990, she was a managing director.
From 2000 to 2005, she led a major part of the company that dealt with different types of investments. On February 9, 2006, she became a co-president of Morgan Stanley, which is a very high position.
In 2006, Forbes magazine named her one of the "100 Most Powerful Women in the World." She was ranked number 10! Zoe left Morgan Stanley in November 2007.
After Morgan Stanley
After leaving Morgan Stanley, Zoe Cruz used her skills to help other organizations.
- She joined the board of the Harlem Children’s Zone. This group helps children in New York with education and social programs.
- She also served on boards for important places like the Lincoln Center and New York-Presbyterian Hospital.
In 2009, Zoe started her own investment company called Vorás Capital Management. Later, in 2012, she changed it into EOZ Global. This company invests in new businesses, including those in science and manufacturing.
Zoe Cruz also joined the Investment Committee for Bowdoin College in 2012, helping them manage their money. From 2014 to 2018, she was a director at a large financial company called Old Mutual.
In 2020, Zoe Cruz started her newest company, Menai Financial Group. This company helps other big companies invest in digital money, like cryptocurrencies.
Awards and Recognition
Zoe Cruz has received many awards for her achievements in business.
- In 2015, Fortune magazine called her one of the "Most Powerful Women in Business."
- The Wall Street Journal also recognized her as a businesswoman who was "In Line to Lead."
- Forbes magazine named her one of the "Most Powerful Women" in 2005, 2006, and 2007.
- In 2006, Fortune said she was the highest-paid woman, earning $30 million that year!
- In 2007, she was on The Wall Street Journal's list of "50 Women to Watch in Business." She was also named one of "6 CEOs to Be" by Fortune.
Zoe Cruz is known for her strong leadership and success in the financial world.
