In this TNH/EK special edition of the 50 Wealthiest Greeks in America, we embark on a journey of celebration and inspiration. As co-editors and publishers, we are honored to shine a spotlight on individuals whose remarkable achievements not only exemplify the American Dream but also fill us with immense pride in our Greek heritage.

Each profile within these pages tells a story of perseverance, resilience, and triumph against all odds. From humble beginnings to soaring heights, these individuals have overcome obstacles, pursued their passions, and carved out their own paths to success. Their stories serve as a testament to the limitless possibilities that await those who dare to dream big and work hard.

But beyond their personal accomplishments, these individuals also embody the spirit of philanthropy and community service. They understand the importance of giving back and are committed to making a difference in the lives of others. Whether through charitable donations, volunteer work, or mentorship, they are dedicated to supporting worthy causes and lifting up those in need.

As we reflect on the remarkable journeys of these 50 individuals, we are reminded of the power of unity and solidarity within the Greek community. It is our shared values, traditions, and sense of kinship that bind us together and propel us forward. In times of adversity, we draw strength from our collective heritage and stand ready to support one another.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our readers and supporters for making this special issue possible. Your unwavering dedication and enthusiasm have fueled our efforts and inspired us to showcase the incredible achievements of our Greek-American community and have been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.

As we turn the pages of this insert, may we be inspired by the stories of resilience and determination, reawakening our faith in the American Dream and reinforcing our commitment to supporting one another. Let us continue to give generously to worthy organizations, especially those affiliated with the Greek community, knowing that together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

After all, this is our community, these are our people, and it is our collective responsibility to uplift and empower each other.

1. THE GORES (GEORGIOUS) BROTHERS

California

$11.7 BILLION (Forbes)

EQUITY INVESTMENT, SPORTS, TECHNOLOGY, LEVERAGED BUYOUTS, ENTERTAINMENT

Back at the very top of our list with a combined net worth of almost $12 billion (a massive jump since last year), the Gores brothers are a force to be reckoned with. Their amazing story – from their more than humble beginnings to their rise up the Forbes Billionaire list – gives us insight on exactly what it means to be an immigrant with lofty but achievable aspirations. The brothers, born to a Greek father and a Lebanese mother in Nazareth, Israel, moved to the United States in 1968, and were supported by family to settle in Michigan. Alec, Sam, and Tom, (formerly Elias, Samir, and Tewfiq, respectively) arrived in the United States and initially started stocking shelves and bagging groceries for 25 cents/hour at their small family grocery in Flint, MI. In an interview with Forbes in 2016, one of the brothers said, “my father was willing to give up literally everything he had [in Israel] and pack his bags and bring us here … He did it for the kids, to make sure we have a better future.” Their father, Charlie, emphasized hard work and an appreciation for the opportunities the United States presented. “The day we landed in America, my dad sat us down and he said, ‘this is your new country. You have to respect it. You have to embrace it. You’ve got to work hard, and you can do anything you want in this country.’”

Get to know the brothers better below:

Tom Gores: Grew up playing football, basketball, and baseball in high school and continues to coach youth soccer and basketball teams. He attended Michigan State University before founding Platinum Equity, an LA-based private equity firm that ranks among the largest private companies in the United States, with offices across California, New York, Boston, London, and Singapore, managing over 40 companies with approximately $36B in assets. His passion for sports led to his acquisition of the NBA’s Detroit Pistons in 2016, after buying out Platinum’s stake. Under his leadership, the team’s $90M new headquarters and training center opened in September 2019.

Tom’s philanthropic efforts extend well beyond his professional achievements. He launched FlintNow in 2016 to address the water crisis in Flint, MI, and has faced scrutiny over Platinum Equity’s acquisition of Securus, criticized for high telecommunications rates for incarcerated individuals. Despite controversies, Tom’s commitment to community service remains unwavering. In addition to partnering with the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program to provide toys to over 1800 families, he donated $500K to the V Foundation for pediatric cancer research in January 2023. In February 2023, he announced a $2.5 billion development project in Detroit’s New Center neighborhood to foster job creation and access to healthcare and housing.

In a significant gesture of community support, Tom Gores pledged $350,000 to SAY Detroit, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of Detroit’s neediest citizens, with a particular focus on young people.

Tom, his wife, Holly, and their three children (Catherina, Amanda, and Charles) split their time between Beverly Hills, CA, and Birmingham, MI. Their Beverly Hills home, valued at $100 million, features over 300,000 square feet of interior space, reflecting the family’s success and commitment to a life of both achievement and philanthropy.

Alec Gores: The first person in his family to finish college, Alec graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in computer science. He is now a father of six and is married to Kelly Noonan Gores. In 2022, the family sold their 31,000 square foot French chateau-inspired estate in Beverly Park for $70 million (cash) in an off-market sale. Today, Alec has a personal net worth of $2.5B but got his professional start in business at General Motors, where he quit to launch Executive Business Solutions, selling computers out of his basement. His father “gave [him] his last $8,000 and had [him] go buy a demo machine,” Alec told Forbes. “That’s what I needed to start the business.” In 1986 Alec eventually sold that company to Contel for approximately $2 million, and a year later he founded the Beverly Hills-based private equity firm The Gores Group. Alec has stated that he has donated more than $50 million in his lifetime (as of mid-2018), to recipients such as the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and to a variety of programs for children.

Sam Gores: Started out as an agent at the Gage Group before founding SGA Representation, eventually to become Gores/Fields. Through a series of mergers and calculated expansion into different fields of the entertainment business, Sam founded Paradigm Talent Agency, of which he remains chairman. The company represents thousands of creators in music, TV & Film, the theater, and literature, with some of the most well-known names in its music division alone currently including Billie Eilish, Shawn Mendes, Sia, Imagine Dragons, Kacey Musgraves, Mark Ronson, The Prodigy, Pusha T.  Over the last couple of years, Sam and Paradigm bought three talent firms: Napoli Management, 3 Kings Entertainment and Two Twelve Management & Marketing – expanding its reach to TV news anchors and onscreen culinary stars. Napoli and 3 Kings represent talent at channels like CNN, Fox News, ESPN and NFL Network, as well as local stations across the country. Two Twelve’s clients include Top Chef judge Tom Collicchio, and Food Network talent like Anne Burrell and Geoffrey Zakarian. A member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, and the Recording Academy, Sam Gores also serves as a Trustee at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and is on the board of Geffen Playhouse. Sam has donated to the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. He is also an active participant in Conservation International and Hand in Hand: Center for Jewish Arab Education in Israel which builds schools in Israel for both Jewish and Arab children

 

2. JIM DAVIS & FAMILY

Massachusetts

$6.0 BILLION (Forbes)

NEW BALANCE

Middlebury College (Biology/Chemistry); Married, 2 Children

Jim Davis’s journey from a Massachusetts-born son of Greek immigrants to a towering figure in the global footwear and athletic apparel industry is a testament to visionary entrepreneurship and unwavering dedication. Initially embarking on a path that seemed destined for the medical field, Davis’s career took a pivotal turn following the advice of a professor, leading him into sales. This shift in trajectory laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable legacy in business.

In his twenties, Davis made a bold move by purchasing the 66-year-old New Balance shoe company for $100K. It was a decision that propelled New Balance from a modest Boston firm with just six employees into an international powerhouse. Under his leadership, the company’s revenue soared to approximately $4.4B by 2022, supported by a global workforce of 8,000 and manufacturing facilities across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe. The pivotal moment came in 1976 with the launch of the New Balance 320 running shoe, tapping into the vibrant running culture of Boston and rapidly expanding its business across major U.S. markets.

Jim Davis and his wife, Anne, who joined the company in 1978, have maintained New Balance as a privately held entity, retaining 95% ownership within the family. Their commitment to the brand and its roots is evident in the creation of The TRACK at New Balance, a comprehensive athletic complex in the Boston Landing neighborhood, which broke ground in April 2019 and opened to the public in 2022. This venture, alongside the opening of a new 80,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Methuen in April 2022, underscores New Balance’s dedication to American manufacturing and craftsmanship.

In February 2023, New Balance took a significant step forward by partnering with NBA agent Rich Paul to launch Klutch Athletics, a new sportswear brand designed for young athletes. This move marked yet another milestone in New Balance’s continuous evolution and commitment to supporting the athletic community.

November 2023 brought further expansion to New Balance’s manufacturing footprint with the groundbreaking of New Balance Londonderry in New Hampshire. This $70 million investment into a 102,000-square-foot facility is set to begin production in 2025, adding more than 150 jobs and reflecting New Balance’s pride in American craftsmanship and its dedication to innovation, machinery, and lean manufacturing processes. This new facility is a testament to New Balance’s commitment to a demand-driven and responsive MADE in U.S.A. supply network.

Moreover, in November 2023, the Hingham School Committee announced the naming of a new wellness and fitness center at Hingham High School as The DOCK, in honor of Jim and Anne Davis’s significant contributions. The Davis family’s $150,000 commitment to The DOCK, aimed at inspiring community support through the Hingham Sports Partnership’s capital campaign, underscores their philanthropic spirit. Their generosity was matched by an additional $150,000 from HSP, doubling the impact of contributions up to $300,000. The building’s signage will feature “The DOCK” and include “Powered by New Balance” with the New Balance logo, celebrating the Davis family’s incredible support.

In recognition of their profound impact and success, in October 2023, Boston.com placed Jim Davis and his family at #6 on their list of the wealthiest Bostonians, with a valuation of $5.1 billion. This accolade is a fitting tribute to Davis’s enduring legacy, highlighting his and New Balance’s significant contributions to the industry, community, and the future leaders of sports management and administration. Through these efforts, Jim Davis has not only cemented New Balance’s position on the global stage but has also showcased a deep-rooted commitment to innovation, leadership, and the betterment of society.

Continuing the family legacy, Jim Davis’s daughter, Kassia, is following in her father’s footsteps, marking a new chapter in the Davis family’s storied history within the footwear and athletic apparel industry.

 

3. JOHN A. CATSIMATIDIS

New York

$4.3 BILLION (Forbes)

OIL, REAL ESTATE, SUPERMARKETS

New York University; Married, 2 Children

John A. Catsimatidis, embodying the essence of the American dream, has meticulously built an empire across various sectors, demonstrating his unwavering pursuit of success, innovation, and community engagement. With an estimated net worth of $4.3 billion as of 2024, Catsimatidis’ journey from the son of Greek immigrant parents to becoming one of the richest Greek-Americans stands as a testament to ambition, hard work, and a profound commitment to philanthropy. His ventures, ranging from supermarkets to real estate, oil, and media, reflect a dynamic entrepreneurial spirit and a visionary approach to business.

Adding to his list of achievements, Catsimatidis has expanded his real estate portfolio with the development of a new ten-story mixed-use building at 8th Ave. & W. 24th St. in New York City. This project, designed by SLCE Architects and developed by Catsimatidis’ Red Apple Group, will feature 64 rental apartments, commercial space, and a community facility, enriching the urban landscape and providing valuable residential and commercial offerings in a prime location opposite Mt. Sinai’s Peter Krueger Clinic.

Amidst these significant milestones, Catsimatidis has also been expanding his real estate footprint elsewhere. He announced intentions to raise prices for the remaining condominiums at The Residences at 400 Central in St. Petersburg, driven by strong sales and demand. This luxury tower, set to be the tallest residential building on Florida’s west coast, symbolizes upscale living and highlights St. Petersburg’s appeal, with its favorable weather, low hurricane risk, and tax benefits attracting buyers. Catsimatidis’ ambitions extend further, with plans to invest $1 billion in Florida’s real estate market over the next five years. This reflects his confidence in the state’s robust market and favorable living conditions.

In early 2023, Catsimatidis added another dimension to his multifaceted career by publishing ‘How Far Do You Want to Go?: Lessons from a Common-Sense Billionaire’ on February 28. This book encapsulates his business philosophy, personal anecdotes, and the foundational principles that have steered his path to prosperity.

In the fall of 2023, Catsimatidis made headlines with his bold offer to purchase CNN for $1, aiming to revitalize the network with a vision to enhance profitability and ensure bipartisan representation. This move underscored his commitment not only to business innovation but also to fostering balanced and fair media coverage.

Despite his immense wealth and business commitments, Catsimatidis remains deeply connected to his roots and dedicated to philanthropy. In December of 2023, he and his wife, Margo, partnered with the St. Petersburg Police Department in Florida to provide Christmas gifts for 70 children from 40 families, showcasing their dedication to community support and the spirit of giving.

January 2024 marked a significant milestone in the Catsimatidis legacy, with John Catsimatidis Sr. passing the torch to his son, John Catsimatidis Jr., entrusting him with the leadership of the $7 billion Red Apple Group at the age of 30. This significant transition heralds a new era for the company, ensuring the continuation of the family’s ethos of success, innovation, and community involvement.

In a personal revelation to the New York Post in 2018, Catsimatidis shared that he sleeps with a Walther PPK/S under his pillow—the same firearm carried by James Bond—while his wife, Margo, prefers a shotgun.

John A. Catsimatidis’ multifaceted life story – from his entrepreneurial success and philanthropic endeavors to his unique personal choices – continues to inspire and influence, leaving a lasting impact on the worlds of business, community service, and beyond. His journey serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of vision, hard work, and a commitment to the community, offering a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs and philanthropists alike.

 

4. GEORGE L. ARGYROS

California

$3.1 BILLION (Forbes)

REAL ESTATE, SPORTS

Chapman University (Business & Economics); Married, 2 Children

Making big moves in the past year and sliding into our top 5, is the Honorable George Leon Argyros.

A titan in realms spanning real estate, sports, and international diplomacy, his illustrious journey reflects an indomitable spirit deeply rooted in his Greek heritage. Argyros served as U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra and was an owner of the professional baseball team, the Seattle Mariners – which he sold in 1989. But Argyros, now 87, made his fortune by selling real estate.

Hailing from a lineage of Greek descent, Argyros emerged from humble beginnings in Detroit, MI, to carve a remarkable legacy in American business. His ascent began through the corridors of Southern California, where he worked as a paperboy and grocery clerk to fund his education. Embarking on his entrepreneurial odyssey in 1962, when he began selling land at busy intersections to gas stations.

Founding Arnel & Affiliates in 1968, Argyros laid the cornerstone for a real estate empire. In a testament to his foresight and acumen, he ventured further into the realm of private equity, establishing Westar Capital in 1987.

Argyros’ influence transcended business realms, with notable forays into the diplomatic arena. Appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to Spain by President George W. Bush in 2001, his tenure underscored a commitment to fostering international relations. Additionally, his service on the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FreddieMac) under President George H.W. Bush showcased his dedication to public service.

A luminary in philanthropic circles, Argyros’ benevolent endeavors have left an indelible mark on communities far and wide. Recognized for his altruism, he was bestowed with prestigious accolades such as the Horatio Alger Award of Distinguished Americans and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. In 1999, Chapman University’s School of Business and Economics was renamed in honor of Argyros, who had been the longest-serving chairman of the university’s board of trustees.

Notably, the Argyros family’s philanthropic footprint expanded significantly over the past couple of years. A transformative $7.5 million pledge to the Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach, CA epitomized their commitment to healthcare advancement. In a parallel gesture of compassion, a $25 million donation was directed towards the City of Hope, fortifying the institution’s mission to combat disease and champion medical innovation.

Argyros, a trustee emeritus of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, also serves as a Life Trustee for the California Institute of Technology, where he formerly served as Chairman of the Investment Committee. The Ambassador and Mrs. Argyros initiated the first national college scholarship program exclusively for veterans who had served honorably in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Military scholarships totaling 2,349 and valued at $11.74 million have been awarded to these veterans.

The Argyros family is also part of an estimated $17-million campus renovation for the Mariners Christian School in Costa Mesa. Their contribution went towards a new 900-seat auditorium (the Argyros Center for Worship and Performing Arts) and a redesigned gymnasium (Living Legacy Athletic Center). Additionally, in December of 2019, the Argyros family announced a surprise $5M donation to the South Coast Repertory, the Tony Award-winning theater in Costa Mesa. It is one of the largest single donations in the history of the theater, which was founded in 1964.The family was also honored by the city of Costa Mesa, CA in May of 2019 with a Lifetime Achievement Award for service to the community.

This past year, further exemplifying their dedication to education and societal enrichment, the Argyros family propelled the George L. Argyros School of Business and Economics into a distinguished institution, rechristened as the George L. Argyros College of Business and Economics. This monumental shift, facilitated by a $10 million gift, heralds a new era of academic excellence and innovation.

Moreover, Argyros’ philanthropic reach extended to the realm of Alzheimer’s advocacy, with a transformative $2 million donation alongside his family to Alzheimer’s Orange County (AlzOC). This landmark contribution signifies a profound commitment to supporting individuals and families grappling with memory loss and dementia.

As an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, Argyros remains steadfast in his devotion to faith and community. Together with his wife Julia, they epitomize a legacy of compassion, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the betterment of humanity.

 

5. JOHN PAUL DeJORIA

California

$3.0 BILLION (Forbes)

HAIR CARE PRODUCTS, SPIRITS

Married, 6 Children

John Paul DeJoria’s journey vividly encapsulates the American Dream, continuing to shape his legacy into 2024 with an estimated net worth of $3 billion. His transformation from an immigrant’s son, grappling with challenges such as foster care, into a renowned billionaire and philanthropist, showcases his extraordinary resilience, entrepreneurial flair, and deep-seated dedication to making a difference.

After serving in the U.S. Navy, DeJoria ventured into various roles, each offering valuable lessons that would later underpin his business achievements. His entrepreneurial breakthrough emerged with the founding of John Paul Mitchell Systems in 1980, with Paul Mitchell. This initial investment quickly grew into a billion-dollar global empire. DeJoria’s foray into the spirits industry with the launch of Patron Tequila further solidified his position as an influential business leader.

DeJoria’s recent focus on environmental conservation led to a $1 million investment in the creation of artificial coral reefs, a collaboration with Dr. Deborah Brosnan and the Ocean Shot Project, aimed at addressing the sharp decline of coral ecosystems vital for marine diversity and coastal defense.

Collaborating with former executives from Patrón, DeJoria initiated Round 2 Spirits, a venture set on distilling spirits that boast unparalleled quality and distinctiveness. This initiative reflects his continuous drive to break new ground in the spirits industry and his flair for spotting and nurturing promising business prospects.

In 2014, DeJoria, together with British entrepreneur Jonathan Kendrick, founded ROK Mobile, integrating music streaming with contract-free mobile services, offering unlimited communication solutions. This venture expanded into a range of smartphones integrated with essential services, setting new standards in mobile technology. Building on this, ROKiT was launched, creating the first WiFi City in Austin, Texas, offering free internet and streaming services to Community First! Village, targeting chronic homelessness with innovative technology and community support. The worldwide expansion of ROKiT’s services highlights DeJoria’s commitment to leveraging technology for the greater good.

