James Ratcliffe

$17.97 B

Ranked #145 in World

About James Ratcliffe

British billionaire Sir James Arthur Ratcliffe, Chairman and CEO of INEOS chemicals group with a $65 billion turnover in 2021, keeps a low profile despite amassing substantial wealth. Rising from a humble Failsworth backdrop, he advanced from oil company Esso to pioneering INEOS in 1998, known for aggressive expansion via high-yield debt. Ineos's leader, advocating for UK business optimism, entered the energy sector with a €2bn investment in green hydrogen. Despite environmental concerns, Ratcliffe's love for sports manifests in numerous athletic ventures and acquisitions.

Born

January 01, 1953

Age

73 years

Source Of Wealth

Chemicals

Industries

Manufacturing

Citizenship

United Kingdom

Residence

London

Sir James Arthur Ratcliffe was born on October 18, 1952, in Failsworth, Lancashire, UK. His father was a joiner who later ran a factory, while his mother was a homemaker. Ratcliffe grew up in a council house until the age of 10 when his family moved to East Yorkshire. He attended Beverley Grammar School and later studied chemical engineering at Birmingham University, earning a BSc degree.

James Ratcliffe: Family

Ratcliffe has been married twice. His first marriage was to Amanda Townson, with whom he has two sons. The couple later divorced. He is currently in a relationship with Catherine Polli and has a daughter from a previous relationship.

James Ratcliffe: Career Highlights

Ratcliffe started his career at the oil giant Esso. In 1989, he joined the US private equity group Advent International. In 1998, he co-founded Inspec, leasing a former BP Chemicals site in Antwerp, Belgium. He formed INEOS in the same year to buy out Inspec and acquire the freehold of the Antwerp site. Ratcliffe used high-yield debt to finance deals and acquired unwanted operations from companies like ICI and BP. In 2006, he bought BP's refining and petrochemical arm Innovene, expanding INEOS's operations. In 2010, he moved INEOS's head office from Hampshire to Rolle, Switzerland, to reduce tax payments. In 2015, he opened the UK headquarters in Knightsbridge, London, expressing optimism about the UK policy and business environment.

James Ratcliffe: Companies

Ratcliffe is the chairman and CEO of the INEOS chemicals group, founded in 1998. INEOS is a global manufacturer of petrochemicals, specialty chemicals, and oil products. The company has operations in 26 countries and employs over 26,000 people. INEOS also owns several sports teams, including the Swiss Super League club Lausanne-Sport, Ligue 1 club Nice, and the cycling team Team INEOS.

James Ratcliffe: Major Achievements

Ratcliffe is known for his aggressive acquisition strategy and his ability to turn around struggling businesses.

He has built INEOS into one of the world's largest chemical companies. In 2018, he was named the richest man in the UK, with a net worth of £21.05 billion. He has also been recognized for his contributions to the chemical industry, receiving the Petrochemical Heritage Award in 2013 and an honorary fellowship from the Institution of Chemical Engineers in 2009.

James Ratcliffe: Awards & Achievements

Ratcliffe has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to business and industry. In 2018, he was knighted in the Birthday Honours for services to business and investment. He has also received the Petrochemical Heritage Award in 2013 and an honorary fellowship from the Institution of Chemical Engineers in 2009.

James Ratcliffe: Personal Life & Legacy

Ratcliffe is a keen sportsman and has completed several endurance challenges, including the Marathon Des Sables across the Sahara Desert in 2013. He is also a patron of the charity "Go Run for Fun," which encourages children's physical activity. Ratcliffe is known for his Eurosceptic views and has been critical of EU legislation and politicians' handling of economic issues.

James Ratcliffe: Trivia

Ratcliffe owns two super yachts, Hampshire and Hampshire II. He also owns properties in Switzerland, France, and the UK. He is a keen art collector and has a collection of modern and contemporary art.

Wealth History

Timeline

1952

Born in Failsworth, Lancashire, UK.

1980

Obtained an MBA from London Business School.

1989

Joined US private equity group Advent International.

