Benjamin Kovler
Ben Kovler brings his extensive experience managing complex operating companies and his deep commitment to philanthropy as Founder, CEO and Chairman of Green Thumb. Ben founded GTI in 2014 and has successfully grown it into a leading national cannabis consumer packaged goods company and retailer.
Ben is frequently featured as an industry thought leader in media outlets such as Bloomberg, Barron’s, Business Insider, CNBC and Forbes.
He is also co-founder and CEO of Invest For Kids (IFK), an annual forum bringing together portfolio managers, family offices and analysts to share investment ideas to benefit children in Illinois. All the proceeds from the conference go to nonprofit organizations serving Chicago area youth from disadvantaged communities. Since 2009, IFK has donated more than $20 million to over 70 high performing organizations.
Ben earned a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy, politics and economics from Pomona College and an MBA in accounting and finance from The University of Chicago.