The Man Who Won Christine Baumgartner’s Heart
Christine Baumgartner has found love again. After a whirlwind romance, she married financier Josh Connor on October 18, 2025. The wedding took place at the picturesque Santa Ynez Ranch in Santa Barbara, California. The intimate ceremony was attended by 100 close friends and family. This included their six children. It marked a fresh chapter in Baumgartner’s life following her 2024 divorce from actor Kevin Costner.
But who is Josh Connor? Here’s what you need to know about the man who swept Baumgartner off her feet.
A Financial Powerhouse with Deep Roots in Transportation
Josh Connor is no stranger to the world of high finance. With over 25 years of experience, he has held prominent positions at some of the most prestigious financial institutions. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Williams College. He began his career at Morgan Stanley. There, he spent 15 years co-heading the Transportation & Infrastructure Investment Banking Group. His leadership helped Morgan Stanley secure top global advisory and capital market positions within the transportation sector.
In 2011, Connor transitioned to Barclays, where he served as Managing Director and Co-Head of the Industrials Banking Group. Under his guidance, Barclays’ industrials platform became a top-five banking franchise. He also led the firm’s Global Transportation Banking division, which rose to a top-three global position during his tenure.
In 2016, Connor founded Connor Capital SB, a private investment firm focusing on equity investments in transportation and transportation-related companies. The firm has made over ten investments since its inception. Additionally, he co-founded Duration Capital Partners in 2024, an infrastructure investment firm specializing in transportation businesses across North America.
A Man of Many Hats
Beyond his roles at Connor Capital SB and Duration Capital Partners, he serves on the boards of several major companies. He is a director at Frontier Airlines, Copa Holdings, Watco Companies, and U.S. Rail & Logistics. He also chairs the board of Neighborhood Property Group. He held previous board positions with Ports America and Industrial Rail.
Connor has extensive experience and leadership in the transportation sector. This background has solidified his reputation as a seasoned financier. He has a keen eye for strategic investments.
A Family Man with a Shared Past
Before his marriage to Christine, Connor was married to Patricia. The couple finalized their divorce in January 2023 and share three children: daughters Lily and Abigail and son John. Connor has consistently shown his dedication to his family throughout his career. He balances the demands of high-level finance with the responsibilities of parenthood.
Interestingly, Connor and Baumgartner’s paths had crossed long before their romantic relationship began. They were once neighbors of the Costners, and their families were acquainted. This shared history laid the foundation for their friendship, which eventually blossomed into love.
A Love Story That Defied the Odds
Baumgartner and Connor’s relationship began as a friendship, with the two families spending time together in their Montecito neighborhood. In July 2023, she and Connor were spotted on a trip to Hawaii. This was just two months after she filed for divorce from Costner. Rumors of a romance were sparked. However, Baumgartner testified in August 2023 that she and Connor were just friends before her separation from Costner.
Despite initial denials, the couple’s bond deepened over time. In January 2025, Connor proposed to her during a beachside dinner in Santa Barbara. He surprised her with a ring just before a rainstorm. The couple married later that year in a ceremony described by guests as “magical” and “authentic.”
A New Beginning
Christine has embraced her new life with Josh Connor. The couple continues to focus on their family and shared values, finding happiness in their relationship. Baumgartner remains involved in philanthropy through the OmniPeace Foundation. She contributes to initiatives like the “Music Box” program in Long Beach. This program provides music education to underserved children.
Baumgartner and Connor embark on this new chapter together. They demonstrate that love can bloom anew. This is true even after life’s most challenging moments.
