David Murdock

$3.66 B

Ranked #938 in World

About David Murdock

Renowned business tycoon David Howard Murdock, born in Missouri, rose from humble beginnings to build a vast empire, including Dole Food Company, the largest produce provider globally. With a keen eye for opportunities, Murdock transformed distressed assets into profitable ventures, evident from his strategic acquisition of International Mining and iconic Occidental Petroleum. His philanthropic efforts are noteworthy, comprised of generous contributions to health and research institutes, alongside advocating for a plant-based diet through the Dole Nutrition Institute. Once on Forbes's wealthy lists, Murdock's personal tragedies have been eclipsed by his enduring business and health advocacies.

Born

April 10, 1923 in Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.

Source Of Wealth

Dole, Real Estate

Industries

Food & Beverage

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Ventura, California

Education

Drop Out, High School

Spouse

Gabriele Murdock (Married: 1967; died 1985), Tracy Murdock (Married: 1999)

Children

David Howard Murdock was born on April 11, 1923, in Kansas City, Missouri. He grew up in Montgomery Township, Ohio, and dropped out of high school in the 9th grade. In 1943, during World War II, he was drafted into the United States Army. After the war, he moved to Detroit and obtained a $1,200 loan to buy a closing diner, which he flipped for a $700 profit ten months later. He then moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where he worked in housing and commercial real estate.

David Murdock: Family

Murdock has been married six times and has two biological children and an adopted son. His third wife, Gabriele, died of ovarian cancer in 1985, and his son Eugene died in a swimming pool accident the following year. His son David Jr. died in an auto accident in 2004. His remaining son, Justin, serves as CEO and executive chairman of NovaRx and is senior vice president of investments for Castle & Cooke.

David Murdock: Career Highlights

Murdock acquired control of International Mining in 1978 and became the largest shareholder in L.A.-based Occidental Petroleum in the early 1980s. He purchased Cannon Mills in Kannapolis, North Carolina, in 1982, and sold it to Fieldcrest in 1985. In the same year, he took over the nearly bankrupt Hawaiian firm Castle & Cooke, which owned Dole Food Company. Murdock developed Castle & Cooke's real estate portfolio and turned Dole into the world's largest producer of fruits and vegetables. He acquired Dole privately in 2003 and completed an initial public offering in 2009. In June 2012, he sold his interest in Lana'i, the sixth-largest island in Hawaii, to Larry Ellison. Murdock also owns other companies, including Pacific Clay.

David Murdock: Companies

International Mining
Occidental Petroleum
Cannon Mills
Castle & Cooke
Dole Food Company
Pacific Clay

David Murdock: Major Achievements

Turned Dole into the world's largest producer of fruits and vegetables.

Developed Castle & Cooke's real estate portfolio.
Acquired Dole privately in 2003 and completed an initial public offering in 2009.

David Murdock: Awards & Achievements

North Carolina Award for Public Service (2007)
Inducted into the North Carolina Business Hall of Fame (2008)
Named "Business Person of the Year" by the Charlotte Business Journal (2009)

David Murdock: Personal Life & Legacy

Murdock follows a pescetarian, plant-based diet and promotes healthy eating habits. He does not take vitamin supplements and believes he can live to 125 years on his diet. He is ranked as the 190th-richest person in the "Forbes 400" list and 613th in the "World's Billionaires" list in 2011, with a net worth of US$2.4 billion.

David Murdock: Trivia

Murdock is a licensed pilot and owns several aircraft.
He is a member of the Republican Party and has donated to various political campaigns.
He is a supporter of the arts and has donated to various cultural institutions.

Wealth History

Timeline

April 11, 1923

David Howard Murdock is born in Kansas City, Missouri.

1943

Drafted by the United States Army during World War II.

1978

Acquires control of International Mining.

Early 1980s

Becomes the largest shareholder in L.A.-based Occidental Petroleum.

1982

Purchases Cannon Mills in Kannapolis, North Carolina.

1985

Takes over the nearly bankrupt Hawaiian firm Castle & Cooke, which owned Dole Food Company.

1985

Gabriele, David's third wife, dies of ovarian cancer.

1986

Eugene, David's son, dies in a swimming pool accident.

2003

Acquires Dole privately.

2004

David Jr., David's son, dies in an auto accident.

2006

Opens the California Health and Longevity Institute (CHLI).

2009

Completes an initial public offering for Dole.

2010

Publishes The Dole Nutrition Handbook: What to Eat and How to Live for a Longer, Healthier Life.

June 2012

Sells his interest in Lana'i, the sixth-largest island in Hawaii, to Larry Ellison.

2011

Ranked as the 190th-richest person in the "Forbes 400" list and 613th in the "World's Billionaires" list, with a net worth of US$2.4 billion.

David Murdock : FAQs

What is David Murdock's net worth?

As of 2024, David Murdock's net worth was $3.66 billion.

What is the recent change in David Murdock's net worth?

David Murdock's net worth decreased by 1.07 million dollars recently, a 0.03% decrease, with his net worth standing at 3.66 billion dollars.

What are David Murdock's main sources of wealth?

David Murdock's main source of income comes from Dole, Real Estate.

In which industry does David Murdock primarily operate?

David Murdock is primarily involved in the Food & Beverage industry.

What is David Murdock educational background?

David Murdock is a dropout from High School.

How many children does David Murdock have?

David Murdock has 3 children.

Who is David Howard Murdock and what is known about his early life?

David Howard Murdock, born on April 11, 1923, in Kansas City, Missouri, dropped out of high school and was drafted into the United States Army in 1943. After World War II, he ventured into business starting with a small diner in Detroit.

What are significant business achievements of David Murdock?

David Murdock is known for acquiring International Mining in 1978, becoming a major shareholder in Occidental Petroleum, purchasing Cannon Mills, taking over Castle & Cooke, privatizing Dole Food Company, and developing real estate through Castle & Cooke.

How has David Murdock contributed to philanthropy and education?

Murdock has heavily invested in philanthropic endeavors including the redevelopment of a research center in North Carolina, establishing the Dole Nutrition Institute, creating the California Health and Longevity Institute, and donating over $500 million to scientific research.

What are some key aspects of David Murdock's personal life and diet?

David Murdock has been married six times, has faced personal tragedies, and is a proponent of a plant-based, pescetarian diet without vitamin supplements, believing it will help him reach the age of 125.

What is David Murdock's impact on literature and public health awareness?

As an advocate for healthy living, David Murdock has made a significant impact through his book 'The Dole Nutrition Handbook: What to Eat and How to Live for a Longer, Healthier Life,' promoting the benefits of a nutritious diet.