Charles Leisure

 Charles Leisure, a seasoned financial executive based in New York, has spent over a decade leading corporate clients through the complex processes of equity capital raising. With a strong background in both public and private markets, he helps companies secure the capital needed to fuel expansion and acquisitions. His extensive experience spans global financial hubs, including New York and Los Angeles, where his strategic advice has been invaluable to many clients.

Originally from Irvine, California, Charles graduated from Georgetown University (2010) with honors in history and political economics. His deep understanding of the U.S. and global economies has successfully allowed him to bridge the gap between clients and financial markets.

Career Overview: Navigating Complex Financial Markets

Charles has built his career in the equity capital markets, working with some of the world’s largest and most influential firms. From 2010 to 2022, he served in multiple roles at Morgan Stanley, where he advanced from Analyst to Executive Director. He managed significant equity capital transactions during his tenure, including overseeing IPOs for global giants such as Facebook, Alibaba, and General Motors.

As Executive Director in the Global Capital Markets Division, Charles led teams in executing large-scale transactions that required a combination of strategic vision, financial acumen, and deep knowledge of market dynamics. He was responsible for managing a broad portfolio of capital-raising activities, often involving multi-billion-dollar deals, and worked closely with institutional investors, business owners, and other stakeholders to ensure the success of each transaction.

Charles has been involved in over 1,000 capital-raising transactions, including more than 500 IPOs, totaling over $1 trillion in raised capital. His ability to forecast market trends and mitigate risks has made him a highly sought-after advisor in the finance industry.

Entrepreneurial Ventures: Gravity Strategic Partners and Leisure Properties

In addition to his work at Morgan Stanley, Charles has embraced entrepreneurial opportunities. He co-founded Gravity Strategic Partners, a consultancy firm offering comprehensive services to public and private companies, institutional investors, and family offices. At Gravity, he is a managing partner responsible for the firm’s day-to-day operations and advises clients on business strategy, capital markets, and public relations.

In parallel, Charles is the President and CEO of Leisure Properties, the real estate company established by his family. In this role, he manages the company’s portfolio of properties, ensuring strategic growth and operational efficiency. His role in managing Leisure Properties has deepened his understanding of real estate markets, further complementing his expertise in capital markets.

Early Life and Education: Foundation for a Financial Career

Charles was born and raised in Irvine, California, where he spent much of his youth near the beaches of Newport. He attended University High School, graduating Summa Cum Laude and earning recognition for his athletic achievements in football. During his high school years, he was also an active member of the Boy Scouts of America, achieving the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.

After high school, Charles attended Georgetown University, where he majored in history and political economics. This multidisciplinary focus gave him a solid understanding of the economic forces shaping global markets. His studies of political systems, international trade agreements like NAFTA, and global economic frameworks set the stage for his future career in finance. His time at Georgetown further refined his analytical skills, which would prove invaluable when navigating the complexities of global financial markets.

Leadership and Influence in Financial Consulting

As an Executive Director at Morgan Stanley, Charles led teams in some of his era's most significant capital market transactions. He worked on multi-billion-dollar IPOs for high-profile companies like LinkedIn, Moderna, and Hubspot. His ability to guide businesses through capital-raising while managing investor relations has earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor.

His work at Gravity Strategic Partners has further expanded his influence. By leveraging his finance and business strategy expertise, Charles advises clients on capital market transactions, investor relations, and other key aspects of financial planning. His experience across multiple industries has allowed him to provide targeted strategies to a diverse range of clients, including family offices and institutional investors.

Philanthropy and Personal Interests

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Charles is deeply committed to giving back. He is involved in several charitable efforts, including the Walk for Water initiative, which raises funds to build wells in underdeveloped regions. In addition to his financial support, he actively contributes his knowledge of business strategy to help philanthropic ventures thrive.

Charles is also an avid wine enthusiast and collector. His passion for wine has made him a key player in the global wine community, where he works to connect producers, collectors, and restaurants. By leveraging his network and business expertise, he has facilitated numerous partnerships that have positively impacted the wine industry.

A Legacy of Strategic Leadership

Through his impressive career in finance and consulting, Charles has established himself as a respected leader in capital markets. Whether overseeing multi-billion-dollar IPOs or advising start-ups on their growth strategies, his strategic insights have helped clients achieve their goals and navigate the complexities of global markets.

As he continues to build on his successes with Gravity Strategic Partners and Leisure Properties, Charles Leisure remains a key figure in the financial and entrepreneurial communities. His ability to connect with clients, identify market trends, and execute complex transactions will continue to shape his legacy for years.