James Ratcliffe

James Ratcliffe

James Ratcliffe (#145)

  • $ 18 B
  • Chemicals
  • United Kingdom
  • M
  • 73 Years

About Me

Former chemical engineer James Ratcliffe is the founder, chairman and majority owner of $68 billion (2022 revenue) chemical powerhouse Ineos Group. The London-based conglomerate produces everything from synthetic oils and plastics to solvents used to make insulin and antibiotics. It's become one of the U.K. shale sector's largest players. Its 600-foot "Dragon Ships" were the first to transport U.S. shale gas into Europe. Ratcliffe mortgaged his house in 1992 to lead the buyout of a BP chemicals business; 6 years later, he bought a plant from that firm to form Ineos. Ineos acquired two chemicals businesses from BP in 2021 for $5 billion. It formed petrochemical JVs with Sinopec worth more than $7 billion in 2022. In 2023, Ineos acquired $1.4 billion of U.S. onshore oil and gas assets from Chesapeake Energy. Ratcliffe acquired a 28% stake in British soccer club Manchester United for $1.5 billion over two months ending in early 2024.
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Achievements

Career Highlights

A snapshot of the defining milestones, leadership decisions, and breakthroughs that shaped James Ratcliffe’s rise and global influence.

  • #134   Billionaires (2025)

Wealth Growth

Net Worth Growth Over Time

Tracking James Ratcliffe’s net worth journey over the years, highlighting key growth phases and financial milestones.

Current Net Worth: $18.4B (February 5, 2026)