Philanthropy remains a key pillar of DeJoria’s ethos. His support for over 160 charities, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the American Cancer Society, demonstrates his belief in the transformative power of sharing success. His work with Mobile Loaves and Fishes has significantly addressed homelessness in Austin, Texas, by providing not just housing but also employment opportunities and skills development, with ambitions for further expansion.

John Paul DeJoria’s story, from overcoming personal adversity to achieving significant success in business and philanthropy, remains inspiring. His dedication to innovation, community service, and philanthropy stands as a beacon for entrepreneurs and philanthropists globally, affirming that success without contribution is not truly success at all.

 

6. DEAN METROPOULOS

Florida

$2.9 BILLION (Forbes)

PRIVATE EQUITY, ACQUISITIONS

BS/MBA Babson College; Married, 2 Children

Dean Metropoulos stands as a prominent figure within the Greek-American community, consistently ranking in the top 10 for his contributions year after year. As the Chairman and CEO of Metropoulos & Co., he spearheads the boutique firm’s private equity investments, focusing on acquiring and enhancing businesses across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe. Alongside his sons, Evan and Daren, Metropoulos has dedicated over three and a half decades to transforming and elevating a wide array of companies, many of which have either gone public or been sold to major corporations.

Originally from Greece, Metropoulos and his family relocated to Massachusetts when he was ten. He later earned his BS and MBA from Babson College. His career saw a rapid ascent when he joined GTE, becoming the youngest CFO in the company’s history for its operations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa by the age of 25, and later, at 29, the youngest Senior Vice President overseeing international ventures. This period marked his extensive travel across continents, laying the groundwork for his global business perspective.

At 32, Metropoulos ventured into private equity, predicting its potential to revolutionize global investments and entrepreneurship. Together with Evan and Daren, they have revitalized more iconic brands than any other entity, earning a reputation for exceptional performance and integrity. Their portfolio includes celebrated names like Ghirardelli Chocolate, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Mumm and Perrier Jouet Champagnes, Chef Boyardee, and Bumble Bee, among others. Noteworthy is their acquisition of Hostess Brands from Chapter VII bankruptcy, turning its value from $410 million to an enterprise value of $4.2 billion today, and taking it public through a SPAC in 2016.

Metropoulos & Co.’s investment prowess is evident in its involvement in over 78 acquisitions and 5 SPACs, commanding over $58 billion in capital and securing remarkable returns. The Metropoulos family is deeply rooted in their Greek heritage, supporting numerous Hellenic and Greek Orthodox organizations. Marianne Metropoulos, C. Dean’s wife, produced ‘Cliffs of Freedom’, a film celebrating Greece’s struggle for independence, featuring stars like Christopher Plummer and Patti LuPone.

Their philanthropy extends globally, including participation in the Gates and Buffett Giving Pledge and supporting Prince’s Trust International, the Epigenetics Cancer Center, and Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Camps, among other causes. The family’s contributions have been recognized internationally, with the International Foundation for Greece and the Hellenic Post honoring Metropoulos for his impact.

In September 2023, an announcement revealed that Smuckers intended to acquire Hostess Brands in a deal valued at $5.6 billion, further illustrating Metropoulos & Co.’s significant influence in the business world.

 

7. TED LEONSIS

Maryland

$2.8 BILLION (Forbes)

INTERNET, VENTURE CAPITAL, PROFESSIONAL SPORTS

Georgetown University (American Studies); Married, 2 children

Ted Leonsis, whose grandparents migrated from Greece, was raised in a modest Brooklyn, NY home, the son of a waiter and a secretary. His transformative journey began after moving to his mother’s hometown of Lowell, MA, where he took up lawn mowing to earn money. Despite a guidance counselor’s early prediction that his future might be confined to grocery store management, Leonsis shattered these expectations by becoming the first in his family to graduate from college, thanks to financial support from Jim Shannon, a businessman for whom he had previously mowed lawns. After completing his education at Georgetown University in 1977, Leonsis embarked on an extraordinary business career.

In 1980, Leonsis founded his own company, which he sold a year later for $60 million, marking his entry as a pioneer in the Internet and new media realms. He played a crucial role in the launch of groundbreaking technologies like the Apple MacIntosh and the IBM PC and was instrumental in the growth of several companies. His leadership transformed Wang WP into a billion-dollar company and played a key role in AOL’s rise as a global leader in interactive services.

Leonsis is widely recognized for his significant role in the sports industry of Washington, DC. As the founder, chairman, principal owner, and CEO of Monumental Sports and Entertainment, he oversees the Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, Washington Mystics, and the Capital One Arena. His innovative approach has not only enhanced the stature of these teams but also led to the introduction of pioneering concepts, such as the first full-service sports betting operation within an American professional sports stadium. Leonsis also expanded his DC empire by renaming the NBC Sports Washington, which he bought last year, to Monumental Sports Network.

Beyond his business ventures, Leonsis has made notable contributions to the film industry and literature, sharing insights on success and happiness. His philanthropic efforts support numerous charitable causes annually, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the community. Most recently, in October of 2023, Leonsis donated $5 to Georgetown University’s Bark Tank pitch competition, ensuring that the program will run in perpetuity.

Also in 2023, Leonsis graced the Forbes magazine cover, celebrated for creating one of the world’s most valuable sports empires. His ambitions might further extend to the Major League Baseball realm with a potential acquisition of the Washington Nationals.

Additionally, in spring 2023, Leonsis stood among a distinguished group of commencement speakers at American University’s graduation, alongside notable figures such as Alice Albright, CEO of the Millennium Challenge Corporation; Adena T. Friedman, Chair and CEO of Nasdaq, Inc.; the Honorable Larry Hogan, 62nd Governor of the State of Maryland; the Honorable Ketanji Brown Jackson, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States; and Julie Kent, Artistic Director of the Washington Ballet. In December 2023, Leonsis made headlines with his plans to relocate the NBA’s Washington Wizards and the NHL’s Washington Capitals to Northern Virginia from downtown Washington, D.C.

Ted Leonsis was honored by The Hellenic Initiative at their annual gala in New York in 2023, recognizing his contributions and impact within the global Hellenic community.

 

8. PETER J. BARRIS

Virginia

$2.7 BILLION (GuruFocus)

VENTURE CAPITAL

Northwestern University (Electrical Engineering); Married, 2 children

Peter J. Barris, a luminary in the realm of business and venture capitalism, has charted an extraordinary path to success, deftly navigating the intersection of innovation and investment. At 72, his legacy stands as a testament to perseverance, ingenuity, and a steadfast commitment to excellence.

Rooted in the vibrant city of Chicago, IL, Barris’ journey began under the guidance of his father, James, an esteemed engineer, and with the indelible influence of his Greek heritage. While familial expectations nudged him towards the engineering field, Barris harbored aspirations of pursuing law, drawn to the intricacies of patent law. Enrolling at Northwestern University, renowned for its esteemed law and engineering programs, Barris embarked on a transformative academic odyssey.

Though his initial foray into patent law revealed a mismatch with his true passion, Barris remained undeterred, channeling his intellect and drive into the realms of electrical engineering. Further enriching his academic repertoire, he obtained his MBA from Dartmouth College, laying the groundwork for a dynamic career trajectory ahead.

Barris’ professional journey started at General Electric Company, where he spent nearly a decade.

In 1992, Barris embarked on a transformative chapter by joining New Enterprise Associates, Inc. (NEA), where his visionary leadership propelled the firm to unprecedented heights. Spearheading investments in over 25 companies that have achieved remarkable public offerings or successful acquisitions, Barris solidified his reputation as a preeminent figure in the technology investment sphere.

Under Barris’ stewardship, NEA catalyzed the growth of industry-transforming enterprises such as CareerBuilder, TiVo, Diapers.com, Groupon, and Salesforce.com, reshaping the technological landscape with each strategic investment. Notably, his instrumental role in the early-stage funding of Groupon underscored his uncanny foresight, yielding one of the most lucrative venture returns in history.

Beyond his unparalleled success in venture capital, Barris’ influence reverberates across esteemed boardrooms and institutions. A fixture on the boards of public entities like Groupon and Sprout Social, he also lends his expertise to private enterprises, guiding them towards prosperity and innovation.

Acknowledged for his indelible contributions, Barris has earned accolades on prestigious platforms such as the Forbes Midas List, Crain’s Chicago 50 Top Tech Stars, and the Washington Business Hall of Fame. Moreover, his unwavering commitment to philanthropy and community service underscores a profound dedication to societal advancement.

A proud member of Leadership 100 and an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Barris finds solace in his Greek heritage and cherishes moments spent with his family. Barris lives in McLean, VA with his wife, Adrienne, and his interests include traveling, skiing, “any and all Greek food,” boating, and spending time with his family.

 

9. GEORGE M. MARCUS

California

$2.6 BILLION (TNHE)

REAL ESTATE

San Francisco State University (Economics); Married, 4 Children

George Mathew Moutsanas, born in 1941 on the Greek island of Evia during World War II, found a new beginning in the United States at the age of four, later becoming widely known as George Marcus. His family settled in San Francisco’s Potrero Hill, a nurturing environment where George met his future wife, Judy, through her brother, a friend from elementary school. The seeds of their lifelong relationship were sown following George’s military service, blossoming into a family of four children.

Marcus’ academic journey was marked by remarkable achievements, including completing his undergraduate studies in Economics at San Francisco State University (SFSU) in record time. His commitment to education extended beyond his own learning, as evidenced by his and Judy’s significant contributions to SFSU, including a $3 million gift to establish the International Center for the Arts and furthering the Greek Studies program. George Marcus’ educational pursuits also led him to advanced programs at Harvard Business School and Georgetown University, broadening his leadership perspective.

In 1971, George launched Marcus & Millichap Company, propelling it to the forefront of the real estate industry. Under his leadership, the company, along with its publicly traded entities, Essex Property Trust and Marcus & Millichap, Inc., thrived on a culture of integrity, innovation, and dedication. This professional success is a testament to George’s business acumen and his commitment to fostering a positive workplace environment.

Beyond his business endeavors, Marcus’ deep connection to his Greek heritage and community has been a constant theme in his life. His philanthropic efforts, particularly in support of Greek-American causes and Greek Orthodox institutions, highlight his commitment to cultural preservation and community service. This dedication extends to the broader community through generous donations to various non-Greek organizations, showcasing a wide-ranging philanthropic spirit.

George’s passion for celebrating Greek culture is further exemplified in his culinary ventures, with the opening of restaurants like Evvia Estiatorio and Kokkari Estiatorio. These establishments have become staples in their community, serving as vibrant hubs for cultural exchange and gastronomic delight.

The last year has been particularly noteworthy for George Marcus, marked by continued political engagement in support of Democratic and liberal causes and the receipt of significant accolades. Among these was a Lifetime Achievement Award from Connect Commercial Real Estate in 2023, acknowledging his transformative impact on the commercial real estate sector and his broad philanthropic contributions. Marcus was also awarded the 2023 Nicholas J. Bouras Award which is presented annually to an individual who demonstrated extraordinary and incomparable stewardship to the Order of Saint Andrew. Additionally, George and Judy’s unwavering commitment to philanthropy was highlighted by a generous $2 million donation to the Humane Society Silicon Valley. This contribution, supporting the organization’s strategic goals, underscores the Marcus family’s dedication to impactful giving and their ongoing commitment to improving the welfare of pets and their families.

Together, these facets of George Marcus’ life weave a narrative of success, community service, and cultural celebration, reflecting a legacy of meaningful impact and enduring contributions to both his heritage and the broader community.

 

10. PETER G. ANGELOS

Maryland

$2.2 BILLION (TNHE)

LAW, MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

University of Baltimore; Married, 2 children

Born on Independence Day, Peter G. Angelos is an American trial lawyer – although most people know him as the former owner, chairman, and CEO of the MLB team, the Baltimore Orioles.

Angelos was born in Pittsburgh, PA on July 4, 1929, to immigrants from the island of Karpathos. He moved to Baltimore at age 11 when his family settled in the Highlandtown section of the city. His father owned a tavern in East Baltimore where Peter worked during his adolescence. Peter learned very quickly how hard life could be – especially in Baltimore. Baltimore wasn’t a gentle environment to say the least; in order to protect himself, Peter learned how to box at the Baltimore Athletic Association.

After graduating from high school, Angelos attended the University of Baltimore where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He then decided to attend the university’s law school at night, where he eventually was named his class’ valedictorian. Angelos then went on to a lucrative career in trial law, specializing in cases involving harmful products, professional malpractice, and personal injury. Following graduation, Angelos began working as a criminal defense lawyer. He founded his own practice in 1961, and in the 1980s, he shifted his focus from criminal law to civil class action suits. His law firm and wealth expanded exponentially in 1982 when he (successfully) represented 8,700 plaintiffs – the largest number of plaintiffs ever – in an asbestos litigation and won. He reportedly made over $300 million on this one case alone. Angelos was also enormously successful in suing Wyeth, the makers of the diet pill fen-phen, and representing the state of Maryland as lead attorney in a lawsuit against tobacco company Philip Morris. The agreement had stipulated that he would receive 25% of the recovery, but when it came to $4.5 billion, Maryland refused to pay; Angelos’ team settled for $150 million.

Angelos bought the Orioles in August 1993, leading a group of investors including prominent Marylanders like novelist Tom Clancy, in purchasing the team for $173 million, a record price at the time. The Orioles enjoyed some success early under Angelos’ ownership, making the postseason as a wild card team in 1996 and winning the American League East Division title in 1997. They also enjoyed some success in the mid-2010’s but have had a long period of re-building.

In late January 2024, a new chapter for the Orioles began as John Angelos, Peter’s son, brokered an agreement to sell the team, which the Angelos family has owned since 1993. Additionally, in February 2024, a significant transition occurred with the sale of Peter Angelos’ Baltimore-based law firm to three longtime senior attorneys—Jay D. Miller, James S. Zavakos, and William G. Minkin. This move was approved by Judge Keith R. Truffer of the Baltimore County Circuit Court.

A lifelong Democrat, Angelos has thrown his hat into the political arena as well. He won election to the Baltimore City Council and served on the Council from 1959 to 1963. He also ran for mayor as an independent in 1964, but lost.

Angelos has served as a member of the board for a number of colleges, hospitals, and civic organizations and has been widely honored for his commitment to higher education and civic causes. He has received honorary doctorate degrees from Mount Saint Mary’s College, Loyola College in Maryland and the University of Baltimore.

Angelos has been active in charitable programs in the city and state. He enjoys horse racing and owns thoroughbred horses. He has given $10 million to his alma mater, the University of Baltimore; in return, the new law school building bears the name of his parents: The John and Frances Angelos Law Center, which opened in April 2013. That same year, he donated $2.5 million to the MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center in Baltimore to open a lung disease center.

11. JAMIE DIMON

New York

$2.1 BILLION (Forbes)

FINANCE

Tufts University (Psychology & Economics); Married, 3 children

Jamie Dimon, the chairman and CEO of JP Morgan Chase, experienced a $400 million increase in his net worth this year, yet falls out of our top 10 list. Despite this, his substantial wealth doesn’t fully capture the breadth of his influence and significance as the leader of America’s largest bank by assets and the world’s top bank in investment banking revenue.

Raised in New York City alongside his older brother Peter and fraternal twin Ted, Dimon’s original family name was Papademetriou, changed by his immigrant grandfather from Smyrna to sound French. His grandfather began his career as a busboy before landing a job at the Atlantic Bank of New York, climbing the ranks to vice president, and later becoming a broker at Shearson, Hammill & Co. This legacy of financial acumen was passed down to Dimon’s father, Theodore, who initially dreamed of becoming a violinist but ultimately entered the finance sector, collaborating with his father for 19 years – a tradition that Jamie continued during his summer breaks.

In interviews, Dimon has credited his grandfather with instilling in him a passion for reading and a strong ethical foundation, emphasizing morality and the importance of defending those who are bullied. His parents’ death within hours of each other in 2016 was a profound test of this tightly knit family’s resilience.

Dimon’s educational path led him from the prestigious Browning School to Tufts University, where he majored in psychology and economics, and on to Harvard Business School for his MBA. It was there that he met Judith Kent, who would become his wife and the mother of their three daughters. After graduating, Dimon chose to work with Sanford Weill at American Express over offers from Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley. Together, they embarked on a series of mergers and acquisitions, culminating in the creation of Citigroup, then the largest financial conglomerate globally. Although Weill was the dealmaker, Dimon was the analytical mind ensuring the numbers aligned. However, an internal conflict with Weill led to Dimon’s departure from Citigroup in November 1998.

In 2024, Dimon notably attempted to rally support for Nikki Haley in her bid for the GOP nomination for President of the United States.

 

12. GEORGE YANCOPOULOS

New York

$2.0 BILLION (Forbes)

PHARMACEUTICALS

Columbia University; 4 children

Like Jamie Dimon, George Yancopoulos also raised his net worth by an astounding $400M this year – continuing to expand the value and relevance of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. At 64, his unwavering dedication to advancing healthcare has garnered widespread acclaim, propelling Regeneron Pharmaceuticals to unprecedented success.

Born and raised in New York, Yancopoulos hails from Kastoria. His grandfather, George Danis Yancopoulos, was born in Kastoria before it was liberated from the Turks. “He escaped to Austria…taught himself German somehow, and remarkably got a degree in electrical engineering,” Yancopoulos says about his grandfather. His grandfather eventually returned to Greece and with his business partners built many of the first electrical power plants there.

Dr. Yancopoulos’ father eventually emigrated to America and pushed his children to get high paying jobs. As Yancopoulos became more interested in the sciences, his father started getting worried that he would become a scientist – a career he feared would not afford his son a good salary. However, when Yancopoulos was 16 years-old, his father gave him an article from The National Herald (he didn’t read the American papers, just the Greek one, Yancopoulos once told us) which was about a certain Dr. P. Roy Vagelos who was leaving Washington University to join Merck as head of Research and Development. Yancopoulos remembers his father saying: “If you are going to become a scientist, at least become like Roy Vagelos,” and added “we Greeks did not have many heroes growing up, but he gave me Roy as my role model.”

Driven by an insatiable curiosity for the sciences, Yancopoulos embarked on a transformative academic odyssey, earning MD and PhD degrees from Columbia University. His scholarly pursuits yielded profound insights, as evidenced by his authorship of over 350 scientific manuscripts and his distinction as the eleventh-most cited scientist in the world during the 1990s.

In 1989, Yancopoulos went to Tarrytown, New York where he started working at Regeneron as its Founding Scientist. He ignited a trajectory of groundbreaking discoveries and transformative therapies and was Instrumental in steering the company’s exponential growth. He now serves as its Board co-chair, President, and Chief Scientific Officer, guiding Regeneron to the forefront of medical innovation.

