In May 2025, after nearly 35 years at the network, Pisani stepped down from his daily NYSE role, though he remains a contributor for CNBC Pro. Throughout his career, he’s been praised not only for his on-air work, but also for mentoring younger journalists and helping demystify Wall Street for the public.
Early Life and Education
Before becoming a recognizable face on financial television, Bob Pisani co-taught courses on real estate development with his father, Ralph Pisani, during the 1980s and early ’90s. Their lectures were hosted at prestigious institutions like the University of Pennsylvania and The Wharton School. Together, they co-authored a book titled How to Be a Successful Developer, which distilled practical insights on real estate investing. Pisani’s early exposure to business education and real estate markets helped shape his understanding of finance from the ground up — experience that would serve him well when he transitioned to covering the broader economy and equity markets.
Joining CNBC
Pisani joined CNBC in 1990, just a year after the network’s launch, making him one of its earliest and longest-serving correspondents. In his first years, he focused primarily on real estate and corporate management, reporting on company structure, leadership trends, and the boom-and-bust cycles of commercial property. By 1997, CNBC made a pivotal decision to station Pisani on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange — a role that would define the rest of his career. Reporting live amidst the chaos of open outcry trading, Pisani brought viewers a unique, unfiltered window into daily market moves, corporate earnings, economic news, and breaking headlines as they reverberated through Wall Street.
NYSE Coverage and Legacy
For more than 25 years, Pisani was synonymous with the NYSE. His live updates became must-watch TV for traders, retail investors, and institutional money managers alike. He had a front-row seat to some of the most turbulent chapters in market history, including:
The tech bubble and crash of the early 2000s The September 11 attacks and their impact on global markets The 2008 financial crisis and subsequent recession Flash crashes and high-frequency trading debates The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and historic stimulus-driven rally The rise of meme stocks and retail investing via platforms like Robinhood
Pisani’s voice — steady, knowledgeable, and often laced with a dry wit — helped viewers make sense of volatile times. He was twice nominated for a CableACE award in 1993 and 1995 and widely respected among peers for his professionalism and deep market expertise. Among CNBC insiders, he was affectionately nicknamed “The Italian Stallion” and “Cool Breeze” by late anchor Mark Haines, the latter a reference to Pisani’s love of jazz music.
Transition to CNBC Pro
In early May 2025, CNBC announced that Pisani would be stepping down from his daily role at the NYSE. However, this was not a retirement. Pisani is slated to return later in the year as a lead contributor to CNBC Pro — the network’s premium digital subscription platform for investors seeking in-depth analysis and expert commentary. As Dan Colarusso, CNBC’s SVP of Business News, put it: “He’s been a mainstay on CNBC and a true Wall Street institution, bringing passion, sharp analysis and a deep understanding of the markets that have earned him the respect of his peers and viewers alike.”
Personal Life and Interests
Outside of financial reporting, Pisani has long nurtured a deep passion for jazz, often referencing artists and performances during off-air chats and interviews. His affable style and approachability made him a favorite not just with CNBC viewers, but also with floor traders and colleagues behind the scenes. He has also played a mentorship role to many younger journalists entering the world of financial reporting, earning a reputation as one of the more generous and humble figures in an often competitive media environment.
