{{Short description|American businessman, attorney, and philanthropist}} thumb {{Infobox person | name = Andrew T. Berlin | image = | birth_date = June 30, 1960 | birth_place = Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | death_date = | death_place = | relations = | resting_place = | spouse = | occupation = Businessman | known_for = Chairman of Berlin Packaging <br> Part-owner of the Chicago Cubs }}
'''Andrew T. Berlin''' (born June 30, 1960) is an American businessman, attorney, and philanthropist living in Chicago, Illinois.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/berlin-packaging-acquires-leading-uk-packaging-supplier-h-erben-ltd-300608276.html|title=Berlin Packaging Acquires Leading U.K. Packaging Supplier, H. Erben Ltd.|date=6 March 2018|work=PR Newswire|access-date=6 March 2018|publisher=Cision Company}}</ref>
Berlin was the chairman and chief executive officer of Berlin Packaging, a global supplier of plastic, glass and metal containers and closures with 2017 sales in excess of $1.3 billion and a valuation of $2.6 billion.<ref>{{cite web|title=Berlin Packaging Completes Acquisition of Bruni Glass|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/berlin-packaging-completes-acquisition-of-bruni-glass-300359120.html|website=PR Newswire|publisher=Cision Company|access-date=January 27, 2016}}</ref> In October 2014, the company was valued at $1.4 billion.<ref>{{cite news|title=Oak Hill to Acquire Berlin Packaging for $1.43 Billion|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-08-25/oak-hill-to-acquire-berlin-packaging-for-1-43-billion|website=Bloomberg.com|publisher=BloombergBusiness|access-date=25 August 2014|first=Simon|last=Casey|date=25 August 2014}}</ref> His management of Berlin Packaging has been used as a case study in ''The Human Equation'' by Jeffrey Pfeffer.<ref>{{cite book |last=Pfeffer |first=Jeffrey |title=The Human Equation: Building Profits by Putting People First |year=1998 |publisher=Harvard Business Press |location=Boston, Massachusetts |isbn=978-0-87584-841-9 |page=[https://archive.org/details/humanequationbui00pfef/page/181 181] |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/humanequationbui00pfef/page/181 }}</ref>
He is a partner and shareholder of the Chicago Cubs Major League Baseball team<ref>{{cite news|last1=Wittenmyer|first1=Gordon|title=Andrew Berlin becomes minority investor in the Cubs|url=http://chicago.suntimes.com/baseball/7/71/384601/andrew-berlin-becomes-minority-investor-cubs3|website=Chicago.Suntimes.com|publisher=Chicago Sun-Times|access-date=20 February 2015}}</ref> and chairman and owner of the South Bend Cubs, a Minor League Baseball team affiliated with the Chicago Cubs.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Stopczynski |first1=Kelli |title=UPDATE: South Bend Silver Hawks are now the South Bend Cubs! |url=http://www.wsbt.com/sports/future-of-south-bend-baseball-silver-hawks-get-new-name-today/28239050 |website=WSBT.com |publisher=WSBT22 |access-date=17 October 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140925112903/http://www.wsbt.com/sports/future-of-south-bend-baseball-silver-hawks-get-new-name-today/28239050 |archive-date=25 September 2014 }}</ref>
In June 2021, Berlin joined Shield.AI as Executive Chairman.<ref>{{cite web|title=Andrew Berlin, Executive Chairman|url=https://shield.ai/about-us/company-executives/andrew-berlin/|website=shield.ai|publisher=Shield.AI|access-date=1 August 2022}}</ref>
== Personal background == Berlin was born in Chicago, Illinois. He attended New Trier High School and graduated from Lake Forest Academy. Berlin earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Syracuse University, followed by a J.D. degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law in 1986.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-andrew-berlin-profile-0221-biz-20150220-story.html|title=Strong sense of team keeping Andrew Berlin in the game|last=Podmolik|first=Mary Ellen|work=chicagotribune.com|access-date=2018-03-23|language=en-US}}</ref> At Loyola, Berlin served as managing editor of the Law Review.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-andrew-berlin-profile-0221-biz-20150220-story.html|title=Strong sense of team keeping Andrew Berlin in the game|last=Podmolik|first=Mary Ellen|work=chicagotribune.com|access-date=2018-03-23|language=en-US}}</ref>
== Professional background == In 1988, Berlin resigned from his job at Chicago-based law firm Katten Muchin & Zavis and joined his father in a business venture to purchase Alco Packaging, later renamed Berlin Packaging, an international packaging supplier of plastic, glass, metal containers and closures. At the time, the company had $69 million in annual sales.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Grant|first1=Lindsey|title=One on One: Andrew Berlin, Packaging perfection|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-941568811.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924204931/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-941568811.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 September 2015|website=HighBeam.com|publisher=Smart Business Chicago|access-date=18 October 2014}}</ref>
