Ron Burkle

$3.86 B

Ranked #1075 in World

About Ron Burkle

Ronald Wayne Burkle is an American businessman and co-founder of Yucaipa Companies, a private investment firm, with an estimated net worth of $2 billion in 2018. As a prominent Democratic Party activist and fundraiser, Burkle has made significant contributions to the political landscape. Born on November 12, 1952, in Pomona, California, Burkle's early life and education were marked by his father's management of a Stater Bros. grocery store and his involvement in the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 770 at a young age. Despite dropping out of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Burkle went on to found Yucaipa Companies in 1986, specializing in investments across various sectors. He is known for his close relationships with labor unions and his ability to collaborate with them to overcome business challenges. Burkle's involvement in professional sports includes his role as part-owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL) and his efforts to save the team from bankruptcy in 1999. In addition, he has recently invested in Major League Soccer (MLS) and the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), announcing a team in Sacramento for the latter but later acquiring a team in San Diego. As an investor in technology startups, Burkle has made notable investments in companies such as SeatGeek, SoundCloud, Uber, and Spotify. He has also ventured into the media industry, with investments in talent agencies and music festivals. Aside from his business activities, Burkle has engaged in philanthropic endeavors, supporting causes such as international understanding, worker's rights, underserved communities, arts and architecture, and scientific research. He has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions and serves on the boards of various organizations. On a personal note, Burkle has a passion for historic architecture, acquiring notable properties and owning a Mediterranean-styled mansion in San Diego, California. He has also been involved in strategic marketing and charitable initiatives with Novak Djokovic. Burkle's private life has seen some controversies, including legal disputes with individuals such as Raffaello Follieri and being linked to Jeffrey Epstein. However, his accomplishments and contributions to multiple industries have solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in finance and beyond.

Born

November 12, 1952 in Pomona, California, U.S.

Age

73 years

Source Of Wealth

Supermarkets, Investments

Industries

Finance & Investments

Citizenship

United States

Residence

London

Education

Diploma, High School

Spouse

Janet Steeper (Married: 1974-2006)

Children

Ronald Wayne Burkle was born on November 12, 1952, in Pomona, California. His father managed a Stater Bros. grocery store, and Burkle joined the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 770 at the age of 13. He graduated from high school at 16 and attended California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, but dropped out. At 21, he married Janet Steeper, a Stater Bros. clerk.

Ron Burkle: Family

Burkle has been married twice. His first marriage was to Janet Steeper, with whom he had two children, Andrew and Carrie. Andrew passed away in 2020. Burkle later married Hope Dworaczyk, and they have two children together, John and Elizabeth.

Ron Burkle: Career Highlights

Burkle founded Yucaipa Companies in 1986, specializing in investments in various sectors. He is known for maintaining close relationships with labor unions and working with them to solve business problems. Burkle has served as chairman and controlling shareholder of several companies, including Alliance Entertainment, Golden State Foods, Dominick's, Fred Meyer, Ralphs, and Food4Less. He is also a corporate board member of Occidental Petroleum Corporation, KB Home, and Yahoo!

Ron Burkle: Companies

Burkle has been involved with numerous companies throughout his career. He is the co-founder and chairman of Yucaipa Companies, a private investment firm. He has also served as chairman and controlling shareholder of several companies, including Alliance Entertainment, Golden State Foods, Dominick's, Fred Meyer, Ralphs, and Food4Less. Burkle is also a corporate board member of Occidental Petroleum Corporation, KB Home, and Yahoo!

Ron Burkle: Major Achievements

Burkle is known for his successful investments and business ventures. He helped save the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL) from bankruptcy in 1999 and played a role in constructing the PPG Paints Arena for the team. He also assisted in negotiating an end to the 2012-13 NHL lockout. In 2019, Burkle was announced as the lead investor of Sacramento Republic FC in Major League Soccer (MLS), but he later withdrew his interests due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also announced an expansion team in Sacramento for the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in 2021, but later acquired a team in San Diego instead, which began play as San Diego Wave FC in 2022.

Ron Burkle: Awards & Achievements

Burkle has received various honors and awards throughout his career, including the Los Angeles County, California Boy Scouts Jimmy Stewart "Good Turn" Award, the AIDS Project Los Angeles Commitment to Life Award, and the Los Angeles Urban League Whitney M. Young Award.

