Tripp Smith
J. Albert "Tripp" Smith | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1965 or 1966 |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | University of Notre Dame |
| Occupation | Investment professional |
| Known for | Co-founder of GSO Capital Partners; minority owner of West Ham United |
J. Albert "Tripp" Smith (born 1965 or 1966) is an American investment professional and co-founder of GSO Capital Partners, the credit investment division within The Blackstone Group. Since 2017, he has held a minority ownership position in English football club West Ham United.
Early life and education
Smith completed his secondary education at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School in Indianapolis and earned his degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1987.
Career
In 2005, Smith, alongside Bennett Goodman and Doug Ostrover—both former associates from Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette and Credit Suisse First Boston—established GSO Capital Partners. The firm's name is derived from the founders' initials. Following Blackstone's acquisition of GSO in 2008, Smith acted as managing director until his exit in 2018. The subsequent year, he founded Iron Park Capital Partners.
Smith has been a non-executive director at West Ham United since purchasing a 10% shareholding in 2017. Reports in 2020 suggested he was assembling a group to acquire majority control. After Daniel Křetínský acquired a 27% stake in 2021, Smith's ownership decreased to 8%.
Personal life
Tripp Smith and his wife Sheila are parents to four children.