In November 2011, Berlin announced he had reached an agreement to purchase the South Bend Silver Hawks.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Semmler|first1=Ed|title=Silver Hawks have new ownership|url=http://articles.southbendtribune.com/2011-11-23/news/30435908_1_new-ownership-joe-kernan-midwest-league|website=SouthBendTribune.com|publisher=South Bend Tribune|access-date=17 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017195640/http://articles.southbendtribune.com/2011-11-23/news/30435908_1_new-ownership-joe-kernan-midwest-league|archive-date=17 October 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> He signed a 20-year cumulative lease agreement with the city of South Bend for the use of Stanley Coveleski Regional Stadium. The sale was approved by the Midwest League, Minor League and Major League Baseball and the Office of the Commissioner of Major League Baseball in early January 2012. On January 12, 2012, the financial and legal transactions were completed, and Berlin became the sole owner of the South Bend Silver Hawks.<ref> {{cite news |url=http://www.fox28.com/story/16109414/silver-hawks-to-be-sold-to-chicago-business-man |title=Silver Hawks will be sold to Chicago Businessman |last=Jones |first=Casey |date=23 November 2011 |work=Fox28 News |access-date=13 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304061221/http://www.fox28.com/story/16109414/silver-hawks-to-be-sold-to-chicago-business-man |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead }} </ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20111130/NEWS07/111139946/1096/SPORTS0604 |title=New Silver Hawks owner plans stadium upgrades |date=30 November 2011 |work=The Journal Gazette |agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.wndu.com/hometop/headlines/South_Bend_Silver_Hawks_Sold_But_Staying_in_Town_134399308.html |title=South Bend Silver Hawks sold but staying in town |last=Peterson |first=Mark |date=23 November 2011 |work=WNDU News |access-date=2012-01-13 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130209104107/http://www.wndu.com/hometop/headlines/South_Bend_Silver_Hawks_Sold_But_Staying_in_Town_134399308.html |archive-date=2013-02-09 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
In September 2014, the team ended a 17-year affiliation with the Arizona Diamondbacks and signed a four-year player development agreement with the Chicago Cubs.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Leventhal|first1=Josh|title=Tracking The Affiliation Shuffle|url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/minor-league-player-development-contracts/|website=BaseballAmerica.com|publisher=Baseball America|access-date=17 October 2014}}</ref> The team changed its name to the South Bend Cubs. The player-development agreement was subsequently extended through the 2020 season.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chicago Cubs Ink New Deal with South Bend Cubs|url=http://andrewberlin.com/news/chicago-cubs-ink-new-deal-with-south-bend-cubs|website=Andrew Berlin}}</ref>
In 2015, the South Bend Cubs won the John H. Johnson President's Award, which is the highest honor a franchise can receive in Minor League Baseball. Ballpark Digest named the South Bend Cubs its Team of the Year in 2015. Each season under Berlin's ownership has seen a new attendance record set.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Van Dril|first1=Eric|title=Glencoe's Andrew Berlin turns Chicago Cubs affiliate into model team|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/glencoe/sports/ct-gln-south-bend-cubs-chicago-cubs-andrew-berlin-tl-0404-20160407-story.html|access-date=January 27, 2017|publisher=Chicago Tribune|date=April 7, 2016}}</ref>
In June 2021, Berlin joined Shield.AI as Executive Chairman where he ensures the company meets a series of ambitious short-term and longer-term business goals and objectives including the advancement of overall company growth.<ref>{{cite web|title=Andrew Berlin, Executive Chairman|url=https://shield.ai/about-us/company-executives/andrew-berlin/|website=shield.ai|publisher=Shield.AI|access-date=1 August 2022}}</ref>
Berlin is a significant investor in the Chicago Cubs.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ecker|first1=Danny|title=Berlin Packaging CEO buying stake in Cubs|url=http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20150220/BLOGS04/150219763/berlin-packaging-ceo-buying-stake-in-cubs|access-date=January 27, 2017|publisher=Crain's Chicago Business|date=February 20, 2015}}</ref>
Berlin has served on boards of directors, including Hawk Corporation,<ref>{{cite web|title=Hawk Corporation Announces the Appointment of Andrew T. Berlin as a New Director|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hawk-corporation-announces-the-appointment-of-andrew-t-berlin-as-a-new-director-76396222.html|website=PRNewswire.com|publisher=PR Newswire|access-date=17 October 2014}}</ref> Channel Products, and Image Skincare.