Ron Burkle: Personal Life & Legacy

Burkle is a fan of historic architecture and owns several notable properties, including the Ennis House, Greenacres, and former Bob Hope properties. He purchased Jesse Owens' Olympic gold medal and William Faulkner's Nobel Prize for Literature. Burkle owns a Mediterranean-styled mansion in San Diego, California. He worked with Novak Djokovic on strategic marketing and charitable initiatives. Burkle was named honorary consul of Serbia in the US and later became a Serbian citizen.

Ron Burkle: Trivia

Burkle has been involved in several controversies throughout his career. He accused a New York Post columnist of attempting to extort money in exchange for stopping negative stories about his private life. He settled a lawsuit against Raffaello Follieri, ex-boyfriend of Anne Hathaway, who agreed to repay a loan. Burkle's name was found in Jeffrey Epstein's black book and on his private jet log. He also took trips to Africa with Bill Clinton on Epstein's private jet.

Wealth History

Timeline

November 12, 1952

Ronald Wayne Burkle is born in Pomona, California.

1965

Burkle joins United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 770 at age 13.

1968

Burkle graduates from high school at age 16 and attends California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, but drops out.

1973

Burkle marries Janet Steeper, a Stater Bros. clerk, at age 21.

1986

Burkle founds Yucaipa Companies, specializing in investments in various sectors.

1992

Burkle refuses to close inner-city stores during the 1992 Los Angeles riots.

1999

Burkle becomes part-owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL), helping save the team from bankruptcy with former Penguin Mario Lemieux.

2000

Burkle serves as chairman and controlling shareholder of several companies, including Alliance Entertainment, Golden State Foods, Dominick's, Fred Meyer, Ralphs, and Food4Less.

2012-13

Burkle plays a role in negotiating an end to the 2012-13 NHL lockout.

2019

Burkle is announced as the lead investor of Sacramento Republic FC in Major League Soccer (MLS).

2020

Burkle's son, Andrew, passes away.

2021

Burkle withdraws his interests in Sacramento Republic FC due to the COVID-19 pandemic and announces an expansion team in Sacramento for the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), but later acquires a team in San Diego instead, which begins play as San Diego Wave FC in 2022.

Ron Burkle : FAQs

What is Ron Burkle's current net worth?

Ron Burkle's current net worth is $3.86 billion.

What is Ron Burkle's current global rank among billionaires?

Ron Burkle holds the 1075th position globally among billionaires.

What is Ron Burkle's current ranking within the United States?

Ron Burkle holds the 401st position in United States.

What was the change in Ron Burkle's net worth compared to the previous year?

Ron Burkle's net worth increased by 204.64 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 3.66 billion dollars.

What are Ron Burkle's main sources of wealth?

Ron Burkle's main source of income comes from Supermarkets, Investments.

In which industry does Ron Burkle primarily operate?

Ron Burkle is primarily involved in the Finance & Investments industry.

What is Ron Burkle educational background?

Ron Burkle holds a Diploma from High School.

How old is Ron Burkle?

Ron Burkle is 73 years old.

How many children does Ron Burkle have?

Ron Burkle has 3 children.

Who is Ronald Wayne Burkle?

Ronald Wayne Burkle is an American businessman and the co-founder of Yucaipa Companies, a private investment firm.

What are Ronald Wayne Burkle's involvement in NHL?

Ronald Wayne Burkle is a part-owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL). He helped save the team from bankruptcy in 1999 and played a role in constructing the PPG Paints Arena for the Penguins. He also assisted in negotiating an end to the 2012-13 NHL lockout.

What are Ronald Wayne Burkle's technology investments?

Ronald Wayne Burkle has invested in technology startups through A-Grade Investments and Inevitable Venture. Some of his investments include SeatGeek, SoundCloud, Uber, Warby Parker, Spotify, Foursquare, Airbnb, Picnic Health, 8i, Thrive Market, and Wiser Care.

What are Ronald Wayne Burkle's philanthropic activities?

Ronald Wayne Burkle has donated $15 million for the construction of the Walt Disney Concert Hall. He founded The Ronald W. Burkle Foundation to support various programs, and serves as the co-chairman of The Ronald W. Burkle Center for International Relations at UCLA. He is also involved with several organizations such as The Scripps Research Institute, The Carter Center, the National Urban League, and the AIDS Project Los Angeles, among others.