At the height of his political career, Kennedy was a prominent member of the Democratic Party. He also became the inaugural chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission through the appointment of President Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR). He also served as director of the Maritime Commission and became the former US Ambassador to the UK.
Kennedy started building his fortunes by investing in the stock market, in real estate, in commodities, and many other industries. When the World War I erupted, Kennedy was the assistant general manager of Bethlehem Steel shipyard, where he developed deep friendship with FDR. Kennedy reorganized and refinanced a number of Hollywood studios in the 1920s where he earned huge profits.
In 1933, Kennedy travelled with FDR’s son James to Scotland to purchase distribution rights for Scotch whisky after the Prohibition was lifted. Later, Kennedy’s company Somerset Importers was awarded exclusive rights to distribute Dewar’s Scotch and Gordon’s Gin.
Kennedy’s political ambitions were abruptly halted in November 1940 during the Battle of Britain. After his resignation, Kennedy worked behind the scene, helping the Kennedy family build their political and financial fortunes.
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