Melissa Lee: CNBC’s “Fast Money” Host – Biography & Career

Melissa Lee: Host of CNBC’s ‘Fast Money’ and Renowned Journalist

Melissa Lee is an American television journalist and news anchor best known for hosting CNBC’s “Fast Money.”

She started her journalism career as a reporter for the Great Neck Record, her hometown newspaper. Before joining CNBC, she worked at Bloomberg Television and CNN Financial News.

Lee joined CNBC in 2004 and has since become a well-known face on the network. She has hosted several CNBC programs, including “Options Action,” “Money in Motion: Currency Trading,” and “Fast Money,” which she currently hosts.

Melissa Lee is a prominent figure in the world of financial journalism. She is a reporter, journalist, and news anchor for CNBC, best known for hosting the popular daily show “Fast Money.” 

Career Path:

• Lee’s career journey began in the consulting world, where she worked at Mercer Management Consulting, focusing on the banking and credit card sectors.

• Her passion for journalism eventually led her to television news, starting as a production assistant at CNN Financial News.

• She later transitioned to Bloomberg Television, where she played a crucial role in the launch of their television operations.

• In 2004, Lee joined CNBC, where she has since become a well-respected and influential figure in the financial news industry.

Key Roles and Achievements:

• Host of “Fast Money”: Lee took over as the host of CNBC’s “Fast Money” in 2009, following Dylan Ratigan’s departure.

• Emmy Award Nominations: Her exceptional work has earned her two Emmy Award nominations for Business News.

• CNBC Documentaries: Lee has hosted several insightful CNBC documentaries, including “Made in China: The People’s Republic of Profit,” “Coca-Cola: The Real Story Behind the Real Thing,” and “Porn: Business of Pleasure.”

• Other Hosting Roles: In addition to “Fast Money,” Lee has also hosted other CNBC programs such as “Options Action” and “Money in Motion: Currency Trading.”

• “Power Lunch” Co-Host: Since February 2015, she has been one of the three hosts for the popular show “Power Lunch.”

Key Takeaways:

• Melissa Lee’s journey from a young girl inspired by a news anchor to a prominent figure in financial journalism is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and passion for her profession.

• Her insightful reporting, engaging on-air presence, and commitment to delivering high-quality content have made her a respected voice in the financial news industry.

• Lee’s success story serves as an inspiration to aspiring journalists and highlights the importance of pursuing one’s dreams with perseverance and determination.

Early Life and Education:

• Melissa Lee’s family has deep roots in the United States, with her grandfather immigrating from rural China to Buffalo, New York. 

• Her father, a graduate of Columbia University, instilled in her a strong work ethic and a passion for education.
• Growing up, Lee was inspired by New York news anchor Kaity Tong, which ignited her dream of becoming a reporter.

• She pursued her academic aspirations at Harvard College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government in 1995.

• During her time at Harvard, Lee also served as Assistant Managing Editor of The Harvard Crimson, gaining valuable experience in journalism.

Parents and Siblings:

Melissa Lee was born in Great Neck, New York. Her mother hails from Santa Cruz, Zambales, Philippines, and her father is from Seoul, South Korea.

He graduated from Columbia University before moving to Great Neck, New York. Melissa’s father and her mother-in-law started the Happy Life Children’s Home in Nairobi, Kenya.

Melissa has always been vocal about how supportive her parents have been. She often speaks of growing up in a multicultural household, where she enjoyed a mix of Filipino and Korean cuisines.

Melissa also mentioned idolizing New York news anchor Kaity Tong, who inspired her to pursue a career in journalism.

Melissa Lee has two siblings: a sister and a brother named James. While not much public information is available about her siblings, it’s clear that family played an important role in her life and career choices.

Career:

Before embarking on her journalism career, Lee worked as a management consultant at Mercer Management Consulting.

She joined CNBC in 2004 and has since held various roles, including occasional hosting duties for “Closing Bell” and hosting “Options Action.”

Lee has also anchored several CNBC documentaries, such as “Made in China: The People’s Republic of Profit” and “Bitcoin: Boom or Bust.”

Initial Steps in Journalism

Melissa Lee’s journalism journey kicked off at the Great Neck Record, her hometown newspaper.

This local stint was where she nurtured her initial reporting skills, covering a variety of community stories.

It was an invaluable period where she developed her passion for news reporting and storytelling, setting a sturdy foundation for her future career.

Her leap to CNN Financial News took her into the realm of financial journalism.

At CNN, Melissa extensively covered financial markets, delivering insightful and impactful reports on economic trends and market activities.

This role significantly bolstered her expertise in financial reporting and provided her with an expansive network of industry contacts.

Her next venture at Bloomberg Television further solidified her reputation as a respected financial journalist.

