Richard S. LeFrak (born 1945) is an American billionaire businessman. He is chairman and CEO of LeFrak, a privately held, family-run company based in New York City that owns, develops, and manages real estate. He is one of the biggest landlords in the New York tri-state area.

Early life and education LeFrak was born in 1945 to a Jewish familyJerusalem Post: "The world's 50 Richest Jews: 41-50 Richard LeFrak" July 9, 2012 in New York City, one of four children of Ethel Stone and real estate developer Samuel J. LeFrak.New York Times: "Paid Notice: Deaths LEFRAK, SAMUEL J." April 18, 2003New York Times: "Samuel J. LeFrak, Master of Mass Housing, Dies at 85" By ALAN S. OSER April 17, 2003 LeFrak received a B.A. and graduated cum laude from Amherst College. LeFrak also holds a J.D. from Columbia University. In 1998, LeFrak received an honorary doctorate degree from Amherst College.Amherst Magazine: "Three new trustees join Amherst College board " Fall 2005

Career LeFrak joined his family's real estate firm, LeFrak, in 1968. In 1975 he was appointed president. In 2003, he was elected chairman and CEO following the death of his father, Samuel J. LeFrak. In 1986 LeFrak and his father began building in Jersey City, New Jersey on the site of abandoned piers and rail yards. The area is now known as Newport, a 600-acre neighborhood with 8 office buildings, 13 apartment towers, 2 hotels, an urban beach, schools, a retail mall, and parks.New York Times: "Jersey City Development, Begun in ’86, Enters Final Phase" By Charles V. Bagli April 30, 2012The Real Deal: "LeFrak, Christie open NJ waterfront park" By Adam Fusfeld May 3, 2012

LeFrak is also credited with leading the LeFrak organization's expansion and diversification outside of the New York area. In 2008 the company purchased a 12-story office building on Hollywood Boulevard as well as a medical building in Beverly Hills, California.Bloomberg Businessweek: "LeFraks' Sudden Craving For L.A. Real Estate" By Christopher Palmeri August 27, 2008 In 2012 LeFrak purchased a stake in a South Beach, Miami luxury mixed-use property, including a hotel formerly known as the Gansevoort.Hospitalitynet: "Gansevoort Miami SOuth Beach Purchased by Starwood Capital Group, LeFrak Organization and Invesco" February 2, 2012 The project was expected to open in early 2014 as the eco-minded 1 Hotel Homes,One Hotels & Homes South Beach Website however, the project opened in Spring of 2015.

LeFrak was ranked #16 on the Commercial Observer's Real Estate Power 100 in 2013,Commercial Observer: "The Sixth Annual Power 100" April 24, 2013 # 20 in 2012,Commercial Observer: "The 2012 Real Estate Power 100" May 8, 2012 #20 in 2011,Commercial Observer: "The 100 Most Powerful People in New York Real Estate" May 3, 2011 #10 in 2010,Commercial Observer: "Power 100: The Most Powerful People in New York Real Estate" May 11, 2010 #18 in 2009,Commercial Observer: "The Power 100: The Most Powerful People in New York Real Estate" June 3, 2009 and #64 in 2008.Commercial Observer: "The 100 Most Powerful People in New York Real Estate" May 14, 2008

In 2023, LeFrak announced he was taking a step back at the LeFrak firm, however, he continues to lead the company as of December 2025.

Boards LeFrak formerly sat on the board of directors of the Prostate Cancer Foundation. He is a member of the board of trustees of the American Museum of Natural History.American Museum of Natural History: "Board of Trustees" June 5, 2013 From 1995 to 2007, he was a board member of Smith & Wollensky. Previously, he served on the board of trustees of Amherst College and Trinity School; was a member of the New York State Banking Board; and served as director of BankUnited, Florida for four years.

Philanthropy LeFrak presides over the Richard S. and Karen LeFrak Charitable Foundation, a private charity whose mission includes the support of charitable organizations.American Museum of Natural History: "Gift from LeFrak Charitable Foundation Supports NYC School Visits" October 5, 2012New York Presbyterian: "$3 Million Gift Establishes LeFrak Center for Robotic Surgery" May 28, 2009

Harrison has sat on the Board of Trustees of New York-Presbyterian Hospital since 2016.

Controversy In 2017, St. Joseph's Chapel, the Catholic September 11 Memorial at the World Trade Center, located in the Gateway Plaza in Battery Park City, was threatened with closure due to the St. Peter's parish's reluctance or inability to pay a tripling of its rent by a management company run by LeFrak corporation and partners."Chapel that served 9/11 first responders could shutter", New York Post, April 9, 2017."Chapel That Survived Sept. 11 Attacks May Not Survive Rent Increase", New York Times, April 18, 2017.

Personal life He is married to Karen Tucker LeFrak,New York Times: "Paid Notice: Deaths TUCKER, PAULINE" August 28, 2002 a composer and children's author.Karen LeFrak website retrieved April 30, 2012 They live in New York and Southampton. They have two sons James "Jamie" Tucker LeFrak (born 1973) who is vice-chairman and managing director of LeFrakBusinessweek: James LeFrak retrieved December 31, 2012 and Harrison "Harry" Tucker LeFrak (born 1971) who is also vice-chairman and managing director of LeFrak.Businessweek: Harrison LeFrak retrieved December 31, 2012 Politics LeFrak contributed $100,000 to Donald Trump's 2020 presidential campaign. LeFrak had previously called Trump, a fellow real-estate developer, "a dear friend".

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