Story
Sir James Arthur Ratcliffe (born 18 October 1952), known as Jim Ratcliffe, is a prominent British billionaire, renowned chemical engineer and shrewd businessman. He proudly holds many positions as the respected founder, chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of the chemical company INEOS.
Since its inception in 1998, the prestigious conglomerate has grown exponentially under his visionary leadership. The company’s remarkable success has resulted in an impressive revenue of approximately $65 billion in 2021.
Jim Ratcliffe’s journey to success was deeply rooted in his academic and professional achievements. With a background in chemical engineering, he graduated with distinction and made a significant impact in the industry. His expertise and innovative thinking laid the foundation for the establishment of INEOS, a company that would become a force in the chemicals industry.
CEO of Ineos
Sir Jim Ratcliffe |
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 Sir Jim Ratcliffe: History ‧ Biography ‧ Photos |
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| Wiki Events & About Data | |
| First and last name: | Sir James Arthur Ratcliffe |
| Stage Name: | Sir Jim Ratcliffe |
| Born: | October 18, 1952 (age 71) |
| Place of birth: | Failsworth, United Kingdom |
| Nationality: | brother |
| Education: | University of Birmingham, London Business School |
| Height: | 1.58 meters |
| Parents: | Mr. and Mrs. Ratcliffe |
| Siblings: | Bob Ratcliffe |
| Couple: | Amanda Townson (married 1985–1995), Alicia Ratcliffe |
| Girlfriend • Partner: | Maria Alessia Maresca (former) |
| Children: | Samuel Ratcliffe, George Ratcliffe, Julia Ratcliffe |
| Job: | Entrepreneur • Chemical Engineer |
| Net asset value: | $20.3 billion |
Early life and education
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a well-known figure in the business world, hails from Failsworth, Lancashire, England, where he was born on October 18, 1952. He grew up in a humble family, with his father working as a carpenter and his mother working as an accountant.
Although his parents’ specific names are not known, they are likely referred to as Mr. and Mrs. Ratcliffe. Jim has an older brother named Bob Ratcliffe.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s educational journey began at Beverley Grammar Schooland he continued to pursue his studies at University of Birminghamwhere he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering. He then honed his skills by completing an MBA at London Business School in 1980.
Career
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s career began at Exxon Chemicals, where he earned his MBA from London Business SchoolHe then joined Courtaulds and was responsible for the successful acquisition of Inspec Group plc in 1992. In 1998, Ratcliffe formed INEOS by acquiring Inspec and its Antwerp base.
He used high-yield debt to finance his acquisitions. He strategically bought underperforming businesses like ICI and BP, focusing on targets that could double their earnings in five years.
INEOS acquired BP’s refining and petrochemicals division, Innovene, in 2006. The acquisition expanded INEOS’ presence to include refineries and plants across several countries, including Scotland, Italy, Germany, France, Belgium and Canada.
Under the leadership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, INEOS has achieved remarkable success and is now recognised as one of the largest and most prosperous chemical companies globally. The company specialises in the production of a range of petrochemicals, such as ethylene and chlorine, cementing its leading position in the industry.
Ratcliffe, an avid explorer and adventurer, fearlessly embarked on remarkable expeditions to conquer the North and South Poles. Not only did he have a deep appreciation for the thrilling experiences, Ratcliffe also demonstrated his altruism and compassion by generously donating millions of pounds to charities and charitable causes.
Furthermore, he fulfills his role as a patron of the arts, recognizing the importance of the arts in society and actively supporting artists and artistic initiatives. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is the embodiment of a multifaceted individual, committed to making a positive impact on the world by demonstrating his dedication to adventure, charity and the arts.
In August 2022, Ratcliffe revealed his desire to buy Manchester United. The club holds a special place in his heart, having supported the club since childhood. The news came in January when INEOS publicly announced that it had initiated a formal bid for Manchester United. The decision came after the current owners expressed their intention to seek new investors.
On 25 November 2023, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a wealthy British businessman, will buy a minority stake in the club and then take control of football operations at Old Trafford once the deal is finalised. Once the deal is officially approved, one of Ratcliffe’s main focuses will be to strengthen the club’s recruitment strategies, having previously expressed his displeasure with Manchester United’s transfer practices under the Glazer family’s ownership.
Social Media
Ineos CEO Sir Jim Ratcliffe has no public social media accounts.
Personal life
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, 71, is a British businessman and billionaire who has been married twice in his life. His first wife was Amanda Townson.
Jim Ratcliffe has two sons, Samuel Ratcliffe and George Ratcliffe, with his ex-wife Amanda Townson. He also has a daughter from a previous relationship with Maria Alessia Maresca, an Italian tax lawyer. Jim Ratcliffe lives in both Monaco and Hampshire, England. In the mid-1990s, he reportedly married his second wife, Alicia Ratcliffe, and the couple welcomed a daughter named Julia Ratcliffe.
Alicia is an experienced Italian tax lawyer. They are delighted to have a beautiful daughter named Julia Ratcliffe. Ratcliffe divides her time between her home in Hampshire, England and Monaco.
Net asset value
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s net worth is estimated at $20.3 billion, making him the second-richest person in the UK. He is the founder, chairman and majority shareholder of Ineos Group, a global chemical company headquartered in London.
Ineos is known as the world’s largest producer of ethylene oxide, a key ingredient in the production of plastics. In addition, Ineos produces a variety of other chemicals, such as chlorine, sodium hydroxide and vinyl chloride monomer.
