Jon Fortt (CNBC): Closing Bell Overtime Co-Anchor & Tech Journalist
Jon Fortt is an American journalist and the co-anchor of CNBC’s “Closing Bell: Overtime” broadcast.
He previously co-anchored TechCheck and is the creator and host of Fortt Knox, a technology, leadership, and innovation brand that has existed as a podcast and streaming program since 2016.
On Fortt Knox, he has interviewed entrepreneurs, CEOs, and celebrities including Michael Dell, Adena Friedman, Reid Hoffman, Daymond John, Satya Nadella, Katrina Lake, Michael Phelps, Q-Tip, and Andy Jassy.
Fortt has also crafted weekly segments on CNBC’s Power Lunch program called “Working Lunch,” which excerpts Fortt Knox interviews to introduce viewers to the personalities and strategies of founders and CEOs.
Additionally, he created a weekly segment on CNBC’s Squawk Box program called “On the Other Hand,” in which he argues two sides of one business or technology issue.
Other Ventures:
Fortt is also the creator and host of “Fortt Knox,” a technology, leadership, and innovation brand that exists as a podcast and streaming program.
He has also created segments for CNBC, such as “Working Lunch” and “On the Other Hand,” and he developed “The Black Experience in America: The Course,” an online resource for exploring race and culture.
Recognition:
In November 2024, Fortt was included in The Root 100, a list of the 100 most influential Black Americans.
Early Life and Education:
Jon Fortt was born on December 12, 1976, in Long Island, New York. His family later moved to Washington, D.C., where he attended Montgomery Blair High School.
During his time there, he was president of the Student Government Association and organized protests to push Montgomery County to build a new school in its current location.
In his senior year, he was awarded the Knight-Ridder Minority Journalism Scholarship.
Fortt pursued higher education at DePauw University, participating in the Media Fellows honors program and serving as an editor for The DePauw student newspaper. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English Writing.
Parents and Siblings:
Jon’s father, John Fortt, was an architect who later became a United Church of Christ minister.
His mother, Annette Fortt, is a Pratt Institute-trained artist and teacher. Jon has two siblings, brothers named Steve and Travis.
Career:
Fortt began his journalism career at the Lexington Herald-Leader in Kentucky, covering the technology beat in 1999. Later that year, he joined the San Jose Mercury News in California.
In 2006, he became a senior editor at Business 2.0 magazine, overseeing the “What Works” section.
By 2007, Fortt was a senior writer at Fortune magazine, focusing on major technology companies like Apple Inc., Hewlett-Packard, and Microsoft.
He joined CNBC in 2010 as a Silicon Valley-based technology correspondent and relocated to the network’s headquarters in 2013.
In 2021, he joined the board of the National Summer Learning Association, a non-profit organization.
Lexington Herald-Leader
Jon Fortt began his journalism career at the Lexington Herald-Leader, a daily newspaper in Lexington, Kentucky.
In 1999, he was assigned the technology beat, where he covered various tech-related news and developments.
This role provided him with a solid foundation in technology reporting and helped him develop the skills necessary for his future endeavors.
San Jose Mercury News
Later in 1999, Jon moved to California to join the San Jose Mercury News, a prominent newspaper in San Jose, California.
At the Mercury News, he continued to focus on technology reporting, immersing himself in the heart of Silicon Valley.
This position allowed him to gain deeper insights into the tech industry and establish himself as a knowledgeable and respected journalist in the field.
Business 2.0 Magazine
In 2006, Jon joined Business 2.0 magazine as a senior editor. At Business 2.0, he was in charge of the “What Works” section, where he highlighted successful business strategies and innovative companies.
His work at the magazine allowed him to explore and write about various aspects of the business world, further broadening his expertise in technology and business journalism.
Fortune Magazine
The following year, in 2007, Jon became a senior writer at Fortune magazine, one of the leading business publications.
At Fortune, he covered large technology companies, including Apple Inc., Hewlett-Packard, and Microsoft.
His in-depth reporting and analysis of these major corporations garnered significant attention and respect in the industry, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier technology journalist.
CNBC
Jon’s career took another leap forward in 2010 when he joined CNBC as a Silicon Valley-based technology correspondent.
In 2013, he relocated to CNBC headquarters, where he has co-anchored several shows, including TechCheck and Closing Bell: Overtime.
At CNBC, Jon has continued to showcase his expertise in technology reporting and analysis, engaging viewers with his insightful commentary and interviews.
Fortt Knox
In addition to his co-anchoring roles at CNBC, Jon created and hosts Fortt Knox, a technology, leadership, and innovation brand that has existed as a podcast and streaming program since 2016.
On Fortt Knox, Jon interviews entrepreneurs, CEOs, and celebrities, delving into their strategies and insights.
