The Education of an Activist Jeff Smith, CEO of Starboard Value, put his activist hedge fund on the map with Darden Restaurants and changed the activist conversation at the same time. Here’s how Smith got his start. Related Articles For Members Only 2020’s Top Hedge Fund Activist Kept Making Demands Even as the Pandemic Raged Michelle Celarier For Members Only Hedgies See SPACs Flounder Michelle Celarier Press Release: Institutional Investor enters next chapter of growth with Apax Partners Sponsored by Apax