When most people hear the name Bert Girigorie, they think of Wendy Williams’ first husband. But this sales and marketing professional built his successful career long before and after his brief marriage to the famous talk show host. Born Bertrand Girigorie in 1964, this Morehouse College graduate has spent decades working behind the scenes in radio and marketing, creating a life that extends far beyond his connection to celebrity culture.
Early Life & Family Roots
Bert Girigorie was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he grew up in a close Christian family. His parents raised him alongside his siblings, Gabrielle and Bruce, instilling strong values that would guide his professional and personal decisions throughout his life.
The Charlotte native learned early about hard work and dedication from his family environment. His upbringing in North Carolina’s largest city exposed him to both Southern traditions and urban opportunities, shaping his character in ways that would serve him well in his future media and business endeavors.
Growing up in the 1970s and 1980s, Bert witnessed Charlotte transform from a regional banking center into a major metropolitan area. This environment taught him to adapt to change and recognize emerging opportunities—skills that would prove valuable in his radio and marketing career.
Morehouse College & First Career Moves
Bert’s path to success began at Morehouse College in Atlanta, one of the most prestigious historically Black colleges in America. The institution, known for producing leaders in business, politics, and entertainment, provided him with both education and networking opportunities that opened doors in the media industry.
After graduating from Morehouse, Bert made his way to New York City, where he landed his first major role at Kiss FM. The radio station gave him hands-on experience in the fast-paced world of broadcasting, where he worked as an account executive managing client relationships and advertising partnerships.
His work at Kiss FM put him at the center of New York’s vibrant radio scene during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The role required him to understand both the creative side of radio programming and the business fundamentals that kept stations profitable. This dual perspective would later influence his approach to marketing and client relationships throughout his career.
Meeting Wendy Williams
Bert’s life took a dramatic turn when he met Wendy Williams through their shared connections in New York radio. At the time, Wendy was building her reputation as a bold, outspoken DJ who wasn’t afraid to speak her mind about celebrities and current events.
Their relationship developed quickly, built on shared experiences in the radio industry and mutual understanding of the pressures that came with media careers. Both were ambitious professionals navigating the competitive New York broadcasting landscape, which created a strong initial bond between them.
The couple’s courtship happened during Wendy’s rise to prominence in radio, when she was becoming known for her controversial interviews and celebrity gossip segments. Bert supported her career ambitions while building his own professional reputation in account management and client services.
Marriage & Split: A Brief Union
In 1994, Bert and Wendy married in what seemed like a perfect match between two media professionals. Their wedding represented the union of two people who understood the demands and opportunities of the broadcasting industry.
The couple honeymooned in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but even this romantic getaway revealed underlying tensions in their relationship. According to later interviews, they experienced significant arguments during the trip that foreshadowed the challenges ahead in their marriage.
By 1995, less than a year after their wedding, the couple had divorced. The split happened quickly and relatively quietly, without the public drama that would characterize some of Wendy’s later relationships. Both parties moved on with their lives and careers, maintaining privacy about the specific reasons for their separation.
The brief marriage taught both Bert and Wendy valuable lessons about balancing personal relationships with demanding media careers. Their experience highlighted the challenges that many couples in high-pressure industries face when trying to maintain both professional success and personal happiness.
Life After Divorce: Rebuilding & Reinvention
Following his divorce from Wendy Williams, Bert returned to Charlotte and focused on building his marketing expertise. He took time to reassess his career goals and decided to transition from radio account management into broader marketing and business development roles.
This period of his life demonstrated his resilience and ability to reinvent himself professionally. Rather than dwelling on the past or trying to capitalize on his connection to Wendy’s growing fame, he concentrated on developing his business skills and establishing his reputation in marketing circles.
Bert spent several years working for various companies, gaining experience in different aspects of sales and marketing. He learned about client relationship management, strategic planning, and business development across multiple industries, building the foundation for his later entrepreneurial ventures.
Founding G2 Marketing, Inc.
In 2010, Bert took a major step forward by founding G2 Marketing, Inc., his marketing consultancy based in Charlotte. The company focused on helping businesses develop effective marketing strategies and improve their client relationships.
G2 Marketing allowed Bert to combine his radio industry experience with his broader marketing knowledge. He worked with local and regional clients, helping them navigate advertising challenges and develop more effective promotional campaigns.
The company’s success demonstrated Bert’s ability to translate his media background into practical business solutions. His understanding of both the creative and financial aspects of marketing made him valuable to clients who needed someone who could speak both languages fluently.
Personal Life & Privacy Today
Unlike his ex-wife, who became increasingly public about her personal life through television and social media, Bert has maintained a deliberately private lifestyle. He rarely gives interviews or makes public appearances, preferring to focus on his business and personal relationships away from the spotlight.
This choice reflects his personality and values, showing someone who learned early that fame and public attention aren’t necessary for professional success or personal fulfillment. His approach contrasts sharply with the celebrity culture that surrounds many people connected to entertainment industry figures.
Bert’s current relationship status remains private, and he doesn’t maintain active social media profiles that would provide insight into his personal life. This discretion has allowed him to build relationships and pursue interests without the scrutiny that often comes with being connected to public figures.
His commitment to privacy extends to his family relationships as well. He maintains close ties with his siblings and extended family in Charlotte, participating in family gatherings and celebrations away from public view.
Net Worth & Professional Legacy
Estimates of Bert Girigorie’s net worth vary, but most sources suggest it falls between $500,000 and $1.5 million. These figures reflect his success as a marketing professional and business owner, though exact numbers are difficult to verify due to his private lifestyle.
His wealth comes primarily from his marketing consultancy work and various business investments over the years. Unlike some people connected to celebrities, Bert built his financial success through his professional efforts rather than benefiting from his ex-wife’s fame.
In marketing circles around Charlotte and the broader Southeast region, Bert has earned respect as a knowledgeable professional who understands both traditional and digital marketing approaches. His clients appreciate his ability to develop practical strategies that produce measurable results.
His professional legacy centers on his reputation for integrity and effectiveness in client relationships. Colleagues describe him as someone who listens carefully to client needs and develops realistic solutions that align with their budgets and goals.
Public Image & What’s Next
Today, Bert Girigorie is remembered more for his professional accomplishments than for his brief marriage to Wendy Williams. His deliberate choice to maintain privacy and focus on his business has allowed him to control his narrative and build a reputation based on his work rather than his personal history.
As he approaches his 60s, Bert continues to operate G2 Marketing and work with clients who value his experience and expertise. He hasn’t announced any plans to retire or significantly change his business focus, suggesting he finds satisfaction in his current professional role.
His story represents an alternative path for people connected to celebrities—one that prioritizes professional development and personal privacy over public attention and media opportunities. This approach has allowed him to build a sustainable career and maintain personal relationships without the pressures of constant public scrutiny.
Timeline: Born 1964 → Married 1994 → Divorced 1995 → G2 Marketing 2010
Bert Girigorie’s journey from radio account executive to successful marketing entrepreneur shows how someone can build a meaningful career and personal life while maintaining dignity and privacy. His story reminds us that success doesn’t always require public recognition, and that some of the most fulfilling paths happen away from the spotlight.
