Donald Bren

$19.21 B

Ranked #130 in World

About Donald Bren

Donald Bren, Chairman of the Irvine Company and an influential real estate mogul, boasts a $16.2 billion net worth as of 2022. Born into a divergent heritage, his Jewish father, Milton Bren, and Irish-descent mother, Marion Newbert, had a significant impact on his formative years. Bren, a philanthropic force, has directed over $2.1 billion toward education, conservation, and research, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier benefactor. His business acumen has seen him navigate the Irvine Company to unanimous ownership, while his strategic land donations have earned him recognition on the "Green Rich List." His support across political lines and intensely private life add further facets to this business titan's profile.

Born

May 11, 1932 in Los Angeles, California, U.S.

Age

93 years

Source Of Wealth

Real Estate

Industries

Real Estate

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Newport Beach, California

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, University of Washington

Spouse

Diane BrenMardelle Bren (divorced), Brigitte Muller

Children

Parent

Marion NewbertMilton H. Bren

Donald Bren was born on May 11, 1932, in Los Angeles, California. His father, Milton Bren, was a Jewish naval officer, talent agent, and movie producer. His mother, Marion Newbert, of partial Irish descent, was a civic leader. Bren's parents divorced in 1948, and his father remarried Academy Award-winning actress Claire Trevor the same year. His mother remarried steel businessman Earle M. Jorgensen in 1953.

Bren graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor's degree in business administration and economics. He failed to qualify for the 1956 Olympic ski team due to an injury and served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps after college.

Donald Bren: Family

Donald Bren has been married three times and has six children from three marriages and two former companions. He keeps a low public profile and values privacy.

Donald Bren: Career Highlights

Bren started his career in real estate in 1958 when he founded the Bren Company to build homes. In 1963, he co-founded the Mission Viejo Company (MVC), which developed the city of Mission Viejo, California. Bren served as President of MVC from 1963 to 1967.

In 1970, International Paper bought the Bren Co. for $34 million. Bren bought it back for $22 million in 1972 during the recession. In 1977, Bren joined a group of investors to purchase the Irvine Company. He became the largest shareholder and vice-chair of the board and was elected chairman of the board in 1983 as the majority owner. Bren bought out the remaining shares by 1996, becoming the sole owner.

Donald Bren: Companies

Donald Bren is the chairman and owner of the Irvine Company, one of the largest landowners in California. He also founded the Bren Company and co-founded the Mission Viejo Company.

Donald Bren: Major Achievements

Bren is credited with transforming the Irvine Ranch from a vast agricultural property into a thriving urban center.

He has also been recognized for his philanthropic contributions, particularly in the areas of education, conservation, and research.

Donald Bren: Awards & Achievements

Bren has received numerous awards and honors for his business acumen and philanthropy. He was named the most powerful and wealthiest person in Southern California by the Los Angeles Times in 2006 and received the University of California Presidential Medal in 2004. Bren was also honored with the Semper Fidelis Award and the General Leonard F. Chapman Medallion by the Marine Corps University Foundation and elected a Fellow with the American Academy of Arts & Sciences in 2007.

Donald Bren: Personal Life & Legacy

Bren is known for his private lifestyle and values his privacy. He has been married three times and has six children from three marriages and two former companions. Bren is also known for his philanthropic contributions, which exceed $2.1 billion and primarily focus on education, conservation, and research.

Donald Bren: Trivia

Bren is an avid art collector and owns a significant collection of contemporary art. He is also a licensed pilot and enjoys flying his own plane.

Wealth History

Timeline

May 11, 1932

Donald Bren is born in Los Angeles, California.

1948

Donald Bren's parents, Marion Newbert and Milton Bren, divorce.

1953

Donald Bren's mother, Marion, remarries steel businessman Earle M. Jorgensen.

1956

Donald Bren fails to qualify for the 1956 Olympic ski team due to an injury.

1958

Donald Bren starts the Bren Company to build homes.

1963

Donald Bren co-founds the Mission Viejo Company (MVC) to develop the city of Mission Viejo, California.

1967

Donald Bren serves as President of MVC until 1967.

1970

International Paper buys the Bren Co. for $34 million.

1972

Donald Bren buys back the Bren Co. for $22 million during the recession.

1977

Donald Bren joins a group of investors to purchase the Irvine Company.

1983

Donald Bren becomes the largest shareholder and vice-chair of the board of the Irvine Company.

1996

Donald Bren buys out the remaining shares of the Irvine Company, becoming the sole owner.

2004

Donald Bren receives the University of California Presidential Medal.

2006

Donald Bren is named the most powerful and wealthiest person in Southern California by the Los Angeles Times.

2007

Donald Bren is elected a Fellow with the American Academy of Arts & Sciences.

2008

Donald Bren is recognized as one of the top ten philanthropists in the nation by BusinessWeek.

2009

Donald Bren is ranked 9th in the 'Green Rich List' by The Sunday Times.

2010

Donald Bren is honored with the 'Donald Bren Legacy of Giving Award'.

Donald Bren : FAQs

What is Donald Bren's current net worth?

Donald Bren's current net worth is $19.21 billion.

What is Donald Bren's current global rank among billionaires?

Donald Bren holds the 130th position globally among billionaires.

What is Donald Bren's current ranking within the United States?

Donald Bren holds the 54th position in United States.

What was the change in Donald Bren's net worth compared to the previous year?

Donald Bren's net worth decreased by 0 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 19.21 billion dollars.

What are Donald Bren's main sources of wealth?

Donald Bren's main source of income comes from Real Estate.

In which industry does Donald Bren primarily operate?

Donald Bren is primarily involved in the Real Estate industry.

What is Donald Bren educational background?

Donald Bren holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from the University of Washington.

How old is Donald Bren?

Donald Bren is 93 years old.

How many children does Donald Bren have?

Donald Bren has 7 children.

Can you describe Donald Bren's contribution to the community and his philanthropic efforts?

Donald Bren has contributed over $2.1 billion to various causes, with a significant focus on education, conservation, and research. He has supported K-12 public schools, higher education institutions, and has donated land for public parks and preserves. He is also involved in funding medical research and has established notable educational endowments.

What notable achievements and recognition has Donald Bren received throughout his career?

Donald Bren has received numerous accolades, including being named the most powerful and wealthiest person in Southern California by the Los Angeles Times in 2006, receiving the University of California Presidential Medal in 2004, and being elected as a Fellow with the American Academy of Arts & Sciences in 2007.

How did Donald Bren begin his career and eventually own the Irvine Company?

Donald Bren started his career by founding the Bren Company in 1958, and co-founding the Mission Viejo Company in 1963. Over time, he joined investors to purchase the Irvine Company in 1977 and became its majority owner. By 1996, he had bought out all remaining shares, becoming the sole owner.

What is known about Donald Bren's personal background and family life?

Born to Marion Newbert and Milton Bren, Donald Bren had a diverse cultural background. After his parents' divorce, each remarried influential figures. Bren himself has been married three times and has six children from his marriages and partnerships. Known for valuing privacy, he maintains a low public profile.