Speakers

Today he is Chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE), which provides high quality products and services that focus primarily on ethnically diverse and underserved urban communities through strategic alliances, investments, consulting and endorsements. The conglomerate is comprised of multiple business entities and partnerships that include Canyon Johnson, a $1 billion dollar real estate fund, Yucaipa Johnson, a $500 million dollar private equity fund, ASPIRE, a new African-American television network, SodexoMAGIC, Magic Airport Holdings, Best Buy, T.G.I.F. Friday’s Restaurant, Inner City Broadcasting Corporation, Detroit Venture Partners, and Vibe Holdings, LLC – Mr. Johnson is the Chairman of the multi-cultural media company that houses the Vibe, Uptown, and Soul Train brands.

Most noted for his unprecedented Starbucks partnership, which served as the catalyst for redevelopment in urban communities and is literally the blueprint for Corporate America’s engagement and success with urban consumers. In 2010, the savvy businessman divested his Starbucks and Los Angeles Lakers shares in excess $100 million dollars. However, he will continue to assist Starbucks with their community development initiatives and will remain Vice President of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Mr. Johnson has also teamed up with Tim Lieweke of AEG in an effort to build a new stadium and bring an NFL team back to Los Angeles as well as thousands of jobs to the city…The story of Mr. Johnson and Larry Bird’s inspiring friendship and rivalry will be unveiled April 2012 in “Magic & Bird” on Broadway.

Mr. Johnson also serves as Chairman and Founder of the Magic Johnson Foundation, where his unwavering commitment to transform Urban America continues through HIV/AIDS Awareness & Prevention Programs, Community Empowerment Centers, and the Taylor Michaels Scholarship Program. Celebrating 20years of success, the Magic Johnson Foundation has become one of the most recognizable philanthropic organizations around the world.