Bert Girigorie: The Marketing Executive Behind Wendy Williams’ First Marriage
Bert Girigorie is a sales and marketing professional from Charlotte, North Carolina, who gained public attention as Wendy Williams’ first husband. Born on March 13, 1964, he founded G2 Marketing Inc. and serves as its president, specializing in digital strategies for small and medium-sized businesses.
Who Is Bert Girigorie?
Bert Girigorie was born on March 13, 1964, in Charlotte, North Carolina. While most people recognize his name through his connection to media personality Wendy Williams, his professional achievements stand on their own.
He grew up with two siblings, Gabrielle and Bruce Girigorie, in a Christian household that emphasized education and hard work. These family values shaped his business philosophy and personal conduct throughout his career.
At 60 years old, Girigorie stands 6 feet 2 inches tall and maintains a professional presence that reflects decades of marketing experience. His story differs from typical celebrity-adjacent narratives because he built success through expertise rather than publicity.
Education at Morehouse College
Bert enrolled at Morehouse College in Atlanta, a historically black institution renowned for producing distinguished African American leaders. The college’s emphasis on excellence matched his personal ambitions.
His time at Morehouse provided more than academic credentials. The network of alumni and the institution’s reputation opened doors throughout his marketing career. He focused on business, marketing, and communication studies that prepared him for corporate success.
The Morehouse experience instilled leadership qualities and strategic thinking that became cornerstones of his professional approach. This foundation proved invaluable when he later transitioned from employee to entrepreneur.
Early Career at Kiss FM
After graduation, Girigorie worked as an account executive at Kiss FM from January 1991 to January 1996. This New York-based radio station was a major player in urban music and entertainment during the 1990s.
His role involved managing client relationships, developing advertising packages, and understanding audience demographics. These skills in media sales and strategic planning laid the groundwork for his future marketing ventures.
The position placed him in New York’s entertainment circles during a transformative period in radio. He learned to navigate fast-paced business environments while managing high-profile client accounts.
Marriage to Wendy Williams
Girigorie met Williams while both worked in New York’s radio industry. Their relationship developed through professional circles and shared experiences in entertainment media. After dating for two years, they married in 1994.
The wedding took place at Williams’ childhood church in New Jersey, officiated by Reverend Matthews, her pastor from youth. The ceremony appeared to promise a lasting union between two ambitious professionals.
However, the marriage lasted only five months before the separation. Girigorie later described Williams’ behavior as “bizarre” and disorienting, stating she became a different person shortly after the wedding. Their honeymoon in Rio de Janeiro was reportedly tense, marked by arguments and confusion.
The divorce was finalized in less than a year. Girigorie has suggested that substance abuse issues contributed to the marriage breakdown, though he was unaware of these struggles at the time. Despite the difficult ending, he has never publicly disparaged Williams, maintaining dignity and privacy.
Building G2 Marketing Inc.
In 2010, Girigorie became president of G2 Marketing, a digital marketing agency based in Charlotte. The company specializes in revenue development, marketing strategy execution, and web and mobile development for businesses.
His approach combines data analysis with creative solutions. G2 Marketing focuses on serving small to medium-sized businesses, addressing their unique challenges in competitive markets. Services include strategic planning, digital campaigns, brand development, and customer acquisition strategies.
Under his leadership, the company has helped numerous clients increase revenue and establish strong digital presence. His business philosophy centers on understanding client needs before proposing solutions. This client-first approach has earned respect within the marketing community.
The transition from corporate employee to business owner required different skills. Girigorie had to manage operations, finances, client relationships, and strategic direction simultaneously. His success demonstrates adaptability and long-term business thinking.
Professional Growth After Divorce
Following the divorce, Girigorie made deliberate choices about his public profile. He stepped away from the spotlight completely, allowing focus on career and personal well-being without public pressure.
His marketing career accelerated post-divorce. The challenging period taught valuable lessons about maintaining boundaries between personal life and public perception. Rather than seeking media attention or capitalizing on Williams’ growing fame, he invested energy in professional development.
His expertise in digital marketing positioned him well as businesses increasingly needed online presence strategies. He established himself as a thought leader through consistent delivery of results rather than self-promotion. Reputation grew through word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied clients.
Financial Success and Net Worth
Girigorie’s net worth is estimated between $700,000 and $1.5 million. His wealth stems primarily from his sales and marketing career, particularly his role with G2 Marketing Inc.
Revenue streams include company operations, client contracts, strategic consulting services, and business advisory roles. This estimation reflects successful career performance over three decades in marketing and sales.
