Riley Bechtel & family

$10.20 B

Ranked #309 in World

About Riley Bechtel & family

Riley P. Bechtel, the American billionaire and former chairman of the Bechtel Corporation, possesses an estimated wealth of $3 billion as of October 2021. A law and business graduate from Stanford University, Bechtel is the embodiment of corporate pedigree, being the great-grandson of the company's founder. His leadership tenure at Bechtel, including roles as CEO and president, has been marked by substantial contributions to global construction and engineering. Despite stepping down in 2014 due to health concerns, his influence extends through various prestigious board memberships and philanthropic engagements.

Born

March 25, 1952 in Alameda County, California, US

Age

74 years

Source Of Wealth

Engineering, Construction

Industries

Construction & Engineering

Citizenship

United States

Residence

San Francisco, California

Education

Doctor of Jurisprudence, Stanford University; Master of Business Administration, Stanford University; Bachelor of Arts/Science, University of Calif Davis

Spouse

Susan Bechtel

Children

3, including Brendan

Riley P. Bechtel, an American billionaire heir and businessman, was born into a prominent family with a rich history in the construction industry. He is the great-grandson of Warren A. Bechtel, the founder of Bechtel Corporation, a global leader in engineering, construction, and project management. Riley's parents are Elizabeth Hogan and Stephen Bechtel Jr., who served as the former chairman and CEO of Bechtel.

Riley received his early education at The Thacher School, a prestigious college preparatory school in California. He then went on to pursue higher education at the University of California, Davis, where he earned a bachelor's degree. Demonstrating his intellectual curiosity and drive for excellence, Riley continued his studies at Stanford University, where he obtained a joint Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in 1977.

Riley Bechtel & family: Family

Riley P. Bechtel comes from a close-knit and influential family. His father, Stephen Bechtel Jr., played a significant role in shaping the success of Bechtel Corporation, while his mother, Elizabeth Hogan, provided unwavering support and guidance. Riley's great-grandfather, Warren A. Bechtel, laid the foundation for the family's legacy in the construction industry.

Riley is married to Susan Bechtel, and together they reside in California. The couple shares a passion for philanthropy and actively supports various charitable organizations.

Riley Bechtel & family: Career Highlights

Riley P. Bechtel's career is marked by remarkable achievements and leadership positions. After completing his education, he joined Thelen, Marrin, Johnson & Bridges law firm, where he gained valuable legal experience. In 1981, he made the decision to join Bechtel full-time, embarking on a journey that would eventually lead him to the helm of the company.

Riley's rise within Bechtel was steady and impressive. He was elected president and chief operating officer (COO) in 1989, demonstrating his exceptional managerial skills and strategic vision. In June 1990, he assumed the role of CEO, taking on the responsibility of leading the company's global operations.

His leadership qualities were further recognized when he was appointed chairman in January 1996, overseeing the overall direction and growth of Bechtel Corporation.

Throughout his tenure, Riley served on various boards of directors, including J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., Fremont Group, Fremont Investors, and Sequoia Ventures. His expertise and influence extended beyond Bechtel, as he actively participated in prestigious organizations such as the Trilateral Commission, American Society of Corporate Executives, The Business Council, and National Petroleum Council.

Riley's commitment to education and philanthropy is evident through his involvement with the Conservation Fund, Ocean Exploration Trust, Indian School of Business, Stanford Graduate School of Business, Stanford Law School, and UC Davis. His contributions to these institutions reflect his dedication to fostering innovation, sustainability, and social progress.

In recognition of his outstanding achievements, Riley was appointed to the President's Export Council by President George W. Bush. He also received the prestigious Honor Award from the National Building Museum in 1998 for Bechtel's significant contributions to America's built environment. Riley's exceptional leadership and expertise were further acknowledged when he was elected Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2001. Additionally, he holds the distinction of being an Honorary Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers and an Honorary Lifetime Member of the American Society of Safety Engineers.

Riley Bechtel & family: Companies

Riley P. Bechtel's primary affiliation is with Bechtel Corporation, where he held various leadership positions throughout his career. Bechtel Corporation is a global leader in engineering, construction, and project management, with a rich history spanning over a century. Under Riley's guidance, the company continued to thrive and expand its operations worldwide.

In addition to his role at Bechtel, Riley served on the boards of directors for several notable companies, including J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., Fremont Group, Fremont Investors, and Sequoia Ventures. These positions demonstrate his diverse interests and expertise, extending beyond the construction industry.

Riley Bechtel & family: Major Achievements

Riley P.

Bechtel's major achievements are deeply intertwined with his successful career at Bechtel Corporation. As president and COO, and later as CEO and chairman, he played a pivotal role in shaping the company's growth and global expansion. Under his leadership, Bechtel undertook numerous大型项目, including the construction of the Channel Tunnel, the Hong Kong International Airport, and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

Riley's contributions to the construction industry were widely recognized, earning him prestigious awards and accolades. In 1998, he received the Honor Award from the National Building Museum for Bechtel's outstanding contributions to America's built environment. His election as Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2001 further solidified his status as a respected leader in the field.

Riley Bechtel & family: Awards & Achievements

Riley P. Bechtel's exceptional achievements have been celebrated through numerous awards and recognitions. In 1998, he received the prestigious Honor Award from the National Building Museum for Bechtel's significant contributions to America's built environment. This award acknowledges the company's remarkable projects and its positive impact on the nation's infrastructure.

Riley's election as Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2001 is another testament to his outstanding accomplishments. The American Academy of Arts and Sciences is a prestigious honorary society that recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. Riley's induction into this esteemed organization further solidifies his status as a respected leader in the construction industry.

