Helmut Sohmen
Logistics

Helmut Sohmen Net Worth

Helmut Sohmen, born in 1939 in Hong Kong, Austria, is a Southern Methodist University law school alumnus and the former chairman of the BW Group. After 28 years at the helm, he retired in 2014 and listed BW Offshore. He is married to the daughter of late shipping tycoon Pao Yue-Kong and has lived in Hong Kong for decades. He supports a graduate scholarship program for Chinese lawyers studying at SMU's Dedman School of Law. His eldest son, Andreas Sohmen-Pao, who is educated at Oxford and Harvard, now runs the group.
Helmut Sohmen is a member of Logistics

Age, Biography and Wiki

Birth Day December 10, 1939
Birth Place Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Austria
Age 84 YEARS OLD
Birth Sign Capricorn
Alma mater University of Vienna, Southern Methodist University, University of Connecticut
Occupation Chairman of BW Group
Spouse(s) Anna Pui Hing Pao
Children 3
Relatives Sir Yue-Kong Pao (father-in-law)

💰 Net worth: $5.7 Billion (2024)

Helmut Sohmen, often referred to as the logistics guru in Austria, is projected to have a net worth of $5.7 billion by the year 2024. With an extensive background in the logistics industry, Sohmen has made a significant impact in various sectors such as shipping and oil transportation. His wealth is largely derived from his successful endeavors in the maritime sector, where he has strategically acquired and managed various shipping companies over the years. Helmut Sohmen's dedication, business acumen, and ability to navigate the complex logistics landscape have cemented his reputation as a prominent figure in the Austrian business community.

2009 $1.3 Billion
2010 $1.4 Billion
2011 $2.1 Billion
2012 $1.4 Billion
2013 $1.3 Billion
2014 $2.6 Billion
2015 $2.1 Billion
2016 $2.3 Billion
2017 $1.8 Billion
2018 $1.21 Billion

Biography/Timeline

1939

On 10 December 1939, Sohmen was born in Linz, Austria. Sohmen grew up in Linz.

1958

In 1958, Sohmen graduated from the Linz Realschule (Fadingerschule) with distinction. He then studied law at the University of Vienna and Southern Methodist University, and won a Fulbright scholarship to continue the University of Connecticut in the United States, eventually receiving his doctorate in Vienna.

1967

In 1967, Sohmen married Anna Pui Hing Pao, whom he had met while studying in Canada. Sohmen has three children (two sons and one daughter).

1970

Sir Yue-Kong Pao, Sohmen's father-in-law, owned World-Wide Shipping Group, one of the largest shipping companies in the world. In 1970 Sohmen moved with his family to Hong Kong in order to join the family Business. After periods working in Bermuda (1974) and London (1977), in 1981 he finally settled in Hong Kong. With advancing age Pao gradually stepped back from day-to-day management and in 1986 Sohmen was appointed chairman of the World-Wide Shipping Group and Pao's ownership was passed to Sohmen's wife in 1989. In 2003 World-Wide completed the takeover of Norway's Bergesen fleet to become Bergesen Worldwide Ltd., since then renamed BW Group. The group includes 140 tankers and more than 4500 employees (2010).

1987

In 1987 he established the Egon Sohmen Foundation in memory of his brother Egon Sohmen (1930–1977). The Foundation promotes economic research and aims to get involved in important public policy debates. For this purpose it initiated its own star-studded annual international symposia and lectures at universities where Egon Sohmen formerly worked. It issued a separate publication. Scientific Advisor until 1999 Herbert Giersch, since 2002, Bernd Hans Jurgens.

1991

With the aim of enabling young Austrians to have their first contacts with the Asian region, in 1991 Sohmen set up the Sohmen-Far East Foundation (SFEF). Operational headquarters of the advisory board of the foundation is in his home town of Linz. Qualified scholarship recipients through these grants have the opportunity to expand their horizons and to establish Business contacts.

1993

In 1993, Sohmen established the Sohmen-China Foundation for the Promotion of Austria Society (ÖGCF) to promote friendly and cultural relations with the PRC. It supports a variety of cultural and intellectual events and supports aid for visitation programs, educational concerns, activities in Austria and the publication of relevant publications. In 1996 and 2003 in Shanghai and Beijing on Tiananmen Square, it has co-organized exhibitions.

2005

Sohmen's wife Pui Hing Anna Pao Sohmen held several functions in Hong Kong and was also a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. In 2005 she was awarded the Silver Bauhinia Star.

2010

In 2010 he was on the Forbes list with an estimated fortune of US$1.4 billion, the fourth-placed Austrian. In 2009 he was listed as the 13th richest person in Hong Kong.

2014

In Nov 2014, Sohmen retired as chairman of BW Group. He is replaced by Andreas Sohmen-Pao, one of his sons.

About the author

Lisa Scholfield

As a Senior Writer at Famous Net Worth, I spearhead an exceptional team dedicated to uncovering and sharing the stories of pioneering individuals. My passion for unearthing untold narratives drives me to delve deep into the essence of each subject, bringing forth a unique blend of factual accuracy and narrative allure. In orchestrating the editorial workflow, I am deeply involved in every step—from initial research to the final touches of publishing, ensuring each biography not only informs but also engages and inspires our readership.