Yancopoulos’ contributions amidst the COVID-19 pandemic stand as a testament to his unwavering commitment to public health. Spearheading efforts to develop an effective treatment for the novel coronavirus strain, he orchestrated Regeneron’s groundbreaking antibody cocktail, offering a beacon of hope amidst unprecedented adversity.

A trailblazer in drug discovery, Yancopoulos’ hands-on approach has yielded groundbreaking medications such as Eylea® and Dupixent®, revolutionizing treatment paradigms for millions worldwide. His creative intuition, coupled with scientific rigor, has positioned Regeneron as a formidable force in the pharmaceutical landscape.

Most recently, Yancopoulos is pioneering a transformative approach to obesity treatment. Recognizing the limitations of current therapies, he aims to enhance patient outcomes by combining semaglutide with novel agents like trevogrumab or garetosmab. This innovative strategy addresses the issue of muscle loss often seen with existing medications, offering a more holistic and effective solution. Yancopoulos’ commitment to patient-centric care and scientific innovation continues to drive Regeneron towards redefining the standard of obesity treatment, promising hope for millions worldwide.

Despite his meteoric success, Yancopoulos remains grounded, epitomizing humility and authenticity in the face of acclaim and fortune. His steadfast commitment to family and community underscores a profound ethos of service and altruism, transcending the confines of corporate success.

Yancopoulos works at his science like a scientist, not like a man interested in the money it brings. Nevertheless, he was the first pharmaceutical research chief to become a billionaire. But the money hasn’t gone to his head: he does his kids’ laundry and dresses in the worn Oxfords and khakis of an academic scientist, Forbes wrote. In an interview with Westchester Magazine, Yancopoulos’ daughter Nia described her dad: “He has always just been our weird, silly, always-there-for-us dad.” Yancopoulos is uncomfortable discussing his wealth but hopes that the very thought of it, generated by lifesaving drugs, might serve “as an inspiration to kids who (might) otherwise become hedge fund managers.”

Honored with prestigious accolades such as the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Award for Excellence and induction into the National Academy of Sciences, Yancopoulos’ legacy reverberates far beyond boardrooms and laboratories. He serves as a beacon of inspiration, inspiring future generations to embrace the pursuit of knowledge and innovation.

As George Yancopoulos continues to push the boundaries of medical science, his legacy serves as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, intellect, and unwavering dedication to the betterment of humanity.

 

13. JOHN P. CALAMOS, SR.

Illinois

$1.5 BILLION (TNHE)

GLOBAL ASSET MANAGEMENT

Illinois Institute of Technology (Economics); Married, 2 children

John P. Calamos, Sr. is the Chairman and Global Chief Investment Officer of Calamos Investments, the firm he founded in 1977. Headquartered in the Chicago metropolitan area, the firm also has offices in New York, San Francisco, Milwaukee and the Miami area.

The son of Greek immigrants, Calamos grew up above his family’s grocery store on Chicago’s west side and attended Chicago public schools. He developed his passion for the stock market as a teenager and began his investment career when his parents entrusted him with the family’s $5,000 nest egg. With this responsibility, Calamos got a taste for the markets but ended up attending the Illinois Institute of Technology on an ROTC scholarship to pursue another passion – architecture. Finding that he had “very little design talent,” Calamos shifted his focus to economics, finance, and philosophy. Interestingly, Calamos has said that economics is more about philosophy than it is about math: “In college I learned that economics is not a math problem. It is economic philosophy: how are we organized as a society? Reading many philosophers from Plato to Socrates and many others, I felt it taught me a great deal about life and gave me a perspective of history going back thousands of years.”

After graduating from college (the first in his family to achieve this great feat), Calamos spent 17 years in service with the United States Air Force – five of which were in active duty flying the B-52 bomber and during the Vietnam War as a Forward Air Controller. His squadron was the first to fly the Cessna O-2, an aircraft in which he recorded over 400 missions in combat. He later spent about a decade in the USAF Reserves flying the A-37 jet fighter and earned the rank of Major.

Throughout his Air Force years, Calamos continued to study books on finance and investing strategies. In 1977, he flexed his confidence and started his own company, taking out a $60,000 second mortgage on his house to help bankroll the endeavor. Calamos ended up taking the company public in 2004 under the NASDAQ ticker CLMS.

In 2016, Calamos stepped down as CEO (and was replaced by another fellow Greek and Chicagoean – John Koudounis) and now serves as the Chairman and Global CIO of the company. Today, the company serves clients worldwide, including major corporations, pension funds, endowments, foundations and individuals. The firm also provides wealth management services to high net worth individuals and families.

A recognized expert in risk-managed investing, Calamos has written two books (‘Investing in Convertible Securities: Your Complete Guide to the Risks’ and ‘Rewards and Convertible Securities: the Latest Instruments, Portfolio Strategies, and Valuation Analysis’) and contributes to industry publications. He is a frequent speaker at investment conferences around the world and appears regularly on CNBC, Bloomberg TV and Fox Business Channel.

The factors to which Calamos attributes his success include his Greek heritage, a strong work ethic, and his entrepreneurial spirit. Calamos also credits his military service as a key factor in his success as it solidified his view of the importance of discipline, risk assessment, and teamwork.

Calamos, along with his wife, Mae, established the John P. Calamos Foundation, which supports a number of scholarship initiatives in the Greek community. He and Mae also endowed Illinois Institute of Technology’s first endowed chair in philosophy. Since 2012, he has served as chairman of the board of directors of Chicago’s National Hellenic Museum, of which he is a major benefactor. He says of the museum: “we have built a national institution to honor our parents and grandparents, to honor our rich Hellenic history.” Calamos is also an investment committee member of the Faith Endowment, and a supporting member of the National Hellenic Society, Leadership 100, and The Hellenic Initiative.

In addition to receiving many awards for his accomplishments as an entrepreneur, Calamos has been honored for his lifetime philanthropic contributions by organizations including the Pan Arcadian Federation of America and the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association. He was inducted as an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle in 2015. Calamos was the first Vietnam Veteran to receive the Jaharis Service Award from the Washington ‘Oxi’ Day Foundation, and in his honor, the Foundation established the Calamos Service Award to specifically recognize a Vietnam veteran every year.

 

14. DIANE VON FURSTENBERG

Connecticut

$1.2 BILLION (Celebrity Net Worth)

FASHION

University of Geneva (Economics)

It is not well-known that Diane von Furstenberg, the legendary fashion designer and icon, has Greek roots – but it is true! She traces her roots to Greece through her mother, a Holocaust survivor from Thessaloniki.

DVF was born Diane Simone Michele Halfin in Brussels, Belgium to Jewish parents. Her father migrated to Belgium from what was the Kingdom of Romania and later sought refuge in Switzerland from the Nazis. Her mother was a Greek, born Liliane Nahmias, from Thessaloniki. She was initially captured by the Nazis while she was a member of the Resistance during World War II. Just 18 months before DVF was born, her mother was a prisoner at Auschwitz concentration camp.

DVF has spoken broadly about her mother’s influence in her life, crediting her with teaching her that “fear is not an option,” also crediting her with instilling positivity within her. “She was extraordinary. She survived the camps at the age of 22, she taught me only to look at positive things no matter what happens. When she talked about the camps, she talked about the camaraderie. I think she was trying to protect me. She weighed only 49 lbs when she came out, but I was born 18 months later. I was her victory,” she told The Independent in 2008.

Diane attended Madrid University but later transferred to the University of Geneva where she eventually met her first husband: Prince Egon zu Furstenberg – the elder son of Prince Tassilo zu Furstenberg and his first wife, Clara Agnelii (an heiress to the Fiat fortune). The couple married in 1969, moved to New York, and had a son and a daughter. However, they separated amicably only three years after their wedding.

Despite her privileged life and the fact that she did not need to work, Diane started designing clothes in 1970. Nevertheless, she has said she craved independence: “The minute I knew I was about to be Egon’s wife, I decided to have a career. I wanted to be someone of my own, and not just a plain little girl who got married beyond her desserts,” she told The New York Times in 1977.

She launched her career in fashion, crafting the timeless wrap dress in 1972. Her designs, epitomized by the wrap dress’s universal appeal, catapulted her to global fame. By 1975, she was making 15,000 of the dresses a week. Worn by Betty Ford, Gloria Steinem, and suburban housewives, the dress became a cultural phenomenon.

In 2001 Von Furstenberg married media mogul Barry Diller with whom she’d been romantically involved with on and off since the 1970s. The pair had met and had a relationship more than three decades earlier and, having rekindled their romance much later in life, were married in what DVF told The Independent was her birthday present to him when he turned 59. A few years earlier, in 1999, the pair had set up the Diller-Von Furstenberg Family Foundation – a philanthropic organization which supports non-profits within the human rights, arts, health, environment, education, and community building sectors.

The celebrated fashion icon continues to make waves with recent ventures. Her collaboration with Target, set to launch on March 23, features over 200 items showcasing her iconic prints alongside new exclusives. Expanding her global footprint, she inaugurated a new store in China, signaling a strategic focus on the Asian market. Additionally, von Furstenberg’s creative endeavors extend to collaborations with swimwear company Summersault and footwear giant Skechers, underscoring her enduring influence and innovative spirit in the fashion industry.

Recognized for her contributions, she received numerous accolades, including a lifetime achievement award from the Council of Fashion Designer of America. Von Furstenberg’s enduring influence extends beyond fashion, earning her a place in the National Women’s Hall of Fame and the French Legion d’Honneur for her philanthropy and leadership. Today, she continues to lead her eponymous brand while championing women’s empowerment through the DVF Awards and her foundation’s initiatives.

 

15. GEORGE SAKELLARIS

Massachusetts

$1.0 BILLION (Forbes)

ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT

Northeastern University; Married, 2 children

George Sakellaris keeps impressing with his untouchable spirit and bright mind. It is more than notable that George Sakellaris at 77 years old leaves behind a great legacy; the work he had done in the 80s and 90s revolutionized energy efficiency in buildings, enabling many companies to profit from the generated savings. Determination was the major personal attribute that led to his success in the industry and the wider energy field, where he worked fiercely towards the abolition of regulatory barriers against investment in the field of energy efficiency and renewable resources. And certainly, further demand for CleanTech and other renewable solutions is sure to increase his influence in the foreseeable future.

Hailing from Laconia, Sakellaris was a prodigy in mathematics and science. He was thus advised to apply this mathematical acumen in either teaching or engineering, according to one of his educators. After having graduated from high school in Greece, Sakellaris made his way to Bangor, ME, in 1965 as a college exchange student – with literally no knowledge of the English language. It was his awe-inspiring passion for mathematics and science that led him to the University of Maine-Orono, from which he received a BSEE degree. The family moved to the U.S. in 1969 and settled in Boston. Sakellaris started his career at New England Electrical Systems (NEES), having graduated with an MBA and MSEE from Northeastern University. During 1979, he led an initiative for energy efficiency that had been developed by him under NEES-sponsored management that after many stages became NEES Energy. By 1990, Sakellaris had acquired NEES Energy, transforming it into NORESCO.

In 2000, Sakellaris founded Ameresco, taking it public a decade later. Today, Ameresco is acknowledged as one of the leaders within the North American market for energy solutions, represented by over 1,000 workers providing full services in the domain of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainability. Under Sakellaris’ leadership, as President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board, the motto at Ameresco – “Green. Clean. Sustainable.” – stands for the all-encompassing mission that underscores increasing energy efficiency for a broad range of the public and private sectors. Ameresco has achieved several major awards and accreditations, including Forbes Media’s ‘America’s Best Mid-size Companies List’ in 2021, which underscores the company’s leadership in the industry and the excellence of its sustainability practices. Additionally, Ameresco was named a Best and Brightest Company to Work for in the Nation for two consecutive years. The company has most recently entered the Italian market by acquiring ENERQOS Energy Solutions, reflecting its growing profile in Europe for clean-energy solutions. Another example is where Ameresco worked hand-in-hand with the City of Alton, IL, and developed unused land in the city into a $5MW Solar Project.

Sakellaris’ contributions to the energy sector and academia have not gone unnoticed. He was given an honorary doctorate and the Edward T. Bryand Distinguished Engineer Award. He was inducted as a Distinguished Member Inductee of the Frances Crowe Society at the University of Maine. Throughout his lifetime, he was honored with numerous awards that include the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of The Year 2011 New England Award, Business Leader of the Year 2012 for Large Business by Worcester Business Journal, and many more.

Sakellaris’ philanthropic actitvity runs across a wide range of educational institutions, among them Northeastern University, where he is among the rare few who have the honor of being distinguished and highlighted speakers during the Fall 2023 ‘Experience Athens: Intergenerational Leaders Exchange’, which took place at the Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center in Athens, Greece. His contributions in community service and to the Orthodox Christian faith, beside his contributions in sailing, illustrate a life full of manifold interests and pursuits.

In addition to his many business and philanthropic pursuits, Sakellaris is still an avid sailor, and his sailing team aboard the ‘Proteus’ claimed second place at the recent Maxi European Championships in June 2023. In the fall of 2023, The Alpha Omega Council honored Sakellaris with the 2023 Alpha Omega Council Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented at its Honors Gala on October 21 at the InterContinental Boston.

 

15. DEAN SPANOS

California

$1.0 BILLION (Celebrity Net Worth)

SPORTS, REAL ESTATE

University of the Pacific (Business Administration); Married, 2 Children

Dean Alexander Spanos, now 73, is the son of the late Alexander Gus Spanos, a cherished figure in the Greek-American community, and Faye Papafaklis. Spanos currently serves as the chairman and owner of the Los Angeles Chargers Franchise in the National Football League, a team in which his father acquired a majority interest in back in 1984.

Notably, Alexander Gus Spanos, despite his eventual billionaire status, began his entrepreneurial journey in 1951 by borrowing $800 to start a catering business in California’s San Joaquin Valley, selling bologna sandwiches to migrant farm workers. His success stemmed largely from astute real estate investments, leading to the establishment of the A.G. Spanos Companies, primarily known for developing apartment complexes across 18 states.

Born in 1950, Spanos grew up in Stockton, CA. He attended Lincoln High School, where he earned varsity letters in football and golf. He then went to the University of the Pacific where he graduated in 1972 with a BA in business administration. Spanos began working for the San Diego Chargers franchise, working alongside his father. He took over the daily operations from his father in 1994, becoming president and CEO, until he passed those responsibilities to his own sons, John and A.G., in 2015. Spanos took over full ownership of the team after his father’s death in 2018.

After a proposed ballot measure for a hotel tax-financed stadium plan in downtown San Diego failed in November 2016 with only 43% approval, the Chargers weighed their option to return to the Los Angeles market (they were originally founded as a Los Angeles-based team in 1959 before relocating to San Diego in 1961). In January 2017, Spanos exercised the option to relocate the team to Los Angeles.

In 2020, construction was completed on the Chargers’ new stadium, SoFi Stadium, which is shared with the Los Angeles Rams. The venue is owned and operated by StadCo LA, LLC., a joint partnership with Kroenke Sports & Entertainment and the Los Angeles Chargers. About one year ago, the Chargers broke ground on a new complex in El Segundo. The Chargers’ new home is projected to have a main building that spans nearly 145,000 square feet adjacent to three full-sized football fields where the team will hold practices.

The new headquarters are expected to have a rooftop hospitality club, full eSports gaming and content studios, and a 3,100-square foot media center. An additional 3,400-square foot elevated outdoor turf area and a two-lane lap pool for player rehabilitation are among the assorted outdoor amenities set for construction. Sonnenblick-Eichner Co. in Beverly Hills announced in March it has arranged $276 million of construction and permanent financing for the facility.

In early 2022, Spanos’ nephews, Dimitri and Lex Economou, filed a lawsuit against him over financial issues stemming from the structure of the family trust that owns 36% of the Chargers, and which have to do with the distribution of profits derived in connection to SoFi Stadium revenues. Later in that same year, one of Spanos’ sisters, Dea, also filed a lawsuit trying to oust her brother as co-trustee of the franchise.

Spanos carries multiple titles. He is a member of the NFL’s Management Council Executive Committee (CEC), where he has played an integral role in negotiating the NFL’s current labor agreement. He also serves as President of the A.G. Spanos Companies, and along with his brother, Michael, oversees all construction operations nationwide.

According to the Chargers’ website, the Spanos family has a multi-generation commitment to community involvement, and is recognized as one of the NFL’s most philanthropic families, as well as one of California’s most active and caring contributors to local causes. Their financial and emotional support for youth, sports, education, and the brave men and women in uniform has been a hallmark of their team ownership and legacy.

Spanos has also been a long-time contributor to many important charities and organizations working to improve the lives of children and families, including: the Make-A-Wish Foundation; American Cancer Society; Armed Services YMCA; Rady Children’s Hospital; Girl Scouts; Huntington’s Disease Society; San Diego Blood Bank; STAR/PAL; Special Olympics of Southern California; San Diego Food Bank; Casa de Amparo; and the Salvation Army. He also led the Chargers to partner with the Susan G. Komen Foundation in San Diego in honor of his wife Susie, who is a breast cancer survivor.

Spanos received the Harold Leventhal Community Service Award and the Ellis Island medal of Honor (16 years after his father received the award). He was inducted into the DeMolay International Alumni Hall of Fame and was presented the Community Champions Award along with his wife from the San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum. In 2016, Spanos was ranked number 21 on the USA Today list of 100 most important people in the NFL. He was an honoree at the American Hellenic Council’s (AHC) Annual Awards Gala, which recognizes individuals from the Greek-American community.

Most notably, the Spanos Family Foundation has set the standard for donations to the Greek Orthodox community. Their donation of $10 million to the St. Nicholas Church and Shrine was ‘absolutely stunning’ – as it was accurately described by other prominent individuals in our community. Spanos is also a member of the board of the Friends of St. Nicholas, a not-for-profit organization with the exclusive responsibility for the rebuilding of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine.

Spanos married his wife Susie in 1977. Even though Spanos moved the Chargers to Los Angeles from San Diego in 2017, he and his wife still maintained their house there until 2020. In June of that same year, the 10,000+ square foot mansion was put on the market for $18 million after the family had lived there for more than 20 years. The couple has two sons.

In December of 2023, Spanos fired both the coach and general manager of the Los Angeles Chargers and opened up his checkbook to hire the highly in-demand head coach Jim Harbaugh, who had just led the University of Michigan to their first college football national title since 1997.

 

17. GEORGE D. BEHRAKIS

Massachusetts

$990M (TNHE)

PHARMACEUTICALS

Northeastern University; Married, 4 children

Born on New Year’s Day in 1934, George D. Behrakis is a retired entrepreneur and philanthropist. The son of Greek immigrants, he was raised in Lowell, MA, and graduated from Northeastern University in 1957 with a degree in pharmaceuticals. After completing his military service, Behrakis began his career in 1959 at McNeil Laboratories (a division of Johnson & Johnson), where he and his team marketed Tylenol (which eventually became a household name), marking the start of his successful journey in the pharmaceutical industry.