This platform provides listeners with valuable knowledge and inspiration from some of the most influential figures in the industry.
Power Lunch and Squawk Box
Jon has also crafted weekly segments on CNBC’s Power Lunch and Squawk Box programs.
On Power Lunch, he presents the “Working Lunch” segment, featuring excerpts from Fortt Knox interviews to introduce viewers to the personalities and strategies of founders and CEOs.
On Squawk Box, Jon presents the “On the Other Hand” segment, where he argues two sides of one business or technology issue, offering viewers a balanced perspective on complex topics.
Here are some of Jon Fortt’s notable coverage:
- Apple Inc.: Extensive coverage of product launches, business strategies, and market performance.
- Hewlett-Packard (HP): Reporting on corporate strategies, leadership changes, and technological innovations.
- Microsoft: Analysis of the company’s evolution, product developments, and strategic initiatives.
- Cloud Computing and Smartphone Revolution: Insights into the growth and impact of these technologies.
- Interviews with Industry Leaders: Notable interviews with figures such as Satya Nadella, Pat Gelsinger, Michael Dell, Lisa Su, Michael Phelps, and Q-Tip.
- The Black Experience in America: The Course: Created in 2020, this educational resource explores the history and experiences of Black Americans.
Here are Jon Fortt’s awards and recognitions:
- Knight-Ridder Minority Journalism Scholarship: Awarded during his senior year in high school.
- The Root 100 (November 2024): Recognized as one of the 100 most influential Black Americans.
- Commencement Speaker at DePauw University (May 22, 2022): Delivered the commencement address titled “Love, Truth and Impact.”
- Board of Trustees at DePauw University (October 2022): Appointed to the board.
- National Summer Learning Association (2021): Joined the board, contributing to summer learning initiatives.
Jon Fortt has worked alongside several notable colleagues throughout his career at CNBC. Some of his prominent colleagues include:
- Carl Quintanilla: Co-anchor of CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street” and “Squawk Alley.”
- Sara Eisen: Co-anchor of CNBC’s “Closing Bell” and “Squawk on the Street.”
- Andrew Ross Sorkin: Co-anchor of CNBC’s “Squawk Box” and a financial columnist for The New York Times.
- Becky Quick: Co-anchor of CNBC’s “Squawk Box” and host of “On the Money.”
- Melissa Lee: Host of CNBC’s “Fast Money” and “Options Action.”
- Jim Cramer: Host of CNBC’s “Mad Money” and co-anchor of “Squawk on the Street.”
These colleagues have worked with Jon Fortt on various programs and segments, contributing to CNBC’s comprehensive coverage of business and technology news.
Financial Status:
Jon Fortt has built a successful career in journalism, which has contributed to his financial status. Here are some details:
Net Worth
Jon Fortt’s estimated net worth is around $6 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his extensive career in journalism, including his roles at CNBC and other prominent publications.
Salary
Jon Fortt’s estimated annual salary ranges from $250,000 to $600,000. This range reflects his various roles at CNBC, including co-anchoring programs like TechCheck and Closing Bell: Overtime.
These figures highlight Jon Fortt’s financial success and the value of his contributions to the field of journalism.
Personal Life:
Here are some details about Jon Fortt’s personal life:
- Age: Jon Fortt was born on December 12, 1976, which makes him 48 years old.
- Zodiac Sign: His zodiac sign is Sagittarius.
- Ethnicity: Jon Fortt is of Afro-American ethnicity.
- Nationality: He is an American.
- Relationship Status: Jon Fortt is married.
Wife
Jon Fortt is married to Gina Chung Fortt, a dedicated reading specialist with extensive experience in education.
Gina holds a Master’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and has worked in various educational roles throughout her career.
She began teaching at Barrington Community Unit School District in 1996 and later taught at the International School of the Peninsula and Palo Alto Unified School District.
Gina has also worked as a reading specialist at Barron Park Elementary School and Ohlone Elementary School. After taking a break to focus on her family, she started offering reading classes at her New Jersey home in 2020.
Jon and Gina have two sons, Nathan and Benjamin. Nathan, born around 2009, is the elder of the two, while Benjamin, born around 2011, is the younger.
Jon has expressed his commitment to being a good father and husband, and he often shares moments spent with his sons on his Instagram account.
Physical Attributes:
Jon Fortt stands at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (1.72 meters) tall and weighs around 70 kilograms (154 pounds).
Social Media Activity:
Fortt is active on social media platforms, engaging with audiences on topics related to technology, leadership, and innovation. He maintains a presence on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Throughout his career, Jon Fortt has established himself as a prominent figure in technology journalism, known for his insightful interviews and comprehensive coverage of the tech industry’s evolution.