Jim Ratcliffe, born in 1952, began his career in the chemical industry, a path that would eventually lead him to become one of the wealthiest people in the world. After graduating with a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Birmingham, he started his professional life at the chemical company ICI. It was here that he honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of the industry.

In 1980, Ratcliffe took a leap of faith and left ICI to start his own business, INEOS, with just a handful of employees. The company focused on manufacturing chemicals, initially producing plastic products. However, Ratcliffe’s vision was much bigger. He saw opportunities in the oil and gas industry and began to diversify INEOS’s operations. This strategic move would prove to be the catalyst for INEOS’s rapid growth and Ratcliffe’s rise to fame.

Jim Ratcliffe’s Current Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, Jim Ratcliffe’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 billion, according to Forbes. Ratcliffe, a British chemical engineer and businessman, has seen a significant increase in his wealth over the years, primarily due to his success in the petrochemical industry.

Jim Ratcliffe’s Career

Ratcliffe began his career in 1980 at a chemical company called ICI. In 1998, he co-founded a chemical distribution company called INEOS, which he later bought out and turned into a global chemical company. Today, INEOS is one of the world’s largest chemical businesses, with operations in 24 countries.

Other Ventures

In addition to INEOS, Ratcliffe has invested in various other ventures. He is the majority owner of the British cycling team INEOS Grenadiers and has also invested in sports teams like the French football club OGC Nice and the Swiss football club FC Lausanne-Sport. He also owns a private jet and a superyacht.

Assets

Ratcliffe’s assets include a significant stake in INEOS, which has a market value of over $40 billion. He also owns several properties around the world, including a mansion in London and a chalet in the Swiss Alps. His collection of supercars, including a Bugatti Veyron and a Pagani Huayra, is also noteworthy.

Annual Income

Ratcliffe’s annual income is estimated to be around $1.5 billion, making him one of the highest-paid executives in the world. His income primarily comes from his role as the chairman and chief executive officer of INEOS. He also receives income from his other investments and ventures.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Jim Ratcliffe

Frequently Asked Questions: Jim Ratcliffe Net Worth

1. What is Jim Ratcliffe’s net worth?

Jim Ratcliffe’s net worth is estimated to be around $29.6 billion.

2. How did Jim Ratcliffe make his fortune?

Jim Ratcliffe made his fortune by founding and leading the chemical company INEOS. He started the company in 1992 and has since grown it into one of the world’s largest chemical companies.

3. What is INEOS?

INEOS is a global chemical company that produces petrochemicals, speciality chemicals, and oil products. It is one of the world’s largest chemical companies by sales.

4. Where is Jim Ratcliffe based?

Jim Ratcliffe is based in Switzerland, where he has lived since 2013.

5. What is Jim Ratcliffe’s background?

Jim Ratcliffe was born in the UK and studied chemical engineering at the University of Birmingham. He worked for several chemical companies before founding INEOS in 1992.

6. Is Jim Ratcliffe a billionaire?

Yes, Jim Ratcliffe is a billionaire. He is one of the wealthiest people in the world.

7. What is Jim Ratcliffe’s involvement in sports?

Jim Ratcliffe is the majority owner of the Ineos Grenadiers cycling team and has been involved in the sport for several years. He also owns a football club, FC Lausanne-Sport, in Switzerland.

8. How does Jim Ratcliffe rank among the wealthiest people in the world?

As of 2023, Jim Ratcliffe is ranked as the 55th wealthiest person in the world by Forbes.

9. What is Jim Ratcliffe’s philanthropic work?

Jim Ratcliffe has been involved in various philanthropic activities, including supporting scientific research and education. He has also been a significant donor to the Conservative Party in the UK.

10. What is Jim Ratcliffe’s political affiliation?

Jim Ratcliffe is a supporter of the Conservative Party in the UK and has donated significant amounts of money to the party over the years.