In 1968, he founded Dooner Laboratories, which specialized in cutting-edge asthma medication. Nine years later, he sold Dooner and acquired Muro Pharmaceuticals, initially focused on skin and eye products before transitioning to asthma and immunology treatments. Under his leadership, Muro experienced significant success. However, Behrakis sold the company in the mid-90s and embarked on what was known as his second career – this time in philanthropy.

Together with his wife Margo, he established the Behrakis Foundation in Massachusetts. Through this foundation, they have funded various initiatives, including establishing academic positions and funding scholarships at several universities and medical centers, such as Northeastern University, University of Mississippi, and Johns Hopkins University.

Behrakis also founded and donated the George D. Behrakis Research Lab, a state-of-the-art laboratory for lung function testing, to the Hellenic Cancer Society in 2008. In conjunction with the lab, the SmokeFreeGreece campaign was launched to reduce smoking in Greece. Appalled by witnessing young girls being given free cigarettes, Behrakis provided a $1.8 million grant in 2010 to Harvard University’s School of Public Health to study smoking in Greece, with the aim of reducing youth smoking rates by 35%. A press release dated February 24, 2021, indicated a decrease in both daily and occasional smokers since the initiation of these efforts.

Behrakis played a pivotal role in opening the Behrakis Health Sciences Center at Northeastern University, supporting the schools of Health Professions, Nursing, and Pharmacy, and establishing a Center for Drug Discovery in 2003. In Lowell, he embarked on a project to revitalize the business community through the restoration of historic buildings.

The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has also been a beneficiary of Behrakis’ philanthropy. He has been a significant supporter since his high school days, eventually endowing a curator position for Greek and Roman Art in 2001. Since 2006, he has donated at least $25 million to the museum, resulting in the establishment of the George D. and Margo Behrakis Wing, which showcases Greek, Roman, and Egyptian galleries.

Throughout his life, Behrakis has been recognized with numerous awards for his contributions to business, science, the arts, and the Greek Orthodox Church. In 2011, he received the Archbishop Iakovos Humanitarian Award from AHEPA in Orange, CT, and in October 2014, he was honored by The Hellenic Initiative (THI) for his philanthropic efforts. He has also been awarded the Leonidian Award and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Additionally, he was one of the 12 recipients of an award from Prime Minister Mitsotakis during his visit to the United States in 2022.

Behrakis, a former president of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Lowell, is a member of various prestigious organizations and has received numerous honorary titles and degrees for his contributions. He and his wife Margo have been married for over 60 years and have four children and several grandchildren.

In May 2023, Northeastern University’s Global News site highlighted George Behrakis and his many contributions to the university and society.

 

18. JOHN PAYIAVLAS

Ohio

$841 MILLION (TNHE)

FOOD SERVICE INDUSTRY

Married, 2 children

John Payiavlas, 93, is chairman of AVI Foodsystems, the country’s largest independently-owned and operated contract food service company, serving prestigious clients in the business, education, healthcare and leisure sectors.

A son of Greek immigrants, Anthony and Paraskevi, from Ohio and roots in the island of Chios, Payiavlas grew up in a working-class family with hopes of realizing the American dream. In 1951, Payiavlas was drafted into the United States Army and promptly left for basic training in Fort Riley, Kansas. In 1952, he was deployed to join the UN forces supporting South Korea and later transferred to the Greek Expeditionary Force Battalion. He was one of four Greek-Americans to serve in this Battalion and was awarded the Commander’s Silver Cross of Valour, the highest military decoration of the Greek state. Payiavlas completed his service in 1953 and was honorably discharged as Sergeant First Class.

Payiavlas’ successful journey in food service began when he and two friends opened and operated a local diner, the Village Café, in their small hometown of Warren, OH. In 1956, he married Marisa Tsagaris and four years later he founded AVI after a frequent customer presented him an opportunity to purchase a very small vending company known as Automatic Vendors. His decision to seize the opportunity later resulted in him running a multi-million-dollar corporation.

From the beginning, Payiavlas was determined to make his business a success. Insisting on absolutely no shortcuts, he differentiated himself from the competition by providing homemade ‘from scratch’ fresh foods for the refrigerated vending machines he serviced. During the 80s, the company entered new geographic markets as it added business dining and catering services. Colleges and universities, as well as healthcare facilities were among AVI’s first clients. Since then, the company has grown immensely with 6,500 locations in 44 states and serves millions of consumers daily. The company now offers cafes, vending programs, catering services, concession venues, and beverage and coffee systems. Their clients include Ohio State University, FedEx, DirecTV, BMV of North America, Xerox, General Electric, Wellesley College, Progressive Insurance, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Verizon, Xerox and, most recently, Bryant University.

Intensely private, Payiavlas runs the company as chairman of the board, while his son Anthony is president and CEO and his daughter Patrice (Patsy) Kouvas serves as vice chairman (they have come a long way since they first started at the business by sweeping the floors, preparing sandwiches and assisting in the office). Family values, a strong work ethic, and dedication to customer needs continue to permeate through thousands of team members in every facet of the business. As Chairman, Payiavlas has been actively involved, while his children lead the organization with the same enthusiasm, commitment, and vision.

Payiavlas and his wife have been honored time and time again for their philanthropic endeavors. They have donated to a plethora of organizations including the Heart and Vascular Institute, Taussig Cancer Center, Glickman Urological Institute, and Department of Nutrition Therapy. In April, 2017, the Payiavlas family donated $500,000 to Youngstown (OH) State University for their new sports media center. He has also been honored a number of times in various capacities in the Greek community as well. In October of 2016, the ‘Oxi’ Day Foundation honored Payiavlas with the first annual Jaharis Service Award sponsored by the Jaharis family. In 2022, Payiavlas was honored with the Lifetime Achievement of Chios Societies Award at the 65th National Chios Societies Convention. He is Chairman Emeritus of the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund, an Archon Depoutatos of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, as well as a member of AHEPA and other community and business organizations. Payiavlas is also a member of the board and treasurer of the Friends of St. Nicholas, a not-for-profit organization with the exclusive responsibility for the rebuilding of the St. Nicholas Church and Shrine.

The Payiavlas family, including their two children and grandchildren, all reside in Warren, OH.

 

19. ARTHUR T. DEMOULAS

Massachusetts

$760 MILLION (TNHE)

SUPERMARKETS

Bentley College; Married, 4 children

 

20. JOHN GEORGES

Louisiana

$725 MILLION (TNHE)

FOOD SERVICES, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, PHILANTHROPY, MEDIA

Tulane University (Management, Accounting); Married, 3 children

An entrepreneur in multiple industries, an avowed philanthropist, and a strong supporter of Hellenic causes, John Georges, now 63, was born in New Orleans to Anita and Dennis George. Originally from Greece, John’s father immigrated to the U.S. after serving in the Greek Resistance and the Royal Greek Air Force during World War II.

Georges is founder and CEO of Georges Enterprises, a company based in Elmwood, LA, specializing in acquiring and growing businesses. It invests in real estate, grocery distribution, entertainment, restaurants, and media outlets. His Louisiana-based conglomerate includes Imperial Trading Co., a national food distribution for convenience stores headquartered in New Orleans and regional offices in twenty states and several other businesses. Georges Enterprises began as Imperial Trading in 1916, a wholesale grocery distribution company founded by Georges’ maternal grandfather. Georges started out in the family business at a young age, sweeping warehouse floors when he was 11 and making deliveries by the time he was 15. After graduating from Tulane University, he went back to the family business and under his leadership, the firm has grown to be a $3B company.

Georges is very involved with both Louisiana public life and the community of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. While serving as president of the New Orleans Greek Orthodox Community, he hosted Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew when he visited New Orleans in January 2006.He was also instrumental in rebuilding the Greek community in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 – raising over $4 million in just three months. Everything was “a wasteland,” he told TNH in 2015, “and we rebuilt everything in 90 days – it was a miracle.” Georges is a founding member of the 13-person board of the Friends of St. Nicholas, a not-for-profit organization with the exclusive responsibility for the rebuilding of the St. Nicholas Church and Shrine.

Georges Media Group has made notable strides in shaping the media landscape of Louisiana, particularly through a series of strategic acquisitions and mergers. In April 2013, Georges Enterprises solidified its presence by acquiring The Advocate, a prominent Baton Rouge daily newspaper with a New Orleans edition, as well as websites covering adjacent regions like Ascension and Acadiana. This move positioned The Advocate as the largest newspaper in Louisiana, setting the stage for further expansion. Notably, in 2019, The Advocate, under Georges Enterprises’ stewardship, earned a Pulitzer Prize for its incisive investigation into the state’s discriminatory conviction system, shedding light on injustices rooted in Louisiana’s legal history.

Building on this momentum, Georges’ New Orleans Advocate made waves in May 2019 by acquiring The Times-Picayune and its global online counterpart, nola.com, from Advance Local. This strategic merger brought together two iconic publications, further solidifying Georges Media Group’s foothold in the region’s media landscape. However, the group’s ambitions didn’t stop there. In April 2023, Georges Media Group announced its acquisition of Arthur Hardy’s Mardi Gras Guide, a beloved institution in the greater New Orleans area for over 45 years. The guide, renowned as the definitive resource for all things Mardi Gras, plays a crucial role in both the economic vitality and cultural heritage of the region.

Through these acquisitions, Georges Media Group has not only expanded its portfolio but also deepened its connection to the communities it serves. By uniting influential publications and platforms under its banner, Georges Media Group continues to shape discourse, inform the public, and celebrate the rich tapestry of Louisiana’s culture and heritage.

A firm believer in education and entrepreneurship, Georges founded ‘Louisiana Lemonade Day’ – a community event that gives children an opportunity to learn the inner workings of running a business. The event has helped more than 100,000 children become entrepreneurs.

Georges has served on over 50 boards and commissions throughout his career including: Vice Chairman of the National WWII Museum, Member of the Louisiana Board of Regents, Commissioner of the Louisiana Public Belt Railroad and Trustee to St. Augustine High School. John Georges and his wife, Dathel, have three children: Zana, Liza, and Nike.

21. MICHAEL PSAROS

New York

$700 MILLION (TNHE)

INVESTMENTS

Georgetown University (Business); Married, 3 children

Michael Psaros, 56, is a co-founder and co-managing partner of KPS Capital Partners, LP (www.kpsfund.com), one of the world’s leading private equity firms with over $21 billion of assets under management. KPS makes controlling equity investments in manufacturing and industrial companies across a diverse array of industries, and then transforms these companies into world-class, industry-leading enterprises by structurally improving their strategic position, competitiveness, and profitability. KPS has completed over 100 acquisitions through six institutional investment funds, and its active portfolio companies have aggregate revenue of $20 billion, operate 223 manufacturing facilities in 26 countries, and employ 48,000 people worldwide.

KPS was featured in the Wall Street Journal in November 2023 for raising almost $10 billion of capital for two oversubscribed institutional investment funds in one of the most challenging fundraising markets in the history of the private equity business. The WSJ highlighted the firm’s consistent investment success across financial and economic cycles over decades. KPS now has over $13.5 billion of equity capital to invest across its platform, or approximately $60 to $70 billion of buying power on a leveraged basis.

Psaros co-founded KPS when he was 30 years old after joining KPS’ predecessor investment banking firm six years earlier in 1991, which was founded by his mentor and hero, Eugene Keilin. Keilin engineered the employee buyout of Weirton Steel in Psaros’ hometown in 1984, which saved it from closing, preventing the loss of his father’s job and thousands of others. The Weirton Steel buyout inspired Psaros to pursue a career on Wall Street focused on saving industrial companies. Psaros and his partners entered the private equity business in 1997, launching KPS with a dream and no capital. Together they built one of the leading firms in the business over the next 25 years. Asked about the firm’s success, Psaros often responds “we do business with ‘philotemo’.”

Psaros is the son of George and Mary Ann Psaros and grandson of four Greek immigrants from Olympoi, Chios, and Halicarnassus (Bodrum) in Asia Minor. He is a leading philanthropist and activist for Hellenic and Orthodox causes.

The Psaros Family created the ‘Psaros Orthodox Church Endowment’, in the name of His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, to fund the salary of the Parish Priest in perpetuity at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Weirton, West Virginia, announced during the Apostolic Visit by the Ecumenical Patriarch to Weirton in 2021.

Psaros is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of St. Nicholas, the Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine located at Ground Zero in New York City (www.StNicholasWTC.org). He is the former Vice Chair of the organization responsible for its construction and completion. The National Shrine is the only house of worship located at Ground Zero and is the most visible symbol of Hellenism and Orthodoxy in the United States, often referred to as the ‘American Parthenon’ or the ‘American Aghia Sophia’. The National Shrine, constructed at a cost of $85 million, attracted almost 150,000 visitors from around the world in 2023 and serves as a cenotaph in memory of the 3,000 people who tragically lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

Psaros serves on the Executive Committee of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and formerly served as its Treasurer, where he led a transformational financial restructuring. Psaros is an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Order of St. Andrew and serves on its National Council. He received the Archon Nicholas J. Bouras Award for Philanthropic Leadership in 2022. He serves on the Investment Committee of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation, on the Board of Trustees of Leadership 100, the Executive Board of The Hellenic Initiative (THI), and is a proud supporter of AHEPA, which awarded Psaros its highest honor, the Socrates Award, in 2019.

Psaros provided significant philanthropic support to Chios, Greece. He has funded the purchase of critically needed materials for the main hospital, the planting of 2,000 trees throughout the island, a handicap-equipped school bus for special needs students, and a summer volunteer program for U.S. college students.

Psaros served on the Board of Directors of Georgetown University and currently serves as Vice Chair of the University’s McDonough School of Business.

The Psaros Family created ‘The Michael and Robin Psaros Endowed Chair in Business Administration’ at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business in 2013. The Psaros Family created the ‘The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Endowed Orthodox Chaplaincy, endowed by the Michael Psaros Family’, announced during the Apostolic Visit by the Ecumenical Patriarch to Georgetown University in 2021. The Psaros Family also funded an Orthodox Christian Iconostasis and accompanying Iconography for the Copley Crypt Chapel at Georgetown University.

The Psaros Family named and endowed the ‘The Georgetown Psaros Center for Financial Markets and Policy’ in 2022 (https://finpolicy.georgetown.edu), focused on important policy issues at the nexus of business, the economy, regulation, and legislation. The Georgetown Psaros Center provides unbiased, non-partisan, objective expertise to guide policy and practice. The Georgetown Psaros Center convenes leaders across the private sector, the global capital markets, legislators and regulators to solve problems for the common good. The Georgetown Psaros Center is a facilitator and an educator for practitioners and policy makers seeking unbiased expertise, research and thought leadership on critical issues of the day.

22. ANGELO K. TSAKOPOULOS

California

$600 MILLION (Celebrity Net Worth)

REAL ESTATE

California State University – Sacramento (Political Science & Business); Married, 6 children

Angelo Tsakopoulos, 87, is a prominent, civic-minded businessman in the Sacramento region where he heads one of the area’s largest development firms. As a philanthropist and benefactor, he has made lasting contributions to the educational and cultural life of the greater community. Tsakopoulos has lived his life expressing his belief in the Greek idea of ‘paideia’, or a well-rounded education. Originally from the village of Rizes in Arcadia, Greece, this butcher’s son crossed not only the Atlantic to find a new home, but also traveled across the United States, his family reaching the country in New York before moving to Chicago, and eventually settling in California. Having lived under the Nazi occupation, the Tsakopoulos family came to America along with hundreds of other hopeful immigrants via steamship.

On his 15th birthday, he sailed into New York City’s harbor and saw Lady Liberty for the very first time. Tsakopoulos, now 86, moved to Chicago to live with relatives, before eventually continuing west to the San Joaquin Valley in California. Along the way, Tsakopoulos worked as a shoe shine boy and a farmhand. Encouraged by a close mentor to continue his education, Tsakopoulos studied political science and business at California State University, Sacramento, where he was also a member of the boxing team. While there, he used the Americanized surname of Chicos – which he later dropped to reclaim his family’s name. A NY Fights article that did a deep-dive on the history of boxing in Sacramento spotlighted Tsakopoulos in September of 2023. While attending school, Tsakopoulos supported himself as a waiter and real estate salesman, foreshadowing his highly successful career in real estate development.

He would eventually leave Sac State a few credits shy of graduation to work full time. Tsakopoulos founded AKT Development Corporation in Sacramento, CA, which became a leading real estate development firm in the area under his leadership and has built more than 60,000 homes and more than 30 million square feet of office space. AKT also maintains a large commercial building portfolio and manages approximately 20,000 acres of farmland. In 2018, Tsakopoulos stepped down as CEO of AKT and his daughter, Chrysanthy (Chrysa) Demos took over the position. However, Chrysa has said her father is only ‘semi-retired’. In evidence of that, Tsakopoulos is spearheading a project proposal in the Sacramento region of Davis, California. Named Pioneer Community, the project would encompass 1,215 homes spread across 1,100 acres, including 59 acres of agricultural land mitigation and land designated for a sports park. There will be a micro-grid energy system to power the buildings, 597 acres of agricultural land mitigation, 150-175 units of what the project describes as “continuum care” senior housing, a 200-acres for energy creation (mostly photovoltaics), and 32 acres along Interstate 80 to serve as an emission-free energy depot for both hydrogen and electric vehicles. Voting on the proposal is slated for 2026.

Tsakopoulos has lived his life expressing his belief in the Greek idea of ‘paideia’ and thus has made lasting contributions to the education and cultural life of the greater community. The Tsakopoulos family has donated land and funds to cultural institutions including the Greek Orthodox Church, the Crocker Art Museum, and the Roseville Arts Center. Tsakopoulos has also had a strong commitment to supporting education through the Angelo and Sofia Tsakopoulos Endowment Fund and as a co-chair for California State University at Sacramento’s Capital Campaign.

To support the study and celebration of Greek heritage and history, Tsakopoulos served as an instrumental figure in the creation of the S.B. Vryonis Center for the Study of Hellenism in Sacramento. In 2018, the Tsakopoulos family donated $1 million to establish the Justice Anthony M. Kennedy Endowed Chair at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento. Most recently, in September of 2020, the CEO of UC Davis Health announced a $2 million gift from Angelo and Sofia Tsakopoulos and Chrysa and George Demos to support the health system’s commitment to improve the health and well-being of older adults. In 2021, Tsakopoulos donated $250,000 toward the support of families who were displaced by the Caldor fire in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains.

