5 Surprising Facts About Chris Ivery: What Does Ellen Pompeo's Husband Actually Do?

While Ellen Pompeo has spent over two decades as one of television's highest-paid actresses, most notably as Dr. Meredith Grey on the global phenomenon Grey's Anatomy, her husband, Chris Ivery, maintains a highly successful, yet lower-profile, career that has recently undergone a major transformation. As of December 2025, Ivery is known for his dual expertise: a long-standing career as a music producer and a more recent, high-level executive role in the fashion industry, showcasing a dynamic and evolving professional life outside of Hollywood's spotlight.

The question of "What does Ellen Pompeo's husband do?" is a common one, largely because his work is behind the scenes in two very different, high-stakes creative industries. His career path is a fascinating journey from the world of chart-topping music to the strategic relaunch of an iconic sports fashion brand, cementing his status as a savvy entrepreneur and executive.

Chris Ivery: The Man Behind the Star—A Quick Biography

Chris Ivery is a successful music producer, writer, and fashion executive who has been married to actress Ellen Pompeo since 2007. Their relationship is one of Hollywood's most enduring, built on a foundation that predates Pompeo's massive success on *Grey's Anatomy*.

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• Full Name: Christopher Ivery
• Date of Birth: February 7, 1968 (Approximate)
• Age (as of December 2025): 57
• Place of Birth: United States
• Occupation: Music Producer, Writer, Fashion Executive, Entrepreneur
• Spouse: Ellen Pompeo (Married 2007)
• Children: Stella Luna Pompeo Ivery, Sienna May Pompeo Ivery, Eli Christopher Pompeo Ivery
• Education: Not publicly disclosed, but known to have deep roots in the music industry.
• Relationship Timeline: Met in a Los Angeles grocery store in 2003, dated for three years, and married in 2007 in a quiet, low-key ceremony at City Hall.

From Platinum Records to Fashion Executive: Chris Ivery's Career Evolution

Chris Ivery's professional life is marked by two distinct and highly successful chapters, demonstrating a remarkable ability to pivot and find success in different fields.

Chapter 1: The Veteran Music Producer and Writer

Ivery spent over 25 years immersed in the music business, establishing himself as a respected figure in the industry. His work spanned various levels, from production to writing, and he was involved in numerous projects that shaped the sound of the era.

• Key Music Credit: The most recognizable credit in Ivery's music career is his role as a writer on the smash hit "Cheers (Drink to That)" by global superstar Rihanna. This track, which appeared on her 2010 album *Loud*, solidified his position as a contributor to mainstream pop music.
• Creative Partnership: His work in music involved collaboration with various artists and labels, building a comprehensive background in the creative and business sides of the industry.
• Early Career: Before his high-profile credits, Ivery worked diligently behind the scenes, a common path for music producers who eventually rise to prominence.

Ellen Pompeo has frequently spoken about her pride in Ivery’s dedication to his craft, noting that he had a long and fruitful career in music before making a major change.

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Chapter 2: The Strategic Fashion Executive

In a significant career move, Chris Ivery transitioned from music production to the world of high-end fashion and lifestyle marketing. This shift was a conscious decision to embrace a new challenge and leverage his creative and strategic business acumen in a different sector.

• The Sergio Tacchini Relaunch: Ivery became a key executive in the strategic relaunch of the iconic Italian sports apparel brand, Sergio Tacchini. This brand is known for its heritage in tennis and its popularity in the 80s and 90s, counting fans like Justin Bieber and Jay-Z.
• Executive Role: His titles have included Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and Chief Executive for Lifestyle Marketing. In this capacity, he was instrumental in the brand's new strategic positioning.
• The STLA Collection: As part of the relaunch, Ivery was heavily involved in creating the STLA Collection, a Los Angeles-based initiative to modernize the brand and appeal to a contemporary, street-style audience. This blend of Italian heritage and Los Angeles cool was a major undertaking, showcasing Ivery's entrepreneurial spirit and vision.

This career evolution demonstrates that Ivery is not just a partner to a famous actress, but a serious entrepreneur who successfully navigated a major professional pivot late in his career.

The Couple's Lucrative Real Estate Ventures

Beyond their respective careers in entertainment and fashion, Chris Ivery and Ellen Pompeo have established themselves as savvy investors in the luxury real estate market. Their joint ventures in property acquisition and flipping have been a significant source of wealth and an important part of their combined financial portfolio.

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• Malibu Estate: The couple made headlines for their smart real estate investments, including the purchase of a stunning Malibu estate.
• Hamptons Farmhouse: They also own a beautiful farmhouse in the Hamptons, showcasing their taste for both coastal and countryside luxury.
• Spanish Villa: The couple has been known to list and sell properties, such as a 1920s Spanish villa, indicating they are active "real-estate wheelers and dealers" who strategically manage their property portfolio.

This side of their business life highlights a shared entrepreneurial mindset, focusing on long-term financial stability and investment outside of their primary professional roles.

The Secret to Their 20-Year Relationship

The longevity of their relationship—over 20 years together since meeting in a Los Angeles grocery store in 2003—is often attributed to their mutual respect and Ivery’s ability to maintain his own identity and career.

One of the most unique aspects of their marriage is that Chris Ivery has famously never watched *Grey's Anatomy*. This fact is often cited as a key to their success, as it allows him to focus on her as Ellen, the person, rather than Dr. Meredith Grey, the global TV star. Their shared life in Los Angeles, raising their three children, remains grounded despite the immense fame surrounding Pompeo's career.

In summary, Chris Ivery is far more than just "Ellen Pompeo's husband." He is a successful music producer with a platinum credit, a high-level fashion executive who relaunched a major global brand, and a strategic real estate investor. His professional life is a testament to his versatility, entrepreneurial drive, and ability to thrive outside the shadow of his wife's enormous success.