John Lim

John Lim

John Lim (#3035)

After so many years I still love my business.

  • $ 1 B
  • Real estate
  • Singapore
  • M
  • 69 Years

About Me

John Lim cofounded real estate fund manager ARA Asset Management in 2002, at age 45, with the backing of Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing. In 2016, Lim, along with U.S. private equity firm Warburg Pincus and China's AVIC Trust, took ARA private from the Singapore Stock Exchange in a $1.3 billion buyout. In 2022, Hong Kong-based real asset manager ESR Group acquired ARA for $5.2 billion in stock and cash. In July 2025, a consortium led by Starwood Capital Group and other investors took ESR private from the Hong Kong stock exchange in a deal that valued it at $7.1 billion. Lim, who sold out his small stake in ESR Group and resigned from the board, now is the chairman of his JL Family Office.
About Images

Achievements

Career Highlights

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

  • #3017   Billionaires (2026)
  • #45   Singapore's 50 Richest (2025)

Wealth Growth

Net Worth Growth Over Time

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

Current Net Worth: $1.2B (May 4, 2026)