In 2016, Tsakopoulos, on his 80th birthday, was honored in the United States Congressional Record for “his legendary career in real estate development and his long history of philanthropy in California.” Tsakopoulos has also carved out a niche for himself as a major player in and fundraiser for the Democratic Party, and as a standard bearer for Greek political and cultural interests in America. He and his children have raised and contributed millions to national, state, and local campaigns over the past decade. Tsakopoulos is also dedicated to advancing the careers of Greek-American politicians, including former California state treasurer and once-gubernatorial candidate Phil Angelides.

His daughter, Eleni Tsakopoulos Kounalakis, was appointed U.S. Ambassador to Hungary in 2010 and in 2018 was elected as California’s 50th Lieutenant Governor. Eleni, as of April 2023, is a candidate from the Democratic Party seeking to become the 41st governor of California in 2026 when the next elections are held. Tsakopoulos, known for his larger than life persona, and his family have established Hellenic Studies chairs at several major American universities across the country: Georgetown, Stanford, and Columbia among them.

 

23. JAMES NEARY

New York

$590 MILLION (TNHE)

FINANCE

Northwestern University (MBA)

James ‘Jim’ Neary heads the Industrial and Business Services Group and is the Co-Head of the Healthcare Group at Warburg Pincus and is a member of the firm’s Investment Management Group. During his career at Warburg Pincus, Neary has led Business Services; Late Stage Technology-enabled Services; Technology, Media & Telecommunications and Capital Markets. Prior to joining Warburg Pincus, he was a Managing Director at Chase Securities.

He is the chairman or board member of several companies including Allied Universal, Consolidated Precision Products, Duravant, Endurance International Group, Hygiena, Sotera Health, and WEX. Among other public and private companies, he has previously served on the boards of Crossmark, Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., Interactive Data Corporation, InComm Holdings, Coyote Logistics, EFS (Electronic Funds Source), and Alert Global Media Holdings.

Neary is on the Board of Trustees of The Mount Sinai Health System as well as The Eaglebrook School. In addition, he is the Co-Chair of the President’s Council at Tufts University. He received a BA in Economics and Political Science from Tufts University and an MBA from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University, where he was the Eugene Lerner Finance Scholar.

Neary’s personal connections to Greece are typical in the Greek Diaspora – he is distinguished by his passion and desire to make a real difference in the land of his forebears. “I was raised Greek Orthodox and grew up steeped in the traditions of the Orthodox Church and the Greek holidays,” Neary said. “I have traveled to Greece with my extended family several times.”

 

24. TOM HANKS & RITA WILSON

California

$504M (TNHE)

ENTERTAINMENT

Married, 4 children

This power couple officially became ‘Greek’ after Tom Hanks was granted honorary citizenship by Greece’s former President, Prokopis Pavlopoulos, in 2020, for their efforts to assist Greece by appealing for international aid after the devastating wildfire in Mati. The initiative, which originated from Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, stemmed from his discussions with Tom Hanks regarding issues of Greek interest. The Prime Minister’s proposal to Hanks was reportedly accepted with enthusiasm, sources said, and was followed by the formal request to President Pavlopoulos by then-Minister of the Interior, Takis Theodorikakos.

Hanks converted to Greek Orthodoxy in 1988 prior to marrying Rita Wilson, who has Greek heritage. He owns property and houses on the islands of Antiparos and Patmos and has quietly supported several initiatives for Greece. The Guardian reported that Hanks, by his own admission, “is an ardent admirer of all things Hellenic.” He has been visiting the country for years, spending nearly every summer on the Aegean island of Antiparos.

Wilson, born to a Greek mother and a Bulgarian Muslim father, immigrated to the United States in 1949. Wilson’s father eventually converted to the Greek Orthodox faith, in which Rita Wilson was raised. She is believed to have played a crucial role in Hanks’ decision to co-produce the romantic comedy ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’ with her. The couple also produced ‘Mamma Mia!’ and its sequel. In December of 2019, Hanks received the 2020 Cecil B. DeMille lifetime achievement award at the Golden Globes. During his acceptance speech, he expressed his deep connection to Greece and its culture.

Within the past year, Tom Hanks has produced ‘The 2010s’, a CNN documentary on the decade, and the TV mini-series ‘Masters of the Air’, featuring his co-star from the movie Elvis, Austin Butler. Tom Hanks and Rita were also co-producers on ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3’, which was released on September 8, 2023.

Wilson and Hanks attend St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church in Los Angeles. His spiritual father is Father Robert Stephanopoulos, whose son is the well-known political commentator and TV host, George Stephanopoulos. This year, Tom and Rita Hanks will be celebrating their 36th wedding anniversary.

 

25. MARCUS A. LEMONIS

Illinois

$500 MILLION (Celebrity Net Worth)

INVESTMENTS

Marquette University (Political Science); Married

Marcus Lemonis, CEO of Gander RV and Good Sam Enterprises, and executive chairman of Beyond Inc. (the combined company of Overstock.com and Bed, Bath & Beyond), embodies the epitome of entrepreneurial success and philanthropic commitment. Born in Lebanon during its civil war and abandoned at an orphanage four days after his birth, Lemonis was adopted by Leo and Sophia Lemonis, a couple of Greek and Lebanese heritage, respectively, who lived in Miami, Florida.

Now 50, Lemonis grew up learning about the operations of the automotive industries as his grandfather owned two of the largest Chevrolet dealerships in the country (in Tampa and Miami). At the age of 12, he started a lawn-mowing business to raise funds to open a candy business. At the young age of 22, he tried out politics and ran for the Florida House of Representatives (endorsed by the Miami Herald) but ultimately lost the campaign.

Lemonis eventually took a job at AutoNation, the country’s largest car dealer, and worked his way up to regional manager. By the age of 25, Marcus seized an opportunity to reshape the way recreational vehicles and outdoor equipment were sold after taking some advice from a family friend, Lee Iacocca (the former head of Chrysler Corporation), who told him the path to long-term success lay in finding an industry that was ripe for transformation. Iacocca advised him to get into the camping and RV business, which put him on the path to eventual chairmanship at America’s #1 source for RV’s, camping accessories, and RV maintenance and repair. Under his leadership and vision, Camping World would grow to become the nation’s largest RV retailer – with revenues exceeding $6.5 billion.

Lemonis also founded The Simple Greek, a franchise of fast-casual Greek restaurants in 2015 which was acquired by the parent company of SaladWorks in 2021. In addition, in 2021, Lemonis wrapped his 8-season CNBC reality series ‘The Profit’, which focused on saving and investing in small businesses across the country. The show earned Lemonis the nickname ‘the Business Turnaround King’. The show also spawned spin offs, including the award-nominated ‘Streets of Dreams’, featuring Marcus educating himself and viewers about the financial workings of key industries.

With tens of millions of dollars donated to charitable organizations and invested in independent businesses, Marcus is an advocate for the underdog and finds his strongest inspiration by investing in people. He founded the Lemon-AID foundation in 2020 which supports women and minority entrepreneurs as well as small businesses. He also started a foundation called the Plating Change to combat food insecurity through a partnership with Grubhub and the World Central Kitchen. More recently, Lemonis returned to his alma mater, Marquette University, to which he and his wife, Bobbi Raffelin, donated $15 million to create the Lemonis Center for Student Success, which provides services for students across all majors, academic abilities, and backgrounds to enrich and expand student opportunities. “This initial gift is the start of building the road for others,” he commented.

 

26. P. ROY VAGELOS

New Jersey

$492 MILLION (TNHE)

PHARMACEUTICALS, HEALTHCARE

University of Pennsylvania (Chemistry); Married, 4 children

“P. Roy Vagelos has served as my role model since the day in 1975 when my father showed me an article in the Greek newspaper [The National Herald] about his similar background and incredible achievements at Merck,” said George D. Yancopoulos, MD, PhD, Co-Founder, President and Chief Scientific Officer of Regeneron. “Since becoming our Chair in 1995, Roy has remained my hero and role model. We will continue to strive to live up to the standard Roy has set of using science to change the practice of medicine and improve lives.”

And there you have it: Dr. Pindaros Roy Vagelos may have officially retired from his post as Chairman of Regeneron – marking the end of an era after a 29-year run – but he has definitely not slowed down. Last year around this time, he and his wife, Diana, announced a $175 million gift to Columbia University to create the Vagelos Institute for Biomedical Research Education. Of the gift, he said it was “our honor to give back.” Since then, the Vageloses have given an additional $83.9 million transformative gift to the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Arts and Sciences – the largest single gift ever made to the School and among the largest in Penn’s history. Their total support to Penn Arts & Sciences now stands at $239 million and represents an extraordinary investment in innovation and basic science.

Dr. Vagelos was born in Rahway, NJ in 1929 – just before the infamous stock market crash. In 1943, about 20 years after Vagelos’ parents had emigrated to the U.S. from Asia Minor, Herodotus and Marianthi bought a restaurant (then known as Estelle’s Luncheonette), where Vagelos and his two sisters worked during their adolescence. According to the Columbia University Magazine, the family ate dinner there six nights a week. Vagelos, described as a “violin-playing, sports-loving math whiz at Rahway High,” worked behind the counter every day after school as a soda jerk, a dishwasher, and potato peeler. It was at this restaurant that Vagelos was first introduced to Merck. With the company’s headquarters just a few blocks away, scientists would come have lunch at Estelle’s and speak with the Vagelos family members.

Although he first described himself as ‘not at all interested in education’ – Vagelos eventually earned his bachelor’s degree with honors in 1950 from the University of Pennsylvania. He then went on to earn a medical degree from Columbia University in 1954. After an internship and residency at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston (1954-56), he joined the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, MD. At NIH from 1956 to 1966, he served in the National Heart Institute, holding positions in cellular physiology and biochemistry – first as senior surgeon, then as head of Comparative Biochemistry. And thus started his decades long career.

In 1966, Vagelos joined the Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine as chairman of its Biological Chemistry Department where he founded the division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences. Since then, he has had a long and distinguished career in healthcare, and particularly in pharmaceuticals.

It was in 1975 that Dr. Vagelos left academia to join Merck, which he led with great distinction both as a scientist and as a visionary corporate leader, first as Senior Vice President for Research, and starting in 1984 as CEO. Merck was very respected under his leadership, having been voted ‘America’s Most Admired Corporation’ in the annual Fortune magazine poll for seven consecutive years. During Vagelos’ tenure there, Merck developed the cholesterol-lowering statins, MEVACOR and ZOCOR. Vagelos is sometimes called the father of ‘pharmacophilanthropy’ for his decision that Merck contribute the drug MECTIZAN for free to treat millions of Africans with river blindness.

After retiring from Merck in 1995 (due to the company’s rule that CEOs retire at age 65), Vagelos was approached by biotech company Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. From that point, until June of 2023, he served as chairman of the company, which employs almost 10,000 people. It was this later career move that catapulted Vagelos to billionaire status.

The Vageloses’ philanthropic impact spans prestigious academic institutions. At the University of Pennsylvania, they spearheaded elite undergraduate programs and funded cutting-edge research initiatives, including the Roy and Diana Vagelos Laboratories. Their generous contributions, totaling $101.6 million (not including the most recent $83.9M donation), facilitated breakthroughs in energy research and life sciences. The Vageloses’ commitment to addressing climate change echoes their belief in prioritizing global challenges. Their leadership extends to Columbia University Medical Center, where their recent $250 million donation catalyzed debt-free education. The College of Physicians and Surgeons was renamed in honor of the Vagelos family. The Vageloses continued support for education exemplifies their dedication to fostering innovation and access. In another recent gesture, they donated $15 million to advance biology and biomedical sciences at Washington University in St. Louis. The Vageloses’ profound impact on academia underscores their vision for empowering future generations and advancing scientific discovery on a global scale.

The author of several books, including an autobiography (‘Medicine, Science and Merck’), as well as more than 100 scientific papers, Vagelos was elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences in 1972 and to the American Philosophical Society in 1993. In addition to holding several board seats, Vagelos has received honorary degrees from 14 institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia, Harvard, Princeton, and Washington Universities. In an interview with Kathimerini, Vagelos joked that he never really retired and likely works just as much now as when he was at Merck.

Vagelos has been married to his wife, Diana (née Touliatos) for almost 70(!) years – having met on Columbia’s campus in 1951 when Vagelos was in medical school and Diana was a student at Barnard. They visit Lesvos and Kefalonia regularly since they have family on both islands. The couple lives in New Jersey and have four children and several grandchildren.

 

27. JAMES S. CHANOS

Florida

$400 MILLION (Celebrity Net Worth)

INVESTMENTS

Yale University (Economics & Political Science); 4 children

Dropping more than 10 spots this year, we have James Chanos. Dubbed the ‘LeBron James of short selling’, ‘Wall Street’s most distinguished bear’, and even the ‘Darth Vader of Wall Street’, James S. Chanos is undeniably a figure of resilience and success. Hailing from Milwaukee, WI, Chanos was born to a second-generation Greek immigrant who owned a dry-cleaning business. In the 1960s, his father, a part-time investor, sparked Chanos’ fascination with the stock market, laying the foundation for a lifelong engagement with finance. Throughout his high school years, Chanos uniquely blended his enthusiasm for basketball with a keen interest in financial literature, setting the stage for his future endeavors. His journey continued at Yale University, where he majored in economics and political science and explored options trading.

Chanos stumbled into the finance sector during his time at Gilford Securities in 1982, where his investigation into Baldwin-United’s accounts uncovered fraudulent activities, leading to the company’s bankruptcy and propelling Chanos’ career forward. In 1985, he established Kynikos Associates (named after the Greek word for ‘cynic’), which grew to become the largest exclusive short-selling hedge fund globally. As Kynikos’ president, he managed its growth, opening offices in New York and London and overseeing a team that handled $1.5 billion in assets. Chanos is celebrated for his sharp insights, notably predicting Enron Corporation’s downfall in 2001, which garnered him recognition from financial circles.

Despite achieving billionaire status, Chanos remains dedicated to uncovering and benefiting from market downturns, including those involving Boston Chicken, Conseco, and Tyco International. In 2020, he strategically shorted several firms, including Luckin Coffee Inc., Wirecard AG, and The Hertz Corporation, showcasing his continued acumen in the field. His expert analyses are frequently highlighted in the media, establishing him as a shrewd financial analyst with a gift for precise forecasts.

In the fall of 2023, after 38 years of remarkable success and significant impact on the financial world, Chanos made the pivotal decision to shutter Kynikos Associates. This decision marks the conclusion of an era for the hedge fund, which had become emblematic of Chanos’ innovative strategies and profound insights in short selling.

Beyond his financial endeavors, Chanos engages in philanthropy, supporting entities like the Washington ‘Oxi’ Day Foundation and holding trusteeships at educational and cultural institutions such as The Nightingale-Bamford School and The New-York Historical Society. He also imparts his wisdom at Yale University, teaching a course on the history of financial fraud. Outside the professional realm, Chanos treasures his annual visits to the Greek island of Mykonos, embracing his Greek roots.

 

27. MARTHA STEWART

New York

$400 MILLION (Celebrity Net Worth)

ENTERTAINMENT

Barnard College (Architectural History); 1 child

Here are three very surprising facts about Martha Stewart that many likely did not know: she is now 82 years old, she was once worth more than a billion dollars (in fact, she was reportedly America’s first self-made female billionaire) – but now that number has been more than halved, and she has Greek roots from the island of Kos!

Stewart was the second of six children and grew up in a working-class Polish family in New Jersey. However, at a fundraising event at the Olympic Towers in 2006 she surprised the audience by disclosing that she is of Greek descent (as reported in the National Herald by Liana Sideri). Stewart’s maiden name is Kostyras and her father’s family traces its roots back to the island of Kos in the Dodecanese. She said she had been to Kos and expressed her fondness of the island: “On my father’s side, a long time ago, I found out that I’m Greek, from the beautiful island of Kos. The family ultimately ended up in Poland. I have been to the island of Kos, and I saw the legendary sycamore tree under which Hippocrates is said to have authored his famous Hippocratic oath.”

She paid for her college tuition by taking modeling jobs in New York City and eventually married law student Andrew Stewart in 1961 (divorced 1990). The couple had one daughter, Alexis, who was born in 1965.

After graduating, Stewart worked as a stockbroker at a small Wall Street firm until she and her family moved to Connecticut. She launched her first catering business in 1976 and five years later published her first book, ‘Entertaining’. Following continued success with more books, Time Publishing Ventures teamed up with Stewart in 1990 to publish a monthly magazine: ‘Martha Stewart Living’ – which she eventually bought with the proceeds from her household furnishings merchandising arrangement with Kmart (Martha Stewart Everyday). She then began a syndicated television show with the same name which aired for over a decade.

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia was listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 1999 with Stewart as the chairman and CEO making her a billionaire (briefly) – the company struggled to turn a profit during the following decade, however. Stewart was convicted of insider trading and spent five months in prison (where she reportedly made baked apples and flan for her fellow inmates) followed by five months of home detention. Nevertheless, she persevered and went back to TV. Earlier this year, CNN produced a docu-series ‘titled ‘The Many Lives of Martha Stewart’, which explores the life and career of Stewart. Stewart also just launched her very own MasterClass called ‘Think like a boss, live like a Legend’ – adding to her digital presence, which includes a successful podcast.

Following her highly publicized friendship with Snoop Dog, Martha has tipped her toe in the industry of cannabis – joining a Canadian marijuana company as an advisor. Most recently, they collaborated with the popular lighter brand Bic on the ‘Best Buds Bags’ – handbags that feature the Big EZ Reach Lighter in the bag clasp. Martha also launched a line of CBD-infused gummies which she said Snoop helped inspire. She also made headlines as she became the (oldest ever) Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Cover Star in 2023.

 

29. JENNIFER ANISTON

California

$320 MILLION (Celebrity Net Worth)

TELEVISION AND FILM

New York’s School of Performing Arts

It’s hard to believe that Jennifer Aniston is 55 – her killer workouts and Cretan genes are certainly keeping her looking young. Boasting a net worth of $320M according to Celebrity Net Worth, Aniston, the highly accomplished Greek-American actress and producer, has had another busy year. Born to Nancy Dow, a direct descendant of the royal House of Stuart of Scotland, and Greek-born actor John Anastasakis (Aniston), known for his role on the daytime soap opera Days of Our Lives, Aniston spent a year in Greece during her childhood getting acquainted with her father’s family in Crete. Interestingly, Greek Ancestry reported that Aniston’s great-grandfather fought in the Cretan Revolt of 1878 against the Ottomans.

Aniston’s breakthrough in the entertainment industry came with her iconic portrayal of Rachel Green on the sitcom Friends (1994-2004). For the final three seasons, she earned an unprecedented $1 million per episode. In 2018, Aniston made her Netflix debut with the musical comedy ‘Dumplin’. In 2019 she began starring alongside Reese Witherspoon and Steve Carell in the Apple TV+ series ‘The Morning Show’ (earning $2M per episode) – which is still ongoing today. In 2023, she starred in and produced ‘Murder Mystery 2’, the sequel to the 2019 comedy/mystery, and is reportedly working on the third film in the series. Her ongoing success is reflected in the numerous awards she has received, including a Golden Globe, a Primetime Emmy, and two SAG Awards; she also received her own Hollywood Walk of Fame Star in February 2013 – the first actor from Friends to be honored with a star.

