James Ratcliffe
Manufacturing

James Ratcliffe Net Worth

James Ratcliffe is the founder, chairman and majority owner of Ineos Group, a chemical powerhouse that produces a variety of products from synthetic oils and plastics to solvents used in the production of insulin and antibiotics. Ratcliffe, born in Hampshire, United Kingdom, has ambitions to make Ineos the largest player in shale gas in the U.K., with production fields in the North Sea and access to over one million acres of shale exploration areas in England and Scotland. After moving its headquarters to Switzerland in 2010, the company returned to London in late 2016. Ratcliffe is an adventure seeker, having made trips to both the North and South poles, and a month-long motorbike trip in South Africa in 2015.
James Ratcliffe is a member of Manufacturing

Age, Biography and Wiki

Birth Day October 18, 1952
Birth Place Hampshire, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
Age 71 YEARS OLD
Birth Sign Scorpio
Residence Chelsea, London and Hampshire, England
Education Beverley Grammar School
Alma mater University of Birmingham and London Business School
Occupation Chairman and CEO, Ineos
Spouse(s) Amanda Townson (m. 1985; divorce 1995) Alicia
Children Two sons (with Amanda), one daughter (with Alicia)

💰 Net worth: $22.9 Billion (2024)

James Ratcliffe, a renowned figure in the manufacturing industry in the United Kingdom, is projected to have a staggering net worth of $22.9 billion by 2024. Ratcliffe's wealth is a testament to his exceptional entrepreneurial skills and achievements in the field. As the chairman and majority owner of INEOS, one of the world's largest chemical manufacturing companies, Ratcliffe has played a significant role in revolutionizing the industry. His impressive net worth is a reflection of his remarkable success and continued contributions to the manufacturing sector.

2011 $2 Billion
2012 $2.4 Billion
2013 $1.1 Billion
2014 $1.2 Billion
2015 $1.8 Billion
2016 $5.5 Billion
2017 $9 Billion
2018 $16.64 Billion

Biography/Timeline

1974

Ratcliffe graduated from the University of Birmingham with a degree in chemical engineering in 1974.

1985

In 1985, Ratcliffe married Amanda Townson, they had two sons, and divorced in 1995. Ratcliffe has one daughter with his second wife, Alicia.

1989

His first job was with oil giant Esso, but he decided to broaden his skills into Finance by studying management accounting and taking an MBA at London Business School. He subsequently, in 1989, joined US private equity group Advent International.

1998

Ratcliffe was a co-founder of INSPEC, which leased the former BP Chemicals site in Antwerp, Belgium. In 1998 Ratcliffe formed Ineos in Hampshire to buy-out INSPEC and the freehold of the Antwerp site.

2006

From this small base, using high-yield debt to Finance deals, Ratcliffe started buying unwanted operations from groups such as ICI and BP, selecting targets based on their potential to double their earnings over a 5-year period. In 2006 Ineos bought BP's refining and petrochemical arm Innovene, giving Ineos refineries and plants in Scotland, Italy, Germany, France, Belgium and Canada.

2007

Ratcliffe enjoys skiing and sailing, and is also reported to have completed the 2007 London Marathon.

2009

In May 2009, Ratcliffe was granted an honorary fellowship by the Institution of Chemical Engineers citing “his sustained leadership in building the Ineos Group.” In 2013 he received the Petrochemical Heritage Award.

2010

In April 2010, Ratcliffe moved Ineos's head office from Hampshire to Rolle, Switzerland, decreasing the amount of tax the company paid by £100m a year.

2012

Ratcliffe has owned two super yachts, Hampshire and Hampshire II. His first yacht was built as Barbara Jean by Feadship. In 2012 he took delivery of the 78 metres (256 ft) Feadship Hampshire II, built by Royal van Lent, which he still owns.

2015

In 2015, Ratcliffe opened the UK headquarters of the chemicals and Energy group in Knightsbridge, London along with gas and oil trading, and other functions, saying he was "very cheerful about coming back to the UK”. He was pleased with UK policy, London as a Business base, and untroubled by the prospect of the UK leaving the EU. "For the time being" it remains an Anglo-Swiss company. It retains a head office in Rolle Switzerland for businesses in INEOS Group AG. The Anglo/Swiss Business continues to grow. Full year 2015 EBITDA was €577 million compared to €253 million for 2014.

2017

He lives in Chelsea, London, and Hampshire, England. In May 2017, he submitted his fifth plan, less ambitious than the first four, to build a "luxury home" at Thorns Beach, near Beaulieu, on the Hampshire coast, which would replace an existing two-bedroom bungalow.

Some James Ratcliffe images

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.