== Philanthropy & Community == Berlin serves on the board of trustees at Syracuse University.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://trustees.syr.edu/Public/SitePages/new_trustees/berlin.aspx|title=Home – berlin|website=trustees.syr.edu|language=en-us|access-date=2018-03-23}}{{Dead link|date=September 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> He serves on the advisory board of the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/deans.aspx?id=50|title=Maxwell School of Syracuse University Advisory Board|publisher=Maxwell School of Syracuse Advisory Board}}</ref>
In 2017, Berlin was appointed by Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner to the Illinois State Police Merit Board, which is responsible for selecting, promoting, and disciplining Illinois State Police troopers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/glencoe/news/ct-gln-berlin-police-merit-board-tl-0615-20170614-story.html|title=Berlin named to Illinois State Police Merit Board|last=Dorfman|first=Daniel I.|work=chicagotribune.com|access-date=2018-03-23|language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2010, Berlin helped finance the ongoing teaching and research of issues relating to national security at the Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism (INSCT) at Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. The endowment gift was made by the Andrew Berlin Family National Security Research Fund.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://insct.syr.edu/our-work/projects/law-national-security-counterterrorism-policy/andrew-berlin-family-national-security-research-fund/|title=Andrew Berlin Family National Security Research Fund|website=Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism|publisher=Syracuse University|access-date=January 27, 2017}}</ref>
Berlin is one of three commissioners on the Glencoe, Illinois, Public Safety Commission, a body which recruits, promotes, and disciplines, along with the director of public safety, all of Glencoe's police, fire and EMT professionals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.villageofglencoe.org/government/committees_and_commissions/pscommission.aspx|title=Committees and Commissions|website=Public Safety Committee|publisher=Village of Glencoe|access-date=January 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202044634/http://www.villageofglencoe.org/government/committees_and_commissions/pscommission.aspx|archive-date=February 2, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Berlin started the Glencoe School Safety Project with the goal to add school resource officers to enhance safety at Glencoe, Illinois, schools.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/glencoe/news/ct-gln-glencoe-security-referendum-election-tl-20150407-story.html|title=Glencoe voters come out against school security officer|last1=Karen Ann|first1=Cullotta|date=April 7, 2015|access-date=January 27, 2017|publisher=Chicago Tribune}}</ref> The Glencoe School Board also created a Safety and Security Committee at Berlin's request.
Berlin was involved in raising money for the Illinois State Police Memorial. As part of this, he funded a film to honor Illinois state troopers who died in the line of duty since 1922. The film won a 2015 Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Public Affairs/Current Affairs Programming.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.berlinpackaging.com/insights/illinois-state-trooper-documentary-funded-by-the-andrew-t-berlin-family-foundation-wins-2015-emmy-award/|title=Illinois State Trooper Documentary, Funded By The Andrew T. Berlin Family Foundation, Wins 2015 Emmy Award|website=Berlin Packaging|publisher=Berlin Packaging|access-date=January 27, 2017}}</ref>
Berlin has served on the boards of directors for several nonprofit organizations, including the American Cancer Society, Starlight Children's Foundation Midwest<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.starlight-midwest.org/midwest/board/|title=Board of Directors|publisher=Starlight Children’s Foundation Midwest|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130415221748/http://www.starlight-midwest.org/midwest/board/|archive-date=2013-04-15|url-status=dead}}</ref> and A Silver Lining Foundation.
Berlin donates to many organizations, including the NorthShore University HealthSystem Foundation, the Maxwell School of Syracuse University,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Shia|first1=Kapos|title=Andrew Berlin's interest in national security prompts major gift to his alma mater|url=http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20121128/BLOGS03/121129833/andrew-berlins-interest-in-national-security-prompts-major-gift-to-his-alma-mater|website=ChicagoBusiness.com|publisher=Crain's Chicago Business|access-date=17 October 2014}}</ref> and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
== References == {{Reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Berlin, Andrew T.}} Category:American chief executives Category:Lake Forest Academy alumni Category:Syracuse University alumni Category:Living people Category:1960 births Category:Loyola University Chicago School of Law alumni Category:Minor League baseball owners