Besides being a talented actress, Aniston has also ventured into directing and producing. Her influential persona has made her a sought-after spokesperson for brands such as Aveeno, Vitamin Water, and most recently, functional fitness brand, Pvolve.

Before her acting career, Aniston attended New York’s School of Performing Arts. Despite her father’s reservations, Aniston followed her passion for acting and defied his advice to become a lawyer. “I was hell-bent because my dad was just begging me not to be in the industry. He said, ‘I do not want your heart broken. The rejection is brutal. Please, please, please don’t do that. Become a lawyer,'” she said. “That was my one rebellion. I was hoping that I was going to make it so that I could prove him wrong.”

Aniston is also renowned for her philanthropic work. Over the years, she has made significant contributions to organizations such as Doctors Without Borders, AmeriCares, and Feeding America, among others. She has also been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ rights and has hosted charity shows like ‘Stand Up For Cancer’ and ‘It Can’t Wait’.

According to the Evening Standard, Aniston is ‘real-life’ friends with fellow Greek, Rita Wilson (featured supra), and is part of her ‘regular dinner crew’.

 

30. STELIOS PAPADOPOULOS

New York

$278 MILLION (WallMine)

BIOTECHNOLOGY

New York University

The Greek-born Stelios Papadopoulos, 74, has been referred to by some as ‘the godfather of biotech’. He joined the board of directors of publicly held pharma company Biogen in 2008, rising to the Chairman position in June 2014. However, in June 2023, Papadopoulos stepped down from his position in order to comply with the company’s mandatory retirement age policy.

Papadopoulos is the founder of six different companies including Eucrates Biomedical Acquisition Corp. (which he founded in 2020). He serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Exelixis, Inc., a drug discovery and development company that he co-founded in 1994. He is also the Chairman of Regulus Therapeutics, Inc., a life sciences company. He co-founded Anadys Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company in 2000 and was a member of its Board of Directors until it was sold to Roche in 2011 for $230M, serving as the Chairman of the board in 2011.

From 2003 to 2018, Papadopoulos served as a member of the board of directors of BG Medicine, Inc., a publicly-held life sciences company. In 2006, Papadopoulos retired as Vice Chairman of Cowen & Co., LLC, a financial services company, after six years with the firm where, as an investment banker, he focused on the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. Prior to joining Cowen, he spent 13 years as an investment banker at PaineWebber, Inc., where he was most recently Chairman of PaineWebber Development Corp., a PaineWebber subsidiary focusing on biotechnology. He joined PaineWebber in 1987 from Drexel Burnham Lambert where, as an analyst in the Equity Research Department, he covered the biotechnology industry. Prior to Drexel, he was the biotechnology analyst of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette.

In the not-for-profit sector, Dr. Papadopoulos is a co-founder and Chairman of Fondation Santé, a member of the Board of Visitors of Duke Medicine, and a member of the Global Advisory Board of the Duke Institute for Health Innovation.

Papadopoulos holds an MS in physics, a PhD in biophysics and an MBA in finance, all from New York University. Before going to Wall Street, Dr. Papadopoulos was on the faculty of the Department of Cell Biology at New York University School of Medicine.

31. JOHN & CHRIS PAPPAS

Connecticut

$222 MILLION (Benzinga)

RETAIL & WHOLESALE – FOOD

Since joining our list two years ago, Chefs Warehouse founders John and Chris Pappas have experienced a slight dip in their combined fortune, but this is more than offset by their company’s exceptional performance.

Moving forward, Chefs’ Warehouse, a food distributor for restaurants, showcased strong performance in Q4 2023, with 11.3% organic growth in net sales and a corresponding 11.2% increase in specialty sales, along with a notable improvement in gross profit margins. Looking ahead to 2024, the company projects significant growth, with anticipated net sales ranging from $3.625 billion to $3.775 billion, gross profit between $865 million and $900 million, and adjusted EBITDA of $205 million to $218 million. Additionally, a share repurchase program is included in their two-year capital allocation plan. The company’s strategic outlook emphasizes infrastructure optimization, integration of acquisitions, and preparation for moderate inflation. Key drivers for customer expansion include sales force growth and cross-selling initiatives, with optimism expressed for market growth in Florida and Texas, particularly with Florida poised to become a top market over the next five years.

According to the company’s website, “the Chefs’ Warehouse has been the trusted source of the world’s greatest ingredients to North America’s top chefs for 35 years, including renowned figures such as Thomas Keller, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Eric Ripert, and many others.” Chris and John founded the company, originally called Dairyland USA, inspired by their father Peter Pappas, a former “butter and egg man” who sold goods from his truck. Peter Pappas and his cousin, Greek Cypriot immigrants and Korean War veterans, founded the Veterans’ Butter and Egg Company in 1956, supplying butter, eggs, and cheeses to numerous New York City restaurants.

Chris, 59, has served as Chefs’ Warehouse chief executive officer since 1985 and as Board chairman since the company’s IPO. Prior to founding the company, Chris played professional basketball in Europe after graduating from Adelphi University in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. Chris oversees all business activities, focusing on product procurement, sales, marketing, strategy development, business development, and operations. He also serves on the board of directors of the International Foodservice Distributors Association and the Hudson National Golf Club.

John, also an Adelphi University graduate, currently serves as the company’s vice chairman, a role he has held since March 2011. From the company’s inception in 1985 until 2011, he served as CEO. With 25 years of experience in logistics, facility management, and global procurement, John oversees the Chefs Warehouse network of distribution centers nationwide and plays a key role in corporate strategy development.

During the pandemic, Chefs’ Warehouse began offering home delivery to home cooks in New York and Connecticut to help them “stay safe and avoid long supermarket lines,” as reported by the Daily Voice. Chris stated, “we recognize that COVID-19 presents significant challenges for consumers to obtain day-to-day household foods. We are transforming our company to serve our communities in their time of need.” The management team also announced that they would donate 10% of retail sales profits to their front-line furloughed employees and other impacted employees in the foodservice industry.

Announced in May 2023, The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. continues its mission to be the foremost distributor of premium food ingredients to top chefs worldwide, exemplified by its recent acquisitions of Hardie’s Fresh Foods and Greenleaf Produce & Specialty Foods. President and CEO Christopher Pappas emphasizes the strategic significance of these moves, expanding the company’s reach and product diversity within the Produce category. With investments in talent, facilities, and leveraging a robust sales force, Chefs’ Warehouse has accelerated growth post-pandemic, penetrating new territories and product segments.

The addition of Hardie’s enhances national presence and introduces CW’s specialty offerings to the burgeoning Texas markets, while Greenleaf’s acquisition bolsters CW’s foothold in Northern California, fostering cross-selling opportunities and operational efficiencies in the Bay Area. This multi-year strategy aligns with CW’s goal of combining organic growth and strategic acquisitions to drive both top-line revenue and bottom-line synergies as it scales its operations.

 

32. CONSTANTINE IORDANOU

New York

$221 MILLION (TNHE)

INSURANCE

New York University (Aerospace Engineering); Married, 3 children

Born in Cyprus as the eldest of six children to a policeman, Constantine ‘Dinos’ Iordanou was raised with a strong work ethic. In an interview with Risk & Insurance, Iordanou recalls that in the house of his father “you were expected to work hard and make something of yourself. All of the kids had jobs after school. The money they earned was theirs for pocket money – but sometimes it was needed to help the family cover its grocery bills.”

At 17, he embarked on a solo 17-day journey to the U.S., settling in Astoria, NY. He recalls calling his father, who asked him whether he had gotten a job already and whether he had registered for school – not how the trip went or whether he was OK. Eventually, he took on various jobs from pumping gas to driving cabs to washing dishes in a nursing home. Despite these challenges, he earned a BS in aerospace engineering from New York University, all while playing on the soccer team.

His career in insurance began at American International Group (AIG), where he rose through the ranks, notably spearheading the creation of an environmental liability group after the passage of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act in 1976.

Transitioning to Berkshire Hathaway and later Zurich Financial Services, Iordanou demonstrated his leadership abilities, culminating in his appointment as president and CEO of Arch Capital Group, Ltd. Fortune Magazine recognized him as a top businessperson in 2016. After ‘retiring’ in 2019, he returned to the corporate world, joining the board of directors at the Bank of Cyprus and co-founding Vantage Risk, a Bermuda-based insurer and reinsurer.

Beyond his professional achievements, Iordanou is dedicated to philanthropy and community involvement. He is a founding member of the Pancyprian Association of America and has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Married to Marianne, they have three children and have received numerous accolades for their philanthropic endeavors, emphasizing Iordanou’s commitment to his roots and his impact on the insurance industry.

Iordanou’s involvement extends to educational institutions, having served as a trustee for Roosevelt University and the College of Insurance and Risk Management. His dedication to his heritage is evident in his support for organizations like Faith: An Endowment for Orthodoxy and Hellenism. He has also been honored by institutions such as Our Lady of Mercy Academy and St. John’s University School of Risk Management for his contributions to society. With a legacy of leadership and philanthropy, Iordanou continues to inspire both in his professional endeavors and his commitment to giving back to the community.

Recently, there have been rumors circulating about Dinos Iordanou’s potential involvement as an investor in APOEL, the Cypriot professional football club based in Nicosia – specifically regarding the club’s plans for a new stadium. While his contributions to various sectors, including insurance and philanthropy, are well-documented, these reports suggest a potential expansion of his interests into the realm of sports infrastructure. If confirmed, this move would underscore Iordanou’s ongoing commitment to supporting initiatives that benefit his homeland and its community, further solidifying his reputation as a prominent figure with diverse interests and a dedication to making a meaningful impact in Cyprus.

 

33. THEODORE ANTHONY SARANDOS JR.

California

$200 MILLION (Celebrity Net Worth)

ENTERTAINMENT

Married, 2 children

Theodore Anthony Sarandos Jr., a prominent figure in the entertainment industry hailing from California, boasts a staggering net worth of $200 million. As the co-CEO and Chief Content Officer of Netflix, this Greek-American entrepreneur has made substantial contributions to the art of storytelling. In a recent interview with The Standard, he delved into his Greek heritage and discussed his paternal grandfather’s immigration to the U.S. from the Greek island of Samos as a young boy, during which the family name was changed from Kariotakis to Sarandos.

Sarandos spoke about his first visit to Samos with his children: “My father described it: ‘You get into the port. Make a left. Look up the hill. There’s a yellow house with goats in the yard.’ I’m like, ‘it can’t be that simple.’ But it was. My kids were excited to meet their family. We knocked on the door, but they didn’t speak English, and I didn’t speak Greek. So, I tried to explain who I was, and finally, they closed the door on us. Sarah [his daughter] started crying, ‘I thought we were going to see our family.’ I said, ‘Sarah, imagine if someone came to the door and started screaming at you in Chinese.’ But back at the hotel, the manager wrote them a letter. So, I handed it to them, and five minutes later, we were eating and drinking together.”

On May 18, Sarandos will be bestowed with the PEN America 2023 Spring Literary Gala Business Visionary Award in recognition of the significant impact that Netflix has had on the art of storytelling and society at large, particularly through critical content such as book adaptations.

Sarandos’ illustrious career has seen him rise from working as a store manager for the Arizona Video Cassettes West chain to becoming the Western regional director of Sales and Operations for East Texas Distributors and Vice President of Product and Merchandising for Video City/West Coast Video. In 2000, he joined Netflix, which has since celebrated a decade of original programming under his leadership. During the April-June period of 2020, Netflix acquired 10.1 million worldwide subscribers, more than triple its usual additions. Presently, the streamer boasts over 221 million paid memberships in over 190 countries.

Sarandos is best known for his role in producing popular television series such as ‘House of Cards’, ‘Arrested Development’, ‘Orange is the New Black’, ‘Stranger Things’, ‘Dark’ (Germany), ‘La Casa De Papel’ (Spain), and ‘Sacred Games’ (India). He has also overseen the production of original films, including ‘The Irishman’, ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’, ‘Bright’, ‘Bird Box’, and the Academy Award-winning film ‘ROMA’. Netflix’s productions frequently receive critical acclaim, enabling the company to dominate during awards season. Netflix counts even former President and Michelle Obama’s production company among its partners, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have also signed a deal to make programs with the streamer. Just in the past year, Netflix has announced plans for a ‘Leo’ sequel, a new season of the hit Korean game show, ‘Squid Game’, and unexpectedly boosted its viewership by acquiring the legal drama ‘Suits’ and featuring it prominently to customers. For his outstanding leadership of Netflix, in December, it was reported that a pay package was approved, netting Sarandos a 2024 salary of $40 million for the year.

Additionally, Sarandos was instrumental in signing hit creator Shonda Rhimes onto the platform, resulting in shows like ‘Bridgerton’ and the recent hit ‘Discovering Anna’. He is also responsible for the company’s sizable investment in the UK, which has yielded over 40 shows, including global hits like ‘Our Planet’ and ‘The Crown.’ Two years ago, he made the biggest deal in Netflix’s history, acquiring the Roald Dahl Story Company for $700 million.

Sarandos has two children from his marriage to Michelle Sarandos, and he is currently married to Nicole Avant, the former United States Ambassador to the Bahamas from 2009-2011, who was appointed to the post by former President Barack Obama. In addition to his roles at Netflix, he serves on the boards of the Tribeca Festival and the Los Angeles Film Festival and has been named Consultant of the Digital Entertainment Group. Since 2016, he has also served on Spotify’s board. In recognition of his impressive achievements, he was listed among the 100 most influential people in the world in the ‘Titans’ list of Time magazine (AKA TIME 100).

 

34. PETER DIAMANDIS

California

$200 MILLION (Celebrity Net Worth)

ENTREPRENEUR

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Biology, Molecular Genetics); Harvard Medical School; Married, 2 children

We were correct in our prediction last year: Peter Diamandis is looking like he will be a mainstay on our list – he continues to solidify his position as a pioneering leader in innovation and technology.

Born to immigrant parents in the Bronx, NY, Diamandis’ father was an OB/GYN and his mother ran her husband’s medical office. From a very young age, Diamandis expressed a keen interest in space exploration and would give lectures to his friends and family about space. When Peter informed his parents he wanted to be an astronaut, his mother said, “That’s nice. You’re going to be a doctor.” Nevertheless, so impressed was Peter’s father by a lecture Peter gave on the planets that he presented the boy with $5, a substantial sum in those days. “My first revenue earned; my first keynote,” he recalled in an interview. “That really impacted me.”

After graduating from Great Neck North High School, Diamandis went to Hamilton College before transferring to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Molecular Genetics and Aerospace Engineering) and then continuing on to Harvard Medical School.

Diamandis has tipped his toe in many arenas. However, most notably, he has been instrumental in spearheading the XPRIZE Foundation, a renowned organization that designs and operates incentive competitions to address global challenges. Under his leadership as Founder and Executive Chairman, XPRIZE has garnered significant attention for its efforts to promote breakthrough solutions, including the recent global competition focused on extending human life and health span (the prize is $101 million) as well as finding solutions for detecting and stopping the wildfires in the American West (the prize: $11 million).

In addition to his role at XPRIZE, Diamandis serves as the Executive Founder and Director of Singularity University, a prestigious institution dedicated to leveraging exponential technologies for positive societal impact. As an entrepreneur, he has founded over 25 companies spanning various sectors such as longevity, health-tech, space exploration, venture capital, and education.

Notably, Diamandis co-founded BOLD Capital Partners, a prominent venture fund investing in exponential technologies, as well as two public companies, Celularity and Vaxxinity, both pioneering advancements in healthcare. He is also the co-founder and Vice-Chairman of Human Longevity Inc. (HLI), a leading genomics and cell therapy company focused on enhancing human lifespan.

Diamandis’ contributions extend to the field of commercial space exploration, where he co-founded Planetary Resources, a company dedicated to asteroid detection and prospecting, as well as Space Adventures and Zero-Gravity Corporation. Additionally, he serves as the co-founder and chairman of Fountain Life, a platform delivering personalized and data-driven health solutions.

As a bestselling author and renowned speaker, Diamandis espouses his philosophy of proactive futurism, encapsulated in his favorite saying, “the best way to predict the future is to create it yourself.” His principles, known as “Diamandis’ laws,” emphasize innovation, resilience, and relentless pursuit of progress. With his ongoing initiatives and visionary leadership, Diamandis remains a driving force in shaping the future of technology and humanity.

 

35. D. JAMES BIDZOS

Virginia

$169 MILLION (TNHE)

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY/MEDIA

James Bidzos, born in Greece, immigrated to the United States as a child, where his parents worked hard in the service industry – his father as a barber and his mother as a manager at a restaurant. Now 69, Bidzos made his fortune in the information technology sector, where he was a pioneer in online security. Beginning his career at IBM, Bidzos quickly recognized the importance of online security in the early 1990s.

As a former computer programmer, Bidzos played a pivotal role in building RSA Security into a leading provider of authentication and encryption solutions. In 1995, he founded Verisign to develop digital certificate infrastructure for internet commerce, establishing the company as a global leader in domain name registry services and internet security.

Bidzos served as Verisign’s first CEO from 1995 to 2001. In 2010, Symantec acquired Verisign’s authentication services for $1.28 billion. Bidzos returned as CEO in 2011, earning recognition from Fortune magazine as the 2012 Businessperson of the Year for revitalizing Verisign’s income, growth, and stock performance.

Currently, Bidzos holds the positions of Executive Chairman, Chairman of the Board, and CEO at Verisign, Inc. and has overseen the company’s growth into the largest domain name registry and infrastructure provider. It serves as the registry for all addresses that end in .com (more than 350 million (2022).The company boasts over 900 employees and generates revenue of $1.4 billion, with profits reaching $795 million in 2023. Verisign has also been featured on Forbes’ Global 2000 list.

Bidzos’ contributions to the technology industry have earned him numerous accolades, including recognition as one of Time magazine’s Digital 50 and induction into CRN’s Computer Industry Hall of Fame. Additionally, his passion for aviation led to his certification as a pilot, recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration in 2013.

In 2016, Bidzos was honored by the National Cyber Security Hall of Fame for his significant role in shaping the cybersecurity industry, further solidifying his legacy as a pioneer and leader in the field.

 

36. PETE SAMPRAS

California

$150 MILLION (Celebrity Net Worth)

TENNIS; Married, 2 children

Despite the retirement of tennis legend Roger Federer, the sport is still in great hands with a new generation of players, which include Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Greece’s own Stefanos Tsitsipas. These players are continuing to break records and make their mark on the sport with incredible skill and dedication, all while navigating the challenges of fame and fortune. While it’s important to recognize the current greats, it’s also essential to remember the legendary players who made history before this era, such as Pete Sampras. Sampras spent a remarkable 286 weeks as the #1 ranked player in the world, securing 14 major singles titles, including seven victories at Wimbledon. His quiet determination serves as a testament to the idea that success can be achieved without flamboyance, with only the French Open eluding him throughout his career.

