Jim Ratcliffe Biography, Age, Education, Business and Net Worth
Sir James Arthur Ratcliffe is a British billionaire businessman and chemical engineer. He is the chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of the INEOS chemicals group and a co owner of Manchester United FC. Jim Ratcliffe was born on 18 October 1952 in Failsworth, England.
Educational Background
Jim Ratcliffe attended Beverley Grammar School. He proceeded to chemical engineering at Birmingham University, gaining a BSc. He obtained an MBA from London Business School in 1980.
Career and Business
Jim Ratcliffe, a renowned businessman, launched his career at Esso before delving into finance and earning an MBA from London Business School. Co-founding Inspec in 1989, which later transformed into INEOS, a prominent chemical company. Ratcliffe strategically acquired assets from industry giants like ICI and BP, with a focus on doubling earnings within five years. Notably, INEOS’s acquisition of BP’s Innovene in 2006 led to global operational expansion.
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In 2010, Ratcliffe shifted INEOS’s HQ to Switzerland, significantly reducing the company’s tax burden. However, he later moved the UK headquarters to London, displaying confidence in the UK’s business potential despite Brexit uncertainties. By 2018, he topped the Sunday Times Rich List with a staggering £21.05 billion net worth.
In 2019, Ratcliffe criticized UK fracking regulations and pledged a £1 billion investment in the country’s oil and chemical industries to drive modernization. Diversifying further, he ventured into automotive manufacturing with Ineos Automotive, aiming to create a Land Rover Defender successor.
Embracing sustainability, Ratcliffe announced a €2 billion investment in zero-carbon green hydrogen production across Europe in 2021. This eco-friendly initiative involves producing clean hydrogen through electrolysis, with projects slated for Norway, Germany, Belgium, France, and the UK.
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Despite INEOS’s environmental challenges, including potential closure of the Middlesbrough plant due to EU pollution regulations non-compliance, Ratcliffe’s journey showcases a mix of strategic acquisitions, business expansions, and a recent emphasis on sustainable energy solutions, notably green hydrogen production.
Sports
Jim Ratcliffe, a sports enthusiast, completed the Marathon Des Sables in 2013 and founded the charity “Go Run for Fun” to promote children’s fitness. He backed the successful INEOS 1:59 Challenge with Eliud Kipchoge in 2019. Ratcliffe’s charity efforts extend to the Jim Ratcliffe Foundation, which aided in constructing a ski clubhouse in Courchevel for underprivileged youth.
In the sports business realm, Ratcliffe acquired Lausanne-Sport in 2017 and Nice in 2019 through INEOS. In a bid to purchase Chelsea FC, his £4.25 billion offer was turned down post-Russian invasion of Ukraine sanctions. Ratcliffe later invested in Manchester United, acquiring a 25 percent stake in December 2023, leading INEOS Sport to oversee football operations.
Furthermore, Ratcliffe ventured into sailing with INEOS Team UK for the America’s Cup and purchased Team Sky, rebranding it as Team INEOS. INEOS also became principal partners of Mercedes AMG F1 in 2020.
Personal Life
Jim Ratcliffe has two sons with ex-wife Amanda Townson, a daughter from a prior relationship with Maria Alessia Maresca, an Italian tax lawyer. He is currently in a relationship with Catherine Polli.
Jim Ratcliffe Net Worth
Jim Ratcliffe Net worth is estimated to be $21 Billion. In 2017, Ratcliffe proposed constructing a luxury home at Thorns Beach in Hampshire, replacing a two-bedroom bungalow.
He shifted his tax residence to Monaco in September 2020, saving an estimated £4 billion. Ratcliffe owns properties in Switzerland, hotels in Courchevel and Hampshire, as well as two super yachts by Feadship.
