Michael Fisch
Founder and CEO of American Securities, a leading U.S. private equity firm.
A committed investor with significant not-for-profit commitment, Michael believes in shaping a more prosperous future through fact-based economic positions and a focus on policies that foster the best possible outcomes for people experiencing poverty and marginalized populations.
About Michael Fisch
Michael Fisch began his career on Wall Street in the Mergers & Acquisitions group at Goldman, Sachs & Co. in 1983 and also worked at Bain & Company in 1986 before entering private equity in 1987. In 1993, he became a financial advisor to the William Rosenwald Family whose father Julius Rosenwald, built Sears, Roebuck & Company into the dominant U.S. retailer in the early 1900s.
In 1994, Michael founded the modern American Securities (with the Rosenwald Family and Charles D. Klein), and has served as CEO since its inception. Under his leadership, the firm grew over 3 decades into a leading middle-market US private equity firm. For additional professional background, view Michael Fisch on LinkedIn.
Michael served and serves on numerous corporate and nonprofit boards. He has been a member since 2011 of the President’s Leadership Council of Dartmouth College, where he received a BA in Economics and Policy Studies in 1983 and has been a guest lecturer for more than 20 years at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business (“GSB”), where he received an MBA in 1987. He is a regular speaker on private equity, governance, and economic policy. He is also Chair of the Freedom and Prosperity Center Advisory Council at the Atlantic Council and a Trustee of Northwell Health where he Chairs the Governance Committee.
He is very active in not-for-profits, with a focus on healthcare, economic policy, and religion/spirituality, as well as food security initiatives in New York City. Outside of his professional work, he is a devoted father of four, Ironman triathlete, and art enthusiast.
Michael Fisch delivers a guest lecture at Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Michael Fisch, Founder and CEO of American Securities, speaking with Scott Wolff, President of American Securities.
Founder & CEO of American Securities
Michael founded American Securities in 1994 to invest in market-leading, U.S.-headquartered businesses with strong existing management and a long-term orientation.
The firm invests in market-leading North American companies with annual revenues between $200 million and $2 billion. American Securities and its affiliates manage approximately $20 billion under management across nine funds and more than 80 platform investments.
The firm’s approach combines an operational focus, disciplined growth, and a long-term partnership orientation with management to create growing companies and economic value for management teams and the firm’s investors. Learn more about American Securities.
Michael Fisch’s Leadership & Governance
Since its founding, American Securities has grown to a team of more than 150 full-time professionals with headquarters in New York and an office in Shanghai. The firm’s portfolio today includes 24 companies that collectively employ more than 150,000 people.
As CEO, Michael leads the firm’s strategic direction, is a member of the Investment Committee and is focused on the Firm’s award-winning culture. His experience in private equity and governance has made him a sought-after speaker and commentator on the private equity industry and general economic policy issues.
He has also served on numerous private and nonprofit boards, advising organizations on strategy, governance, investment, and long-term growth.
Michael Fisch at the American Securities office.
Michael Fisch speaks at an Atlantic Council Global Prosperity event.
Michael Fisch’s Philanthropic Efforts
Michael has long supported organizations focused on economic policy, education, healthcare, human rights, and religion. He also supports food security programs in New York City.
He is a Director of the 1162 Foundation and serves on the Atlantic Council’s Executive Committee of the Board of Directors, where he is Chairman of the Advisory Council for its Freedom and Prosperity Center which he founded.
He has also been a Trustee of the Princeton Theological Seminary since 2004; Chair from 2021-2025. He holds or has held advisory and/or board roles with Human Rights Watch (where he served and chaired many committees of the board for 12 years and was a Vice Chair for many years), the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Baylor College of Medicine, Legalist, Lower Canada College, and The Brick Presbyterian Church.
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