James Ratcliffe's Biography

James Ratcliffe, often known as Jim Ratcliffe, stands as one of Britain's most successful and influential industrialists. Born in Failsworth, Lancashire on October 18, 1952, Ratcliffe is the founder and chairman of Ineos Group, a global leader in chemical manufacturing. With a background in chemical engineering from the University of Birmingham and an MSc in finance from the London Business School, Ratcliffe leveraged his expertise to build Ineos from the ground up, starting with the strategic acquisition of BP's chemicals division in 1992. Under his leadership, Ineos has expanded rapidly through acquisitions and innovation, becoming one of the world's largest privately-owned chemical companies. Ratcliffe is equally known for his adventurous spirit, having participated in challenging expeditions and championing British sports through investments in football clubs and cycling teams. Despite controversies such as moving his tax residency to Monaco and environmental debates, Ratcliffe remains an influential figure in global business. His net worth has seen significant growth, most recently estimated at $19 billion in 2024, reflecting the resilience and expansion of his business empire. Knighted in 2018 for his services to business and investment, Ratcliffe's commitment to innovation and calculated risk-taking has made him a standout in the field of industrial entrepreneurship. His story underlines the importance of vision, persistence, and embracing challenges to achieve global success.