Richard Elman

$1.80 B

Ranked #1054 in World

About Richard Elman

British entrepreneur Richard Samuel Elman, notable for founding Noble Group Limited, was born on May 3, 1940, with his career starting in a scrap metal yard at 15. Elman’s entrepreneurial journey took him from the UK to Asia in the 1960s, including a significant tenure as Phibro's Regional Director for Asia. He established Noble Group in 1986 with a $100,000 personal investment, leading to its eventual listing on the Singapore Exchange in 1997. Despite stepping down as chairman in 2016 amidst scrutiny over financial practices, Elman has contributed to academia through the endowment of professorships in Jewish and Israeli Studies at prestigious institutions. This narrative reflects the evolution of a self-made businessman whose impact extends beyond corporate success.

Born

April 01, 1940 in Brighton, Sussex, United Kingdom

Age

85 years

Source Of Wealth

Commodities

Industries

Finance And Investments

Citizenship

United Kingdom

Residence

Hong Kong

Richard Samuel Elman, a prominent British businessman, was born on May 3, 1940, in London, England. His father was a barrister, and his mother was engaged in making women's clothing. Growing up in a supportive family environment, Elman developed a strong work ethic and a keen interest in business from an early age.

Richard Elman: Family

Elman comes from a close-knit family. He is married and has children. His family has been a source of inspiration and support throughout his life and career.

Richard Elman: Career Highlights

Elman's career is marked by several notable achievements. He started working at the age of 15 as a laborer in a scrap metal yard. This early experience instilled in him a strong sense of determination and resilience. In the 1960s, he ventured from the United Kingdom to the United States and eventually to Asia, where he found immense opportunities for growth and success.

Elman's expertise in the commodities industry led him to become the Regional Director of Asia operations for Phibro, a prominent international commodities trading company. He held this position for ten years, gaining valuable insights and experience in the global commodities market.

In the early 1970s, Elman founded his first company, Metal Ore Asia, in Hong Kong. Demonstrating his entrepreneurial acumen, he successfully sold this company to Phibro in 1972. This accomplishment further solidified his reputation as a skilled businessman.

Elman's most significant career milestone came in 1986 when he established the Noble Group with a mere $100,000 of his own money. Under his visionary leadership, Noble Group grew into a global commodities powerhouse, eventually being listed on the Singapore Exchange in 1997.

Richard Elman: Companies

Elman's entrepreneurial ventures include:

Metal Ore Asia (founded in the early 1970s, sold to Phibro in 1972)
Noble Group (founded in 1986, listed on the Singapore Exchange in 1997)

Richard Elman: Major Achievements

Elman's major achievements include:

Building Noble Group into a global commodities giant
Taking Noble Group public on the Singapore Exchange
Endowing the "Elman Family Visiting Professorship in Jewish and Israeli Studies" at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Richard Elman: Awards & Achievements

Elman's contributions to the business world have been widely recognized.

He has received numerous awards and accolades, including:

Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award (1997)
Businessman of the Year Award from the American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (2005)
Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (2006)

Richard Elman: Personal Life & Legacy

Elman is known for his philanthropic endeavors and commitment to education. He has made significant contributions to various charitable organizations and educational institutions. His legacy is one of entrepreneurship, innovation, and generosity.

Richard Elman: Trivia

Elman is an avid art collector and has a passion for Chinese antiques.
He is a strong advocate for Jewish and Israeli studies and has established visiting professorships at prestigious universities.
Despite his immense success, Elman remains grounded and is known for his humility and approachable demeanor.

Wealth History

Timeline

May 3, 1940

Richard Samuel Elman was born to a barrister father and a mother who made women's clothes.

1960s

Elman moved from the UK to the USA and then to Asia.

Early 1970s

Elman founded his first company, Metal Ore Asia, in Hong Kong and sold it to Phibro in 1972.

1986

Elman started the Noble Group with $100,000 of his own money.

1997

Noble Group was listed on the Singapore Exchange.

June 2016

Elman announced his resignation as chairman amid criticism of the company's accounting practices.

October 2015

Elman endowed the "Elman Family Visiting Professorship in Jewish and Israeli Studies" at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

Richard Elman : FAQs

What is Richard Elman's net worth?

As of 2015, Richard Elman's net worth was $1.80 billion.

What are Richard Elman's main sources of wealth?

Richard Elman's main source of income comes from Commodities.

In which industry does Richard Elman primarily operate?

Richard Elman is primarily involved in the Finance And Investments industry.

How old is Richard Elman?

Richard Elman is 85 years old.

How many children does Richard Elman have?

Richard Elman has 5 children.

Who is Richard Samuel Elman and what is he known for?

Richard Samuel Elman is a prominent British businessman, best known as the founder and Chairman of Noble Group Limited, an esteemed global supply chain manager of agricultural, industrial, and energy products.

What were the early beginnings of Richard Samuel Elman's career?

Richard Samuel Elman began his career at the age of 15, working as a laborer in a scrap metal yard. His career trajectory took him from the UK to the USA, and eventually to Asia in the 1960s, where he began to establish his reputation in the commodity trading industry.

How did Richard Samuel Elman contribute to the growth of the Noble Group?

Richard Samuel Elman founded Noble Group in 1986 with an initial investment of $100,000 from his own funds. Under his leadership, the company expanded globally and was listed on the Singapore Exchange in 1997, becoming a significant player in the supply chain management of various commodities.

What led to Richard Samuel Elman's resignation from Noble Group?

Richard Samuel Elman announced his resignation as chairman of Noble Group in June 2016 amid criticism over the company's accounting practices. His decision came during a tumultuous period for the company, which faced scrutiny from investors and the market.

How has Richard Samuel Elman contributed to academic and cultural initiatives?

Aside from his business achievements, Richard Samuel Elman has made significant contributions to academia and culture, notably endowing the "Elman Family Visiting Professorship in Jewish and Israeli Studies" at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in October 2015, highlighting his commitment to education and cultural exchange.