At Bloomberg, she was tasked with reporting on an extensive array of financial topics, giving viewers clear and profound insights into market analysis and economic news.

Her experience at these networks adeptly prepared her for her eventual role at CNBC.

CNBC

Melissa Lee’s decision to join CNBC in 2004 marked a pivotal moment in her career.

As one of CNBC’s leading journalists, she quickly became a prominent and trusted figure in financial journalism.

Her knack for breaking down intricate financial matters into accessible, engaging narratives made her a cornerstone of the network.

At CNBC, she hosted “Options Action”, a show dedicated to options trading.

With her sharp analysis and approachable presentation style, Melissa guided viewers through the complexities of options trading strategies, making the show an instant success among investors.

She also took the helm of “Money in Motion: Currency Trading”, where she delved into the dynamic world of currency markets.

This program provided expert insights and strategic advice on currency trading, with Melissa making even the most complex concepts understandable to a broad audience.

Melissa occasionally filled in as a host for “Closing Bell”, a show summarizing the day’s market activities and providing expert analysis.

Her adaptability and comprehensive market knowledge were on full display, earning her high praise for her insightful and articulate commentary.

In 2009, she became the host of “Fast Money,” CNBC’s flagship program focused on market trends, investment strategies, and business news.

Under Melissa’s confident and knowledgeable leadership, “Fast Money” grew into a cornerstone of financial news programming. Her authoritative and engaging presence solidified her reputation as a trusted financial journalist.

Melissa anchored several impactful CNBC documentaries, including:

• “Made in China: The People’s Republic of Profit”: An exploration of China’s rapid economic rise and its implications.

• “Coca-Cola: The Real Story Behind the Real Thing”: A detailed look at the history and business practices of the iconic beverage company.

• “Porn: Business of Pleasure”: A deep dive into the economics of the adult entertainment industry.

• “The $50M Con”: An in-depth investigation into a high-stakes financial scam.

• “Code Wars: America’s Cyber Threat”: An examination of the burgeoning threat of cyber attacks on American infrastructure.

• “Bitcoin: Boom or Bust”: An analytical look at the cryptocurrency phenomenon and its impact on the financial world.

In 2015, Melissa added “Power Lunch” to her repertoire, covering the day’s top stories from business and finance to technology and politics.

Her role on “Power Lunch” further established her versatility and prowess in various journalism formats, reinforcing her status as a leading figure in financial journalism.

Notable Coverage

Melissa Lee has covered a wide range of notable topics throughout her journalism career. Let’s delve into some of her most impactful and memorable reports:

• 2008 Financial Crisis: Provided comprehensive coverage and analysis, explaining the subprime mortgage crisis and global economic impact.

• High-Profile Interviews: Conducted interviews with CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, prominent economists, and leading market analysts.

• Cybersecurity Threats: Anchored “Code Wars: America’s Cyber Threat” documentary, exploring cyber attacks on American infrastructure.

• Cryptocurrency: Covered the rise of cryptocurrencies extensively, including the documentary “Bitcoin: Boom or Bust”.

• Market Trends and Investment Strategies: Regularly reports on market trends and investment strategies on “Fast Money”.

• Economic Reports: Provided analysis of GDP growth, employment rates, and inflation data.

• Global Events: Reported on geopolitical developments, international trade agreements, and major policy changes impacting financial markets.

Financial Status:

Personal Life:

• Age: Born on November 4, 1974, Melissa Lee is 50 years old.

• Zodiac Sign: As a November 4th baby, she is a Scorpio.

• Ethnicity: Melissa has a rich cultural background, tracing her roots to both Chinese and American heritage.

• Nationality: She is proudly American.

• Relationship Status: Melissa is married.

Melissa Lee is married to Ben Kallo, a renowned financial analyst. Ben has an impressive background, having worked as a senior research analyst covering sustainable energy and mobility at Baird.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from California State University, Humboldt, and a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Kids

Melissa and Ben are the proud parents of twins, a boy and a girl, born on December 8, 2019.

The couple has been enjoying their journey of parenthood, and Melissa has shared glimpses of their happiness on social media. The family resides in New York.

Physical Attributes:

Here’s a bit more on Melissa Lee’s physical description:

• Height: Melissa Lee stands at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm).

• Weight: Her weight is around 51 kilograms (113 lbs).

• Measurements: Her figure has been reported to measure around 32-26-33 inches.

• Distinguishing Features: Melissa Lee has brown hair and black eyes, which add to her distinctive and charming appearance.

Social Media Activity:

Melissa Lee is active on social media platforms. She maintains a presence on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

Her social media activity reflects her engagement with viewers and her dedication to sharing valuable financial information with a broad audience.