Richard Kinder

$12.91 B

Ranked #223 in World

About Richard Kinder

Energy magnate Richard Kinder, with a net worth showcased in Forbes, is renowned for co-founding Kinder Morgan Inc., now a leading energy enterprise in North America. A University of Missouri alumnus, Kinder's ascent began as an attorney before his pivotal role at Enron. His Kinder Foundation, famed for generous support to Houston's urban life, education, and greenspaces, donated over $506 million by 2022. The philanthropic footprint includes significant grants to Rice University, parks, and COVID-19 relief.

Born

October 19, 1944 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, US

Age

81 years

Source Of Wealth

Pipelines

Industries

Energy

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Houston, Texas

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, University of Missouri; Doctor of Jurisprudence, University of Missouri

Spouse

Nancy Kinder

Children

Richard Kinder was born on July 22, 1944, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. His early years were spent in a modest household, where he developed a strong work ethic and a passion for learning.

Richard Kinder: Family

Richard Kinder has been married twice. His first marriage resulted in one child. He is currently married to Nancy McNeil, who was previously Ken Lay's assistant before leaving Enron in 1996.

Richard Kinder: Career Highlights

Richard Kinder's career in the energy industry spans over five decades. He started as an attorney with Florida Gas Transmission, which later became Enron Corporation. He rose through the ranks and served as president and COO of Enron from 1990 to 1996. In 1996, he resigned from Enron to start a new pipeline company with his college friend William V. Morgan.

Kinder Morgan Inc., the company they founded, became the largest midstream energy company in North America after several strategic acquisitions, including El Paso Corporation.

Richard Kinder: Companies

Richard Kinder is the co-founder and executive chairman of Kinder Morgan Inc., an energy and pipeline corporation. He has also served on the boards of several other companies, including Baker Hughes, Transocean, and Waste Management.

Richard Kinder: Major Achievements

Richard Kinder's major achievements include co-founding Kinder Morgan Inc. and transforming it into the largest midstream energy company in North America. He has also played a significant role in the development of Houston's urban landscape through his philanthropic efforts.

Richard Kinder: Awards & Achievements

Richard Kinder has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to the energy industry and his philanthropic work. He was listed on Forbes Richest People in the US in 2014, with a net worth of $11 billion. He was also ranked No. 103 on the Forbes 400 list of the richest people in America in 2020.

Richard Kinder: Personal Life & Legacy

Richard Kinder is known for his conservative political views and has campaigned for various Republican candidates.

He is also an active philanthropist and has made significant contributions to various educational institutions and cultural organizations in Houston.

Richard Kinder: Trivia

Richard Kinder's wife, Nancy McNeil, was Ken Lay's assistant before leaving Enron in 1996. Lay was the former chairman and CEO of Enron, who was convicted of fraud and conspiracy in the Enron scandal.

Wealth History

Timeline

1944

Richard Kinder is born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

1966

Richard Kinder graduates with a BA from the University of Missouri.

1968

Richard Kinder graduates with a JD from the University of Missouri.

1990

Richard Kinder becomes president and COO of Enron.

1996

Richard Kinder resigns from Enron and starts a new pipeline company with William V. Morgan.

2008

Richard Kinder co-founds Discovery Green, a 12-acre downtown Houston park.

2010

Richard Kinder donates $15 million to Rice University to support and rename the Kinder Institute for Urban Research.

2010

Richard Kinder provides a catalyst grant of $30 million for improvements to Buffalo Bayou Park.

2013

Richard Kinder gives $50 million to the Houston Parks Board for the Bayou Greenways 2020 Project.

2015

Richard Kinder contributes $50 million to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, for campus redevelopment.

2015

Richard Kinder establishes the Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy at the University of Missouri with a $25 million grant.

2015

Richard Kinder donates $2 million to a Super PAC supporting Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush.

2016

Richard Kinder provides $750,000 for the Emancipation Park Conservancy's rededication of Emancipation Park.

2017

Richard Kinder contributes nearly $3 million to Hurricane Harvey disaster relief efforts.

2018

Richard Kinder contributes $2 million to PRH Preservation, Inc. for maintaining and enhancing buildings in Third Ward.

2018

Richard Kinder offers a grant of $70 million to Memorial Park Conservancy for the Memorial Park Master Plan.

2019

Richard Kinder grants an additional $10 million to support new degree opportunities at the Kinder Institute.

2019

Richard Kinder gives $1.5 million to the Law Harrington Senior Living Center for an affordable independent living center for LGBTQ-affirming seniors.

2020

Richard Kinder is ranked No. 103 on the Forbes 400 list of the richest people in America.

2022

Richard Kinder grants Rice University another $50 million to expand Kinder Institute's work.

2022

Richard Kinder gives an additional $25 million to the Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy, bringing the total philanthropy to $60 million.

Richard Kinder : FAQs

What is Richard Kinder's current net worth?

Richard Kinder's current net worth is $12.91 billion.

What is Richard Kinder's current global rank among billionaires?

Richard Kinder holds the 223rd position globally among billionaires.

What is Richard Kinder's current ranking within the United States?

Richard Kinder holds the 86th position in United States.

What was the change in Richard Kinder's net worth compared to the previous year?

Richard Kinder's net worth increased by 1.54 billion dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 11.37 billion dollars.

What are Richard Kinder's main sources of wealth?

Richard Kinder's main source of income comes from Pipelines.

In which industry does Richard Kinder primarily operate?

Richard Kinder is primarily involved in the Energy industry.

What is Richard Kinder educational background?

Richard Kinder holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from the University of Missouri and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Missouri.

How old is Richard Kinder?

Richard Kinder is 81 years old.

How many children does Richard Kinder have?

Richard Kinder has 1 children.

Who is Richard Kinder and what is his claim to fame?

Richard Kinder, born in 1944 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, is the co-founder and executive chairman of Kinder Morgan Inc., the largest midstream energy company in North America. He is recognized for his significant contributions to the energy sector and his philanthropic efforts alongside his wife Nancy through the Kinder Foundation.

How has Richard Kinder contributed to the quality of life in Houston?

Richard Kinder, through the Kinder Foundation, has dramatically improved the quality of life in Houston with numerous donations, including $15 million to Rice University's Kinder Institute, millions to the Houston Parks Board, the Bayou Greenways 2020 Project, the Museum of Fine Arts, Emancipation Park, and various health and disaster relief initiatives.

What parks and urban greenspaces has the Kinder Foundation supported in Houston?

The Kinder Foundation has played a vital role in enhancing Houston's urban greenspaces. It co-founded and funded Discovery Green, provided major grants for Buffalo Bayou Park's improvements, helped expand Buffalo Bayou East, and backed the Memorial Park Master Plan transformation.

What significant contributions has the Kinder Foundation made to educational institutions?

The Kinder Foundation has generously supported educational initiatives, particularly at the University of Missouri, where they established the Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy and continually expanded its impact through donations totaling $60 million.

What is known about Richard Kinder's political activities and donations?

Richard Kinder is known for his political contributions, having supported various Republican campaigns. Notably, he donated $2 million to a Super PAC backing Jeb Bush's presidential candidacy in 2015, demonstrating his engagement in the political arena.