Chicago hedge fund tycoon Ken Griffin has filed to divorce wife Anne Dias Griffin after 10 years of marriage.
Crain's Chicago Business reports that Dias Griffin, a hedge fund executive who hails from France, was apparently blindsided by his decision.
Her lawyer said in a statement: "Ken Griffin unilaterally filed a divorce petition today with no notice to either me or my client, knowing full well that she had just left for summer vacation with their three young children and would therefore be unable to respond. Anne's highest priority remains her family, especially the well-being of her children. She is hopeful that this personal matter can be resolved privately and in the best interests of her children. We have no further comment at this time.”
Ouch.
The CEO of Citadel LLC and active political donor submitted papers in Cook County Circuit Court on Wednesday, commenting through an attorney: "This is a personal matter, and the family asks for privacy as they work through this process and focus on the well-being of their children."
Griffin is the world's 275th richest person, according to Forbes, estimating his net worth at $5.5 billion. Citadel, Chicago's biggest hedge fund, boasts $20 billion in assets under management, said Crain's.
This high-profile split could get ugly -- and very, very expensive.
Chicago Politics
The power couple were part of Chicago's well-connected, deep-pocketed cocktail-and-charity set. They've contributed $19 million to the Art Institute of Chicago and bankrolled the Griffin Early Childhood Center charter school through their namesake foundation.
Anne Dias Griffin recently launched the conservative-leaning political site Reboot Illinois.
Griffin has donated a whopping $3.5 million to help Republican venture capitalist Bruce Rauner defeat Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn in November's election.