Sampras was born in Potomac, Maryland, to Sotirios, an American-born father of Greek heritage, and Georgia, his mother who was born in Sparta. Greek culture played a significant role in Sampras’ upbringing, with the family attending Greek Orthodox Church services every Sunday. Even at the young age of three, Sampras displayed a natural talent for sports, which he later honed as a professional tennis player. Starting his career ranked at 893 in the world, Sampras quickly rose through the ranks to finish the year at a respectable 97 in 1988. He won his first Grand Slam title in 1990 at just 19 years and 28 days old, becoming the youngest male U.S. Open champion. His precise serve earned him the nickname ‘Pistol Pete’. In 1993, he broke another record as the first player to serve over 1,000 aces in a season. Sampras held the number one spot in the world by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) for six consecutive years, a record that still stands.

Almost 53 now, Pete Sampras retired from tennis in 2003, leaving behind a legacy that was built over years of hard work and determination. His final match against long-time rival Andre Agassi in the iconic 2002 U.S. Open final marked the end of an era. In 2007, he was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the sport. Although Sampras is ranked #36 on our list, his position is not a reflection of his continued excellence. He remains at the top of his game, just as he was when he retired.

Today, Sampras plays exhibition tennis to raise money for charities such as earthquake victims. He lives in California with his wife Bridgette Wilson, a model, former Miss Teen USA, and actress, and their two sons. However, at the end of October 2023, Pete Sampras announced that his wife Bridgette was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Since the announcement, not much is known about her condition due to Sampras’ typical under-the-radar personality, away from the spotlight.

 

37. KOSTAS KARTSOTIS

Texas

ENTREPRENEUR

$117 MILLION (Benzinga)

Immensely private, Kostas Kartsotis, the Chairman and CEO of Fossil Group Inc. which designs, develops, markets and distributes consumer fashion accessories, is on our list again this year. The company products include an extensive line of men’s and women’s fashion watches and jewelry, handbags, small leather goods, belts, sunglasses and apparel.

Kosta, the son of a Greek-American family, began his career working for department store Sanger-Harris (which is now a part of Macy’s) where he learned about merchandising, branding, marketing, design, supply chain and sourcing – especially in Hong Kong and China. In 1984, as he suggested to his brother, Tom, (who was a Texas A&M student living in Dallas at the time), that he found what was to become the Fossil brand.

Tom, who went on to create the Shinola brand (a private company specializing in watches, bicycles and leather goods), still owns an undisclosed percentage of the company, but Kosta is the one that runs it now. Tom was previously included on our list, however, since entering the private sector (and as a result of the family’s very private nature), information regarding his net worth is not readily available). According to Niood, Tom has a passion for vintage collectibles, the environment and adventure. He is a collector of contemporary art, a lover of fine wines, and strong believer in giving back.

Kosta has spent the last 30 years working on the development of the company and all its entities. According to the ‘Unreasonable Group’ (a Colorado-based, international company that supports a Fellowship for growth-stage entrepreneurs, channels exclusive deal-flow to investors, and partners with institutions to discover profit in solving global problems) – of which Kosta is a mentor – Fossil is purpose-driven with a strong culture and focuses on the art and science of fashion retailing. Great creative innovation and design – combined with data-driven operational excellence are the key objectives. Nevertheless, most recently, Fossil decided to leave behind smartwatches, and focus instead on its ‘less smart goods’. Notable collaborations with iconic brands like Disney, Willy Wonka, Barbie, Star Wars, and The Flash exemplify Fossil’s innovative spirit and its ability to resonate with diverse consumer preferences. Despite Kosta’s penchant for privacy, his transformative leadership has propelled Fossil Group Inc. to prominence in the fashion accessories landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

 

38. JOHN VARVATOS

New York

$116 MILLION (TNHE)

FASHION

Eastern Michigan University (Education); Married, 3 children

John Varvatos, born in Detroit in 1954 to Greek parents from Sparta and Thessaloniki, spoke about his Greek roots in an interview with Untouchable Blog. When asked whether his collections reflect his Greek heritage, he responded that while he is unsure if they do, his passion and humility

definitely do. He grew up in a humble 100% Greek family of seven, with a father who worked as

an accountant for a nation-wide milk carton manufacturer and a mother who “had art in her fingertips” and made clothes for him and all his siblings. They lived in a small house with only one bathroom (900 square-feet as he recalls), where family and heritage were essential. He now honors the heritage of his brand and the menswear industry with great respect.

John Varvatos began his career in the design industry at the age of 17, working for Polo Ralph

Lauren. In 1990, he made the transition to Calvin Klein (CK) where he served as the head of

menswear design. It was during his tenure at CK that Varvatos revolutionized the apparel

industry by introducing ‘boxer briefs’ a hybrid of boxers and briefs for men’s underwear. This groundbreaking invention quickly rose to fame, and the ads featuring Mark Wahlberg made boxer briefs one of the greatest apparel revolutions of the 20th century. “We just cut off a pair of long johns and thought, this could be cool,” said Varvatos about his innovation. His success at CK propelled him to the top of the design industry. In 1995, Varvatos returned to Polo Ralph Lauren and took charge of menswear design for all Polo Ralph Lauren brands. During his tenure, he created the Polo Jeans Company.

In 1999, John Varvatos launched his own eponymous company, after his second stint with

Ralph Lauren. He debuted his first clothing line in 2000 and soon opened a boutique in New

York City’s SoHo district. Since then, the brand has expanded to include a variety of

accessories such as belts, handbags, footwear, eyewear, and fragrances, and is available both

at retail stores and his own stores.

Varvatos was named GQ’s Designer of the Year in 2007 and he attributes his interest in fashion to his love for rock and roll. He would observe the fashion choices of various musicians, such as Alice Cooper and Green Day. Music has also inspired his philanthropic pursuits, particularly Ringo Starr’s

advocacy for “inner peace and global peace,” both causes that are significant to him. In March of 2023, Varvatos combined his love of music and philanthropy when he served as one of the three executive producers for the seventh annual LOVE ROCKS NYC benefit concert. The concert aimed to raise awareness and funds for the organization God’s Love We Deliver.

John Varvatos experienced a setback in 2020 when his namesake company filed for bankruptcy

and was subsequently sold to Lion Capital. He tried to bounce back into fashion by launching a new brand, OTD (On this Day), but after some limited initial success, he decided to shutter the initiative. Nevertheless, Varvatos is certainly not done with fashion. In September of 2023, Under Armour announced that it had appointed Varvatos as its chief design officer.

In 2018, Varvatos launched a fragrance together (JVxNJ), and then continued their partnership in 2019 by entering the celebrity tequila market with their brand called Villa One, created by the Stoli Group. Most recently, Eater announced that Varvatos and Jonas will be embarking on yet another venture – opening a Mexican restaurant (coming in 2025) in downtown Miami.

 

39. ELENA FORD

Michigan

$100 MILLION (Celebrity Net Worth)

AUTOMOTIVES

New York University

Elena Ford, born in New York in 1966 and a distinguished member of the Ford family, has marked her journey with significant contributions and leadership roles within Ford Motor Company. As the first female Ford family member to hold an executive position in the company, she embodies a legacy of innovation and commitment. The daughter of Charlotte Ford and Stavros Niarchos, and the great-great-granddaughter of Henry Ford, Elena brings a rich heritage and a deep understanding of the brand’s history and values to her roles. Her educational background, with a bachelor’s degree in business from New York University, laid the foundation for her impressive career.

Since joining the company in 1995, Elena has served in various capacities, demonstrating her versatility and dedication to enhancing Ford’s global presence and customer experience. Her early roles saw her deeply involved in marketing, brand strategy, and business management, where she was instrumental in developing and launching Ford’s global brand promise: ‘Go Further’. Her vision also led to the global rollout of Ford Signature dealership design, significantly strengthening dealer relationships worldwide.

Elena’s impact expanded as she took on the role of Director, Global Marketing, Sales, and Service from February 2009 through February 2013, where she was pivotal in implementing the company’s One Ford marketing vision globally. Her leadership continued to evolve as she was appointed Executive Vice President, Global Brand and Marketing, Ford Credit in August 2007, overseeing marketing, product management, and sales support activities for Ford’s financial services arm.

In March 2013, Elena advanced to Vice President, Customer Experience and Global Dealer, a position she held until October 2018. This role saw her developing global standards and sharing best practices for planning, training, vehicle delivery, and customer interaction, not just with dealers but within the company as well. Her initiatives included leading the development and launch of the innovative FordPass and The Lincoln Way apps, which further solidified her commitment to creating a world-class customer experience throughout the entire ownership cycle.

Before her current role, Elena served as the Chief Customer Experience Officer of Ford Motor Company, where she was responsible for integrating the work of the Ford Customer Service Division, the Quality organization, Sales and Marketing, and the global dealer network. This integration aimed at fostering tighter connections between Ford and its customers worldwide, a testament to her belief that “an exceptional experience is what today’s customers want and expect.”

In September 2023, Elena took on the role of Chief Dealer Engagement Officer at Ford Blue, reporting directly to Andrew Frick, the President of Ford Blue. In this capacity, she focuses on collaborating with Ford’s global network of 10,000 dealers to streamline operations and leverage this network as a key company advantage. Her responsibilities encompass enhancing the effectiveness and cohesion of the global dealer council’s governance, upgrading retail facilities, updating training and development programs, spearheading dealer diversity initiatives, increasing community involvement, and promoting the sharing of best practices.

Elena’s commitment extends beyond her professional duties. She champions activities for Ford Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, to increase literacy skills among young people from low-income families, including collaborations aimed at increasing access to new books and encouraging STEAM education. Moreover, her board memberships, including FordDirect, Percepta, Southampton Hospital Association, the Forman School, and Fair Lane: the Home of Clara and Henry Ford, reflect her broader engagement with community and educational causes.

Recognized twice among the leading women in the auto industry by Automotive News, Elena’s contributions are not limited to Ford’s success but also encompass her active involvement with the Henry Ford Hospital and various community and business organizations, such as United Way and the International Women’s Forum, Michigan. Elena Ford’s journey with Ford Motor Company, marked by leadership, innovation, and a profound commitment to community and customer experience, continues to inspire and drive forward the legacy of one of America’s most iconic automotive brands.

 

 

40. JASON CALACANIS

$97 MILLION (TNHE)

INTERNET ENTREPRENEURSHIP, INVESTMENTS

Fordham University (Psychology); Married, 3 children

Jason Calacanis, born in Brooklyn, NY to parents of Greek and Irish origin, is a digital entrepreneur, angel investor, and writer. His name, which roughly translates to ‘to have done well’ or ‘good for you’, reflects his future success. Calacanis grew up working at his father’s bar in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, which he credits for developing his people skills from an early age.

Despite financial challenges, Calacanis worked two jobs to pay for college, demonstrating his strong work ethic. While studying psychology, he recognized the potential of the tech industry and began covering internet news as a reporter in the 1990s. His journalistic venture, the Silicon Alley Reporter, evolved into a prominent magazine, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit.

In 2003, Calacanis co-founded Weblogs, Inc. with Brian Alvey (with an angel investment by Mark Cuban), a blog network that he sold to AOL for over $25 million only 18 months later. Subsequently, he transitioned to angel investing, becoming one of the earliest investors in Uber, among other successful startups. Through his LAUNCH Fund and AngelList Syndicate, Calacanis has invested in over 300 startups, including Thumbtack, Trello, and Calm.

Known for his friendship with Elon Musk, Calacanis has raised millions of dollars for Musk’s ventures and even appeared in the Twitter company directory as a staff software engineer. Additionally, he hosts popular podcasts, including ‘This Week in Startups’ and ‘All In’, covering various topics from technology to politics.

Calacanis was in the headlines a few months ago when he ‘sounded the alarm’ regarding the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). Calacanis expressed concerns about SVB’s practices and suggested that the bank’s failure could have significant implications for the tech industry. He highlighted the importance of trust and integrity in banking and criticized SVB’s alleged focus on growth at all costs. Additionally, Calacanis emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in financial institutions to prevent similar situations in the future.

In 2017, Calacanis authored ‘Angel: How to Invest in Technology Startups’, sharing timeless advice from his experience as an angel investor. His contributions to the tech industry have earned him recognition as a prominent figure and a successful entrepreneur.

41. HOWARD LORBER

$96 MILLION (WallMine)

REAL ESTATE, INVESTMENTS, FOOD

Long Island University (Tax); Married, 2 children

Howard Lorber, Chairman of Douglas Elliman and a key figure in the real estate industry, traces his Greek heritage back to the resilient Jewish community of Thessaloniki. Lorber’s grandparents were among the fortunate few who immigrated to the United States before World War II, escaping the tragic fate of many Greek Jews who perished in the Holocaust. Motivated by his family’s history, Lorber accepted the role of Chairman of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 2017, recognizing the importance of preserving the memory of those lost.

Beyond his leadership at Douglas Elliman, Lorber serves as President and CEO of Vector Group Ltd. and its subsidiary New Valley, LLC. He is also the Executive Chairman of Nathan’s Famous, Inc., overseeing significant growth in the company’s performance as indicated by SEC filings.

Lorber’s commitment to philanthropy is evident through his involvement in various charitable organizations. He was honored with the Metropolitan Chrysostomos Award by the ‘Oxi’ Day Foundation for his dedication to commemorating the courage of Greeks during the Holocaust. Additionally, Lorber serves on the boards of the 92nd Street Y, the Garden of Dreams Foundation, and the Southampton Hospital Foundation. As Co-Chairman of the Silver Shield Foundation, he supports the educational needs of children of police officers and firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty.

In recognition of his achievements, Lorber received an honorary doctorate from Long Island University, where he also serves as a trustee. His multifaceted career and philanthropic endeavors underscore his deep commitment to making a positive impact on both the real estate industry and society as a whole.

 

42. GEORGE SCANGOS

$91 MILLION (GuruFocus)

BIOTECHNOLOGY

Cornell University (BA Biology); University of Massachusetts (Microbiology PhD); Married

George Scangos, a third generation Greek-American, is a 40-year veteran biotech executive who has run multiple publicly traded companies and helped build two from their earliest days. Originally from Lynn, MA Scangos didn’t learn English until he was in kindergarten, spent summers at the beach, and didn’t like science until he fell in love with biology at Cornell.

Scangos served as the leader (president, CEO and member of the board) of infectious disease drugmaker Vir Biotechnology and was one of the industry’s more high-profile chief executives. Scangos led Vir since its launch in 2017 and oversaw its transition from startup to a developer of multiple marketed medicines. However, at 74, he decided to retire in April 2023 (but still remains on the board).

Under Dr. Scangos’ leadership, and in less than six years, the company delivered life-saving therapies for Ebola and COVID-19 to millions of patients around the world, built a robust pipeline that currently spans five therapeutic areas, and established a strong balance sheet with approximately $2.7 billion in cash and cash equivalents. In 2022, Vir was named the fastest growing company on the 2022 Deloitte Technology Fast 500.

Prior to his tenure at Vir, Scangos served as CEO of Biogen Inc., where he spearheaded strategic initiatives and navigated the company through significant restructuring. His leadership at Biogen propelled the development of breakthrough treatments, including Aduhelm, a medication for Alzheimer’s disease.

Before his roles at Vir and Biogen, Scangos served as CEO of Exelixis and held leadership positions at Bayer Biotechnology. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his exceptional leadership, earning accolades such as Fortune’s ‘Businessperson of the Year’ and Harvard Business Review’s ‘Best Performing CEOs in the World’.

Beyond his corporate achievements, Scangos is deeply involved in industry organizations and philanthropic endeavors. He has served as Chair of PhRMA and the California Healthcare Institute and received numerous awards for his contributions to the life sciences sector. He is also professor emeritus of biology at Johns Hopkins University.

Even in retirement, Scangos’ expertise remains in demand. This was evidenced by his appointment to the board of Voyager, a leading gene therapy company, not even one month after his ‘retirement’. His continued involvement underscores his enduring commitment to advancing scientific innovation and improving global health outcomes.

 

43. CHRIS CHELIOS

Illinois

$80 MILLION (Celebrity Net Worth)

SPORTS, Married, 4 children

Chris Chelios, born in Chicago in 1962 as Christos Kostas Chelios, is a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience rooted in his Spartan, Greek heritage. His journey from a young boy in Evergreen Park, Chicago, to becoming an NHL legend encapsulates a remarkable story of perseverance, skill, and dedication. Despite facing early setbacks, including being cut from teams, Chelios’ determination, fueled by his proud Greek lineage, propelled him to greatness. He once remarked, “we know where to find that inner will, like the best of thoroughbred race horses. It’s in our bloodline,” showcasing the depth of his motivation.

Chelios’ hockey career began to shine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he played a pivotal role in their NCAA championship victory in 1983. His outstanding performance at the university level caught the attention of the NHL, marking the start of an exceptional career in professional hockey. Over 26 seasons, Chelios became one of the most enduring players in NHL history. His career is highlighted by a record-breaking 1,651 regular-season games played, the highest by a defenseman in the league’s history. Additionally, his playoff appearances set another record for the most playoff games played by a defenseman.

Throughout his career, Chelios achieved numerous accolades, including three Stanley Cup victories, three Norris Trophies as the best defenseman, and 11 All-Star appearances. He demonstrated leadership and skilled playing for teams such as the Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, and Atlanta Thrashers, ultimately retiring as the all-time leader in games played by a defenseman. Chelios’ widely apparent leadership on and off the ice during his career manifested in the fact that he served as captain for both the Chicago Blackhawks and the Detroit Red Wings while playing for those franchises. His contributions to hockey were immortalized in 2013 when he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Further solidifying his legacy, the Chicago Blackhawks retired his No. 7 jersey in February 2024.

After retiring from playing, he shared his knowledge and experience as an assistant coach for the Detroit Red Wings and transitioned to broadcasting, working as an NHL analyst for ESPN, though he won’t be returning for the upcoming NHL season. His business ventures, notably CCH Xtreme, which offers hockey training programs, have also contributed to his financial success, culminating in his debut on The National Herald’s list of the 50 wealthiest Greeks in America this year.

 

44. TINA FEY

New York

$75 MILLION (Celebrity Net Worth)

ENTERTAINMENT

University of Virginia (Drama); Married, 2 children

Tina Fey, born Elizabeth Stamatina Fey, is a celebrated actor, writer, and producer known for her comedic genius and cultural impact. Raised in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, Fey grew up immersed in her Greek heritage, with her mother ensuring Greek language and traditions were part of their household.

