Richard Desmond

Richard Desmond

Richard Desmond (#2120)

Global Rank #2120
Country Rank #44
Country United Kingdom

Richard Desmond is listed among the world billionaires tracked by Iconic Billionaires.

  • $ 2 B
  • Publishing
  • United Kingdom
  • M
  • 74 Years

Snapshot

Quick Facts

Global Rank #2,120
Country Rank #44
Net Worth $2.0B
Previous Worth $2.0B
Worth Change +$0.0B
Country United Kingdom
Industry Publishing
Age 74 Years
Gender M
Worth As Of May 4, 2026
Residence London, United Kingdom
Citizenship United Kingdom
World Billionaires List United Kingdom Billionaires Publishing

Profile Data

Personal Stats

Age 74
Source Of Wealth Publishing, Self Made
Residence London, United Kingdom
Citizenship United Kingdom
Marital Status Married
Children 3
Net Worth Change +$0.0B +0.0% from previous worth
Previous Net Worth $2.0B
Current Net Worth $2.0B

Worth as of May 4, 2026

About Me

Richard Desmond founded Northern & Shell, which published the Daily Express newspapers, OK! and Star magazines, and operates UK's Health Lottery. Desmond was raised by his secretary mom in a garage apartment. His parents divorced after his dad, an advertising executive, gambled away their savings. Desmond cofounded his first magazine, International Musician and Recording World, at age 22, then became Penthouse's UK licensee. He expanded to titles like Asian Babes and Posh Housewives, then sold some holdings and went mass market, launching OK! and buying Express Newspapers, including the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Daily Star from United News & Media. In 2018 he sold N&S' publishing arm, including its newspaper and magazine titles, to rival Trinity Mirror (now Reach PLC) for about $177 million in cash plus shares.

Achievements

Forbes List Highlights

A snapshot of the list placements and rankings connected to Richard Desmond.

#2052
Billionaires (2026)

Insights

Did You Know?

In 2003, Desmond created the band RD Crusaders with Roger Daltrey from The Who and other musicians.

He quit school at age 14 to become a drummer, then dressed up in his older brother's suit to land a job selling newspaper ads over the phone a year later.

After expanding the Northern & Shell's portfolio into adult-themed photography, Desmond was labeled a ?porn baron? from the press for objectifying women.

Wealth Growth

Net Worth Growth Over Time

Tracking Richard Desmond's net worth journey over the years, highlighting key growth phases and financial milestones.

Worth Trend Net Worth Growth
Period Change Worth Movement
Current Net Worth: $2.0B (May 4, 2026)

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