1998

Co-founded Inspec, leasing a former BP Chemicals site in Antwerp, Belgium.

1998

Formed INEOS to buy out Inspec and acquire the freehold of the Antwerp site.

2006

Bought BP's refining and petrochemical arm Innovene, expanding INEOS's operations.

2010

Moved INEOS's head office from Hampshire to Rolle, Switzerland, reducing tax payments.

2013

Completed Marathon Des Sables across the Sahara Desert.

2015

Opened UK headquarters in Knightsbridge, London, expressing optimism about UK policy and business environment.

2017

Purchased Swiss Super League club Lausanne-Sport.

2018

Named the richest man in the UK, with a net worth of £21.05 billion.

2018

Knighted in the 2018 Birthday Honours for services to business and investment.

2019

Acquired Nice from Chinese-American entrepreneur Chien Lee.

2019

Announced £1bn investment in UK oil and chemical industries, including an overhaul of the Forties pipeline system.

2019

Supported the 2019 INEOS 1:59 Challenge, a successful attempt to run a marathon under 2 hours.

2020

Became principal partners of Mercedes AMG F1.

2021

Announced plans to invest over €2bn in electrolysis projects for zero-carbon green hydrogen production across Europe.

2022

Expressed interest in buying Manchester United and later entered the formal bidding process.

James Ratcliffe : FAQs

What is James Ratcliffe's current net worth?

James Ratcliffe's current net worth is $17.97 billion.

What is James Ratcliffe's current global rank among billionaires?

James Ratcliffe holds the 145th position globally among billionaires.

What is James Ratcliffe's current ranking within the United Kingdom?

James Ratcliffe holds the 3rd position in United Kingdom.

What was the change in James Ratcliffe's net worth compared to the previous year?

James Ratcliffe's net worth increased by 661.91 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 17.31 billion dollars.

What are James Ratcliffe's main sources of wealth?

James Ratcliffe's main source of income comes from Chemicals.

In which industry does James Ratcliffe primarily operate?

James Ratcliffe is primarily involved in the Manufacturing industry.

How old is James Ratcliffe?

James Ratcliffe is 73 years old.

Who is Sir James Arthur Ratcliffe and what is he known for?

Sir James Arthur Ratcliffe is a British billionaire, chemical engineer, and businessman, known as the Chairman and CEO of INEOS chemicals group, which he founded in 1998. With an estimated turnover of $65 billion in 2021, he is recognized for maintaining a low public profile while amassing significant wealth.

What are some of the key milestones in INEOS Group's development under Sir James Ratcliffe?

Major milestones of INEOS Group under Sir James Ratcliffe's leadership include acquiring several unwanted operations from companies like ICI and BP, buying BP's refining and petrochemical arm Innovene in 2006, moving the head office to Switzerland in 2010 for tax reduction, and announcing a £1bn investment in the UK's oil and chemical industries in 2019.

What were Sir James Ratcliffe's educational and early professional background?

Sir James Ratcliffe was born in Failsworth, Lancashire, and educated at Beverley Grammar School. He studied chemical engineering at Birmingham University, earned a BSc degree, and later obtained an MBA from the London Business School in 1980. He started his career at Esso and moved on to work for the US private equity group Advent International in 1989.

How is Sir James Ratcliffe involved in the sports industry?

Sir James Ratcliffe is deeply involved in sports, having completed the Marathon Des Sables and founded the 'Go Run for Fun' charity. His investments in sports include purchasing the Swiss Super League club Lausanne-Sport, acquiring Nice, a bid to buy Chelsea FC, showing interest in Manchester United, forming INEOS Team UK for the America's Cup, purchasing Team Sky, and becoming a principal partner of Mercedes AMG F1.

What criticisms and environmental challenges has INEOS faced under Sir James Ratcliffe?

INEOS has faced criticism for air and water pollution violations, particularly at its Middlesbrough plant in the UK. The company has also been met with high compliance costs with EU environmental regulations and challenges in bio ethanol production due to high levels of hydrogen cyanide.