Fey’s career took off over two decades ago when she joined the cast of ‘Saturday Night Live’, where she made history as the first female head writer and co-hosted the iconic Weekend Update segment. Throughout her career, Fey has often incorporated her Greek heritage into her work, adding humor and authenticity to her characters and sketches. She once humorously commented on the retirement age in Greece: “What did you say? Retire at 54? Really? Αλήθεια? Greek people in America work the register at the diner until they die…”

Her talent and creativity have earned Fey numerous awards and accolades, including nine Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, five Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Mark Twain Prize for American Humor – the youngest recipient of the award. She gained widespread acclaim for her work on the sitcom ‘30 Rock’, which garnered over 100 Emmy nominations, and for co-creating the Netflix series ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’ and ‘Mulligan’ as well as the NBC sitcom ‘Mr. Mayor’.

In addition to her television success, Fey has made a significant impact in film, starring in and voicing roles in various movies, including ‘Mean Girls’, ‘Baby Mama’, ‘Megamind’, and ‘Soul’. She created the musical adaptation of her film ‘Mean Girls’, which premiered on Broadway in 2018 and earned her a Tony Award nomination. Fey also served as an executive producer for ‘Girls5Eva’, a comedy series about a one-hit-wonder girl group from the ’90s who reunite to give their pop star dreams one more chance. This show was one of the first original series for NBCU’s streaming platform, Peacock. She has also excelled as an author, with her memoir ‘Bossypants’ topping bestseller lists (including The New York Times for 5 weeks in a row) and earning her a Grammy Award nomination.

Outside of entertainment, Fey is a passionate advocate for social causes, supporting organizations like Autism Speaks and Mercy Corps. She is vocal about gender equality in comedy and beyond, using her platform to address systemic issues and advocate for change.

Fey’s partnership with Amy Poehler has become legendary, with the duo co-hosting award shows and embarking on a successful comedy tour. Their collaboration continues to captivate audiences, with record-breaking comedy shows and new projects in the works.

In her personal life, Fey is married to composer Jeff Richmond, and they have two daughters, Alice and Penelope Athena. Her influence in the entertainment industry and commitment to her craft make her a beloved and influential figure in comedy and beyond.

 

44. ANGELO SOTIRA

California

$75 MILLION (Celebrity Net Worth)

ENTREPRENEUR

Angelo Sotira is a Greek-American entrepreneur and co-founder of the popular online community and social networking website DeviantArt. Born on February 14, 1981, in Greece, Sotira moved to the United States at a young age. He displayed an early interest in computers and technology, teaching himself to code and design websites. In 2000, at the age of 19, Sotira co-founded DeviantArt along with Scott Jarkoff and Matt Stephens. DeviantArt quickly gained popularity as a platform for artists to showcase their work, connect with other creatives, and receive feedback from a global audience. The website features a wide range of art forms, including digital art, traditional painting, photography, and literature. Under Sotira’s leadership, DeviantArt grew into one of the largest online art communities, attracting millions of users worldwide. The platform’s vibrant community and user-generated content fostered a supportive environment for artists to express themselves and collaborate on projects. In 2007, DeviantArt was acquired by Wix.com, a leading cloud-based web development platform, for an undisclosed amount. Sotira continued to be involved with DeviantArt following the acquisition, contributing to its growth and development. Sotira’s vision for DeviantArt was to provide artists with a platform to share their creations, gain exposure, and build a community around their work. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to empowering artists have made DeviantArt a cornerstone of the online art world.

Outside of DeviantArt, Sotira has been involved in various entrepreneurial ventures and initiatives. He remains an influential figure in the tech and art communities, advocating for the importance of creativity and self-expression in the digital age.

 

46. GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO

Wisconsin

$70 MILLION (Sportscasting)

SPORTS; Engaged, 3 Children

Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo stands out among the successful individuals on our list not just because of his estimated net worth of $110 million, but also because of his significant impact on the NBA and especially his inspiring journey to success. Despite being just over 28 years old, Giannis has already cemented his place as a household name in the United States and around the world. He achieved a major milestone in his career by winning the 2021 NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks. Additionally, Giannis and his partner Mariah Riddlesprigger, a volleyball player, expanded their family in 2021 with the birth of their son, Maverick Shai, who joined their first son, Liam Charles, who was born in 2020 and recently celebrated his third birthday. While Giannis’ net worth may not be the highest on our list, his accomplishments and impact in the NBA and beyond make him one of the most important shining examples of success.

Giannis is an NBA superstar who has been named Most Valuable Player twice and was also named the 2021 NBA All-Star Game MVP. Born in Athens, Greece, to Nigerian immigrants from Lagos, he and three of his four brothers were born in Greece, but they were not automatically granted full Greek citizenship due to the jus sanguinis provision of Greek nationality law. As a result, Antetokounmpo was stateless for the first 18 years of his life and lacked official documents from either Nigeria or Greece. In 2013, he was granted Greek citizenship, and his family Hellenized their surname from Adetokunbo to Antetokounmpo to comply with Greek spelling rules. Giannis grew up in the Sepolia neighborhood of Athens, and he and his brothers sold items on the street to help their parents make ends meet in the face of harsh working conditions for immigrants in Greece.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s basketball career started in 2007 when he first discovered the sport. Three years later, he was already playing on the youth team of local club Filathlitikos. In 2011, he earned a spot on the senior squad of Filathlitikos, which competed in the Greek Basket League’s Third Division before being promoted to the Greek A2 League’s Second Division for the 2012-2013 season.

Antetokounmpo made himself available for the 2013 NBA draft, where he was chosen in the first round as the 15th overall pick by the Milwaukee Bucks. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie second team at the end of his first season in the league.

After a remarkable rookie season, Giannis was selected to the NBA All-Rookie second team. As he continued to impress the basketball world, Antetokounmpo signed a four-year $100 million contract extension with the Milwaukee Bucks on September 19, 2016, a testament to his growing superstar status and the Bucks’ confidence in his ability to improve further.

Over the course of his eight seasons in the NBA, he has been selected to the NBA All-Star team seven times, serving as an All-Star Captain twice, and won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 2020. Just before the end of 2020, he signed another massive five-year extension with the Bucks worth $228 million.

Giannis is not just a basketball player, but also a successful businessman with a range of financial ventures. In the past year alone, he has become a minority owner of MLS’ Nashville SC, created the Calamos Antetokounmpo Sustainable Equity Funds in collaboration with John Koudounis and Calamos Investments, invested in Israeli health startup Antidote Health, made his acting debut in partnership with WhatsApp to promote their Naija Odyssey documentary, and became a minority owner of the Milwaukee Brewers in 2021.

Despite his numerous commitments, Giannis still finds time to give back to his community. He is an active member of the philanthropic community in the Milwaukee metro area, and remains closely connected to his Greek heritage. Giannis supports Greek tourism, Aegean Airlines, recycling initiatives, and more recently, pandemic safety efforts in Greece. Giannis is actively involved in promoting basketball for youth in his hometown of Sepolia in Athens, Greece. He organizes basketball tournaments and contributes to the creation and renovation of basketball courts in the area. Additionally, Giannis’ family has established the Charles Antetokounmpo Family Foundation in honor of his late father, which is dedicated to supporting various charitable causes. Three of Giannis’ brothers are also professional basketball players: Thanasis plays alongside Giannis for the Milwaukee Bucks, Kostas plays for Turkey’s Fenerbahçe, and Alexandros plays for the Wisconsin Herd.

 

46. ART ZAFIROPOULO

California

$70 MILLION (Benzinga)

ENGINEERING, TECHNOLOGY

Northeastern (Physics, Engineering); Married, 2 children

Born to Greek parents in a suburb of Boston, Art Zafiropoulo grew up in a relatively poor environment, saying that although his parents, who left Greece after World War I, worked ‘very, very hard,’ they were never able to buy their own home. Despite the financial challenges, Zafiropoulo pursued higher education at Northeastern University, majoring in physics and electrical engineering. In an interview with Semi.org, Zafiropoulo described where his interest for engineering may have come from: “When I was growing up, my father was very interested in cars…and mechanical engineering. He later became a watchmaker. When he first started working in the U.S., he worked at a clothing store called Scott’s. It was a high end store where he designed clothes for [President] Roosevelt, the Pope, and a number of other [famous people]. But when the industry shifted from manual designs to automation, cutting clothing with band saws, he decided to leave. During the same time, he was working as a jeweler, repairing watches at home. He was mechanically inclined, so he opened a jewelry store and progressed from that point. I guess between the cars and his knowledge of mechanical configurations it sort of just rubbed off on me. Engineering was an important part of my life, and I think mainly from him.” Zafiropoulo also has a soft spot for Greeks and Greece. In an interview with BizJournals, he was characterized as such: If a visitor mentions something in passing that taps Zafiropoulo’s deep love of his Greek heritage, he’ll likely respond with an impromptu bear hug.

With over five decades of experience in the semiconductor industry, Zafiropoulo’s leadership and technical prowess are widely recognized. As the president of Ultratech Stepper, now Ultratech, Inc., he orchestrated a successful management buyout and drove one of the industry’s most notable IPOs in 1993. Throughout his career, Zafiropoulo has amassed numerous patents and received accolades, including SEMI’s Bob Graham Award for Marketing Excellence and induction into VLSI Research’s Semiconductor Industry Hall of Fame. His contributions extend to serving as Director Emeritus of the Board of Directors for SEMI.

In his latest endeavor, Zafiropoulo joined PrinterPrezz’s board of advisors, aligning with the company’s mission to accelerate the development of innovative medical devices through advanced manufacturing techniques in an effort to become the first ‘Medifacturing’ company in the world. By developing advanced medical devices using processes that combine expertise in 3D printing, orthopedics, semiconductor, and nanotechnologies, PrinterPrezz’s ultimate goal is to provide medical solutions that enable people to enjoy active lives longer.

Zafiropoulo established an endowed faculty chair in engineering (with a $2.5 million gift) at Northeastern University. He is also the co-founder and was the co-owner of the successful Ferrari dealership of Silicon Valley, one of the largest in North America at the time of its opening. The dealership was eventually sold in 2020 to indiGO Auto Group.

Co-founding Scuderia Corsa in 2012 with Giacomo Mattioli, Zafiropoulo played a pivotal role in establishing the prominent American automotive racing team headquartered in Las Vegas. Specializing in various competitions like the IMSA SportsCar Championship and Ferrari Challenge in North America, Scuderia Corsa caters to Ferrari clients’ racing needs, offering customizable track-day events and participating in prestigious GT endurance races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans. While originally co-owned by Mattioli and Zafiropoulo, Mattioli acquired Zafiropoulo’s shares in 2022, assuming sole ownership of the team.

 

48. YANNI CHRYSSOMALIS – AKA YANNI

California

$50 MILLION (Celebrity Net Worth)

ENTERTAINMENT

University of Minnesota (Psychology)

Born in Kalamata, Greece, on November 14, 1954, Yanni Chryssomallis was a musical prodigy who would go on to captivate the world with his unique compositions. The Chryssomallis household, lively with the sounds of music, was where Yanni, alongside his older brother and younger sister, would spend countless hours immersed in melody and harmony. Despite the charms of a typically Greek upbringing – fishing, swimming, and schooling – the young Yanni was unmistakably distinct. An innate composer, he found his calling with the piano at the tender age of six. Shunning traditional lessons, Yanni sought to liberate the music that danced in his mind, craving to express it through the black and white keys of the instrument.

While music was his dominating passion, Yanni showcased exceptional versatility by breaking the Greek National swimming record in the 50-meter freestyle at just 14. However, his heart was set on a different journey – one that would ultimately allow him to share his musical gifts far and wide. Childhood inspirations drawn from his roots would later blossom into iconic compositions such as ‘Santorini’, ‘Nostalgia’, and ‘Acroyali’.

The next chapter of Yanni’s story began in 1972 when he ventured to the United States to attend the University of Minnesota. It was there, amidst the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language, that Yanni cultivated his unique musical style, blending piano and electronic keyboards to craft new sounds. Graduating in 1976 with a degree in Psychology, Yanni made a pivotal decision to dedicate a year entirely to music, setting the stage for his lifelong vocation.

The 1980s were a transformative period for Yanni. Joining the rock and roll realm with Chameleon, he toured extensively while honing his craft in electronic music. His first solo album, ‘Optimystique’, released in 1980, sowed the seeds for his solo career. By the late 1980s, Yanni had not only carved a niche for himself but had also begun to attract a substantial following. His collaboration with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra in 1990 marked a significant evolution in his style, adding a rich orchestral layer to his creations.

Yanni’s prolific output continued into the early ’90s, a period marked by critical acclaim and commercial success. Albums such as ‘In Celebration of Life’, ‘Dare to Dream’, and ‘In My Time’, the latter two earning Grammy nominations, solidified his status as a groundbreaking artist. His music, characterized by serene, piano-centered compositions, resonated globally, selling millions of copies.

Chryssomallis’ musical legacy, originating from his early days in Kalamata, Greece, has continued to flourish from 2010 onwards with his 19th album ‘Truth of Touch’ marking a return to primarily instrumental music after nearly a decade. This period of stress-free creativity led to the album’s global release in over 40 countries. His achievements were further highlighted in the globally aired TV program ‘Yanni: A Living Legacy’, featuring cherished performances and previously unseen concert footage, alongside ‘Yanni in Hi Definition’ which offered fans high-definition highlights of his live shows. Yanni’s worldwide tours, including over 60 performances across the Americas, showcased new music from ‘Truth of Touch’ and maintained his iconic status, drawing fans to live experiences of his evolving musical journey, from historical site concerts to his latest works.

 

49. ALEXANDER PAYNE

California

$35 MILLION (Celebrity Net Worth)

ENTERTAINMENT

Stanford University (Spanish & History); 1 child

Alexander Payne, born Constantine Alexander Payne on February 10, 1961, in Omaha, Nebraska, is a celebrated Greek-American film director, screenwriter, and producer. His paternal grandfather, who arrived in Omaha around 1912, anglicized the family name from ‘Papadopoulos’ due to an anti-Greek riot in 1909. Raised in Omaha by parents Peggy and George Payne, both of Greek descent, Payne’s upbringing was infused with Greek heritage and culture. Notably, Payne’s father initiated the Greek Festival in Omaha in the late 70s, reflecting the family’s strong ties to their Greek roots. Payne attended Creighton Preparatory School before pursuing his passion for filmmaking at Stanford University, where he studied history and Spanish, igniting his interest in cinema.

After graduating from Stanford, Payne pursued his passion for cinema at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Film School, where he earned his Master of Fine Arts degree in 1990. During his time at UCLA, Payne honed his skills as a filmmaker and began to garner attention for his distinctive storytelling style and keen observation of human behavior.

Payne made his feature film directorial debut in 1996 with ‘Citizen Ruth’, a dark comedy-drama starring Laura Dern. The film received critical acclaim for its sharp satire and bold exploration of controversial themes such as abortion and substance abuse. However, it was Payne’s sophomore effort, ‘Election’ (1999), that firmly established him as a filmmaker to watch. Starring Reese Witherspoon and Matthew Broderick, Election was a critical and commercial success, earning Payne widespread praise for his incisive wit and deft handling of complex characters.

In 2002, Payne achieved further acclaim with ‘About Schmidt’, a poignant comedy-drama starring Jack Nicholson as a retired insurance salesman grappling with existential questions. The film earned Payne his reputation as a master storyteller with a unique voice. However, it was Payne’s next film, ‘Sideways’ (2004), that catapulted him to international fame and cemented his status as one of Hollywood’s most talented directors. A bittersweet comedy-drama about two friends on a wine-tasting road trip through California’s wine country, Sideways received widespread critical acclaim and won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for Payne and his writing partner, Jim Taylor.

Since then, Payne has continued to captivate audiences with his thought-provoking films, including ‘The Descendants’ (2011), starring George Clooney, ‘Nebraska’ (2013), featuring Bruce Dern and, most recently, ‘The Holdovers’ (2023). Known for his keen attention to detail, nuanced characterizations, and darkly humorous storytelling, Payne has carved out a unique niche in the world of cinema.

In addition to his work as a director, Payne is also a prolific producer, having collaborated with some of the industry’s most talented filmmakers. He has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including two Academy Awards and multiple nominations for his work in film.

Outside of filmmaking, Payne is known for his philanthropic efforts and commitment to social causes. He remains an influential figure in the entertainment industry, admired for his creative vision, uncompromising storytelling, and dedication to his craft.

Payne was granted Greek citizenship in 2022 and was involved in the Evia Film Project, a sustainable filmmaking initiative run by the Thessaloniki Film Festival in Greece. He has expressed interest in making a film in the Greek language if the script is right. Payne is deeply connected to his Greek heritage, with roots in Syros, Livadia, and Aegio. He also has family ties in Greece, including his 6-year-old daughter from his second marriage who lives there with his second wife.

Payne’s contributions to cinema and his Greek heritage were recently celebrated at the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival (LAGFF), where a special screening of The Holdovers was hosted with the director in attendance.

 

50. STEVE APOSTOLOPOULOS

Canada

~$3 to 4 BILLION (Canadian Business (2017) via Forbes)

Harvard University; Married, 1 child

Steve Apostolopoulos, an honorary mention in our coverage, stands out as a prominent Greek-Canadian businessman with significant accomplishments across a host of fields. Although he is technically based in Canada, his potential ventures into the United States, such as his interest in purchasing the Washington Commanders, warranted his inclusion. Born in Toronto, Canada, he is a distinguished figure, known for his role as the managing partner of the real estate firm Triple Group of Companies. Additionally, Steve is the founder of the private equity firm Six Ventures and co-founder of the credit card firm Caary. His educational background includes a degree from Harvard University, which has undoubtedly contributed to his successful career.

Steve’s journey in business began at a young age, inspired by his father, Andreas Apostolopoulos, a late Greek-Canadian billionaire businessman who immigrated to Canada from Messini, Kalamata, in Greece. Andreas Apostolopoulos passed away on February 15, 2021, at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy of entrepreneurship and philanthropy. His father’s influence and guidance have been instrumental in Steve’s success. In 2023, Steve, alongside his brothers Jim and Peter, made headlines for their bids to purchase the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL) and the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League (NHL), underlining a family trait of always seeking to expand their business interests by looking into getting into the sports industry.

With a net worth of approximately $1.3 billion as of January 2024, Steve’s financial success is a testament to his business acumen and leadership skills. His work with the Triple Group of Companies, where he has been serving since 1999, reflects his deep commitment and expertise in the field of real estate and property management. Steve’s business ventures also extend to Six Ventures Inc., a company known for its investments in diverse fields, and Caary Capital, a digital platform aimed at simplifying expense management for clients.

Steve Apostolopoulos is married to Laura Apostolopoulos, and their long-standing relationship has been a foundation of his personal life. Together, they have one child.