Charles Leisure

Managing Partner, Consulting Industry

Charles Leisure, based in New York, NY, is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in the financial services industry, specializing in equity capital raising and investment banking. With a reputation for helping companies navigate the complexities of raising capital, he has worked with public and private organizations, guiding them through the intricate process of selling ownership shares to fuel their growth. His expertise spans global markets, including key financial hubs like New York and Los Angeles, allowing him to deliver tailored financial strategies to clients across diverse industries.

A graduate of Georgetown University, Charles holds honors in history and political economics, which gives him a broad perspective on the forces that drive the global economy. His background and strategic insight have helped him successfully support his clients' financial and growth objectives.

A Proven Career in Capital Markets

Charles has built an impressive career in the financial sector, spending more than a decade in senior roles within equity capital markets. His career journey began at Morgan Stanley, where he served from 2010 to 2022. Starting as an analyst, he quickly advanced, becoming an Executive Director within the firm’s Global Capital Markets division. At Morgan Stanley, he played an integral role in overseeing some of the largest and most successful IPOs in recent history.

Charles was instrumental in raising capital for prominent companies like Facebook, Alibaba, General Motors, LinkedIn, and Moderna, managing transactions worth billions of dollars. His deep understanding of market dynamics and keen ability to spot emerging trends allowed him to consistently provide value to clients navigating the complexities of capital raising. He has helped close over 1,000 transactions, raising over $1 trillion in client capital, including over 500 IPOs.

Entrepreneurial Ventures: Expanding Horizons

In addition to his career at Morgan Stanley, Charles has embraced entrepreneurial opportunities, co-founding Gravity Strategic Partners, a consultancy firm offering specialized services in business strategy, capital markets, and public relations. As a Managing Partner, he works closely with businesses of all sizes, offering strategic advice on growth, capital-raising, and market positioning. His leadership at Gravity has solidified the firm as a trusted advisor to public and private companies, institutional investors, and family offices.

Beyond his consulting work, Charles serves as the President and CEO of Leisure Properties, a real estate business founded by his family. In this capacity, he oversees the management and growth of the company’s real estate assets, expanding its portfolio while focusing on strategic value creation. His leadership has helped Leisure Properties become a prominent player, showcasing his ability to balance his financial market expertise with hands-on real estate management.

Early Life and Education: Building the Foundation

Charles grew up in Irvine, California, where he developed a passion for academics and athletics. He attended University High School, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude, excelling in academics and athletics, particularly in football. Outside of school, he was active in Boy Scouts of America, earning the rank of Eagle Scout, a testament to his dedication to leadership and service from an early age.

After high school, Charles attended Georgetown University, where he studied history and political economics. This academic foundation gave him a deep understanding of the global economic systems, including the intricacies of trade agreements and international finance. The lessons learned during his studies would prove essential as he transitioned into the world of financial services, where a deep knowledge of economics and policy is critical to success.

Leadership in Finance and Strategic Consulting

Charles’ career is defined by his ability to lead in the fast-paced world of capital markets. During his time at Morgan Stanley, he managed teams that executed high-stakes transactions and provided advice to businesses navigating public offerings. His expertise spans a broad range of industries, from technology to healthcare, and he has a proven track record of raising capital for some of the world’s most recognized companies.

As Managing Partner at Gravity Strategic Partners, Charles has expanded his influence. He works directly with clients to refine business strategies, optimize capital structure, and position companies for growth. His hands-on approach to consulting ensures that each client receives personalized, actionable advice tailored to their unique needs.

Philanthropy and Personal Interests

Beyond his professional achievements, Charles is also dedicated to philanthropy. He is actively involved in several charitable organizations, including Walk for Water, which funds the construction of wells in underserved regions. In addition to financial contributions, he applies his expertise to help these organizations refine their business models and improve operational efficiency.

Charles is also a wine enthusiast and collector, keen to build relationships within the global wine community. He facilitates partnerships between wine producers, restaurants, and collectors through his network, fostering industry growth opportunities.

Legacy of Leadership and Strategy

Charles has built a remarkable career in financial services, blending his capital markets expertise with a strategic, hands-on approach to business growth. His work with top-tier companies and entrepreneurial ventures has cemented his position as an industry leader. Whether raising billions in capital for major IPOs or advising start-ups on business strategy, he continues to impact sectors.

As he continues to lead Gravity Strategic Partners and Leisure Properties, Charles Leisure remains focused on helping companies unlock their full potential. His ability to manage risk, forecast market trends, and execute complex transactions ensures that his influence will continue to shape the future of financial services for years to come.