Unlike many connected to famous personalities, he built wealth through legitimate business accomplishments rather than celebrity connections or media appearances. His approach prioritizes sustainable growth over quick profits or publicity-driven ventures.
Current Life in Charlotte
Bert currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he continues managing G2 Marketing Inc. His life today reflects the values instilled during his upbringing in the same city.
He maintains a minimal social media presence and rarely grants interviews. His X profile identifies him as a Sales & Marketing professional based in Charlotte, NC, though he hasn’t posted since joining in October 2008. This digital absence is intentional, reflecting his privacy preference.
Professional contacts describe him as strategic, reliable, and results-focused. He brings decades of marketing experience to client challenges while staying current with technological advances in digital marketing.
His daily routine likely includes client meetings, strategy development sessions, team management, and business planning. He remains connected to the Charlotte community where he was raised, maintaining stability that contrasts with entertainment industry lifestyles.
Comparison With Wendy Williams’ Second Marriage
Williams’ second marriage to Kevin Hunter lasted 21 years but ended amid public scandal involving infidelity and financial disputes. Hunter’s behavior during and after the marriage generated extensive media coverage.
Girigorie’s conduct contrasts sharply. He never sought financial gain from the relationship, wrote no tell-all books, and made no disparaging public statements. This restraint demonstrates character and professionalism rarely seen in celebrity-adjacent stories.
While he could have capitalized on Williams’ growing fame through interviews, books, or media appearances, he chose dignity and privacy instead. The comparison highlights his values and commitment to maintaining personal integrity regardless of financial opportunity.
Lessons From His Career Journey
Maintain Professional Boundaries: Success doesn’t require public drama or personal exposure. Girigorie demonstrates that focus on delivering results matters more than seeking attention.
Adapt to Industry Changes: He transitioned from radio advertising to digital marketing as technology evolved. Staying current with trends ensures continued relevance in competitive markets.
Build on Strong Foundations: His Morehouse education provided analytical and strategic thinking skills that underpin his marketing success. Solid educational foundations support long-term career growth.
Value Privacy: In an oversharing culture, Girigorie proves that private lives can remain private even when connected to public figures. This choice requires discipline but preserves personal peace.
Recover From Setbacks: The divorce could have derailed his career trajectory. Instead, he used the experience as motivation for professional development and business success.
Personal Life Today
There is no public information confirming whether Bert Girigorie remarried. He has kept his personal life extremely private since his divorce from Williams. No children were born during his marriage, and no subsequent children have been publicly confirmed.
Family remains important despite his private nature. He maintains connections with siblings Gabrielle and Bruce, as well as extended family in North Carolina. His Christian faith continues to guide both personal and professional decisions.
Associates describe him as grounded, approachable, and committed to community values. He divides time between business operations and personal interests, though specific hobbies remain unknown due to his discretion.
Impact on African-American Business Leadership
Girigorie represents success in African-American entrepreneurship. As a Morehouse College graduate who built a thriving marketing agency, he contributes to broader narratives about Black entrepreneurs creating sustainable businesses.
His story demonstrates that African-American professionals can achieve success through expertise and hard work without conforming to stereotypes or seeking shortcuts. This representation matters for younger generations considering business careers.
The HBCU education component is significant. Morehouse’s alumni network and institutional reputation helped launch his career, showing the continued value of historically black colleges in professional development.
Conclusion
Bert Girigorie’s story transcends his brief connection to Wendy Williams. His professional achievements, educational background, and personal integrity define a life built on substance rather than celebrity association.
From his Morehouse College education to founding G2 Marketing Inc., he exemplifies how professionals succeed through expertise and character. His choice to maintain privacy while connected to a public figure demonstrates strength of conviction.
His career path offers valuable lessons: success comes through education, adaptability, professional excellence, and personal integrity. These principles remain relevant for anyone building meaningful careers away from public spectacle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Bert Girigorie do for work?
He is President of G2 Marketing Inc., a digital marketing agency in Charlotte, North Carolina, specializing in revenue development and strategic planning for businesses.
How long was Bert Girigorie married to Wendy Williams?
The couple separated five months after marrying in 1994, with the divorce finalized in 1995, less than one year later.
What is Bert Girigorie’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated between $700,000 and $1.5 million, earned primarily through his sales and marketing career.
Did Bert Girigorie attend college?
He attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, a historically black institution renowned for producing distinguished African American leaders across various fields.
Has Bert Girigorie remarried?
There is no public information confirming whether he remarried, as he maintains strict privacy regarding his personal life.