In addition to these major awards, Riley also holds the distinction of being an Honorary Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers and an Honorary Lifetime Member of the American Society of Safety Engineers. These honors recognize his expertise and dedication to safety and engineering excellence.

Riley Bechtel & family: Personal Life & Legacy

Riley P. Bechtel leads a private personal life, residing in California with his wife, Susan.

He is known for his passion for golf and is a member of the prestigious Augusta National Golf Club and Bohemian Club in San Francisco. Riley's commitment to philanthropy is evident through his involvement with various charitable organizations, including the Conservation Fund and the Ocean Exploration Trust.

Riley P. Bechtel's legacy is one of leadership, innovation, and philanthropy. As a successful businessman and heir to the Bechtel fortune, he has made significant contributions to the construction industry and beyond. His dedication to excellence, commitment to sustainability, and passion for education have left a lasting impact on the world.

Riley Bechtel & family: Trivia

Riley P. Bechtel's estimated net worth, according to Forbes, was approximately US$3 billion as of October 2021. This places him among the top 200 richest people in the United States and the top 500 richest individuals globally.

Riley stepped down from his role as CEO of Bechtel Corporation in 2014 due to health reasons associated with Parkinson's disease. Despite this setback, he continues to be actively involved in various philanthropic and educational endeavors.

Wealth History

Timeline

Riley P. Bechtel is an American billionaire heir and businessman.

April 2017

Riley P. Bechtel stepped down as chairman of Bechtel Corporation.

July 2021

Riley P. Bechtel's estimated net worth was US$2.7 billion.

Riley P. Bechtel is the great-grandson of Warren A. Bechtel, founder of Bechtel Corporation.

Riley P. Bechtel is the son of Elizabeth Hogan and Stephen Bechtel Jr., former chairman and CEO of Bechtel.

Riley P. Bechtel attended The Thacher School and received a bachelor's degree from UC Davis.

1977

Riley P. Bechtel earned a JD/MBA from Stanford University.

1979

Riley P. Bechtel was admitted to the State Bar of California and joined the American Bar Association.

Riley P. Bechtel worked for Thelen, Marrin, Johnson & Bridges law firm.

1981

Riley P. Bechtel joined Bechtel full-time and was elected president and COO in 1989.

June 1990

Riley P. Bechtel became CEO of Bechtel.

January 1996

Riley P. Bechtel became chairman of Bechtel.

Riley P. Bechtel serves on various boards of directors, including J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., Fremont Group, Fremont Investors, and Sequoia Ventures.

Riley P. Bechtel is a former member of the Trilateral Commission, American Society of Corporate Executives, The Business Council, and National Petroleum Council.

Riley P. Bechtel is currently involved with the Conservation Fund, Ocean Exploration Trust, Indian School of Business, Stanford Graduate School of Business, Stanford Law School, and UC Davis.

Riley P. Bechtel was appointed to the President's Export Council by George W. Bush.

1998

Riley P. Bechtel received the Honor Award from the National Building Museum for Bechtel's contributions to America's built environment.

2001

Riley P. Bechtel was elected Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Riley P. Bechtel is an Honorary Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers and an Honorary Lifetime member of the American Society of Safety Engineers.

October 2021

Riley P. Bechtel's estimated net worth was US$3 billion, according to Forbes.

Riley P. Bechtel resides in California with his wife, Susan.

Riley P. Bechtel is a member of Augusta National Golf Club and Bohemian Club in San Francisco.

Riley P. Bechtel is consistently ranked among the top 200 richest people in the US and top 500 richest people in the world by Forbes.

2014

Riley P. Bechtel stepped down as CEO of Bechtel Corporation due to health reasons associated with Parkinson's disease.

Riley Bechtel & family : FAQs

What is Riley Bechtel's current net worth?

Riley Bechtel's current net worth is $10.20 billion.

What is Riley Bechtel's current global rank among billionaires?

Riley Bechtel holds the 309th position globally among billionaires.

What is Riley Bechtel's current ranking within the United States?

Riley Bechtel holds the 122nd position in United States.

What was the change in Riley Bechtel's net worth compared to the previous year?

Riley Bechtel's net worth decreased by 1.29 billion dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 11.49 billion dollars.

What are Riley Bechtel's main sources of wealth?

Riley Bechtel's main source of income comes from Engineering, Construction.

In which industry does Riley Bechtel primarily operate?

Riley Bechtel is primarily involved in the Construction & Engineering industry.

What is Riley Bechtel educational background?

Riley Bechtel holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Stanford University, a Master of Business Administration from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Arts/Science from the University of Calif Davis.

How old is Riley Bechtel?

Riley Bechtel is 74 years old.

How many children does Riley Bechtel have?

Riley Bechtel has 3 children.

How did Riley P. Bechtel progress in his career at Bechtel Corporation?

Riley P. Bechtel joined the Bechtel Corporation full-time in 1981, was elected president and COO in 1989, became CEO in June 1990, and chairman in January 1996. Throughout his career, he has also served on various boards and received numerous honors, including being elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2001.

What are some of Riley P. Bechtel's contributions outside of Bechtel Corporation?

Beyond his leadership at Bechtel Corporation, Riley P. Bechtel is known for his involvement with several organizations such as the Conservation Fund, Ocean Exploration Trust, and various educational institutions. He was appointed to President's Export Council by George W. Bush and has been recognized for contributions to America's built environment, among other contributions.

Can you tell us about Riley P. Bechtel's personal life and status among the wealthy?

Riley P. Bechtel resides in California with his wife, Susan, and is a member of exclusive clubs like Augusta National Golf Club and Bohemian Club in San Francisco. He consistently ranks among the top richest individuals in the US and worldwide. He stepped down as CEO of Bechtel Corporation in 2014 due to health reasons related to Parkinson's disease.