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Hart
Graeme Hart
Rank #337
NEW ZEALAND•Food & Beverage•Packaging

Graeme Hart

Net Worth
$10.016B
+0.66% (24h)
Graeme Hart is a New Zealand billionaire businessman, known for building a global packaging empire. His net worth is primarily derived from his private company, Rank Group, through which he has made significant acquisitions in the packaging and consumer goods industries. Hart's career began with humble beginnings, later earning an MBA from the University of Otago. He is recognized for his strategic use of leveraged buyouts and his focus on improving the operational efficiency of undervalued companies. As of 2024, Hart is considered one of the wealthiest individuals in New Zealand.

How to read Graeme Hart's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For Graeme Hart, we anchor the narrative to Packaging and Packaging, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $10.016B alongside global rank #337, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (NEW ZEALAND) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

Graeme Hart was born in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1955. He attended Mount Roskill Grammar School but left at 16 without formal qualifications. Before building his business empire, Hart worked as a tow-truck driver and in other entry-level roles, which instilled in him a strong work ethic.

Rise to Success

Hart's business career began with Hart Printing Co. in 1976. He later earned an MBA from the University of Otago in 1987, which equipped him for strategic acquisitions. His success accelerated in the 1990s with the leveraged buyout of the New Zealand Government Printing Office. Hart has built his wealth primarily through leveraged buyouts and strategic acquisitions in the packaging sector.

Key Business Strategies

Hart's investment strategy focuses on acquiring undervalued companies with strong market positions, improving their operational efficiency, and implementing cost-cutting measures. He typically finances acquisitions with significant debt, then restructures and consolidates the acquired companies to increase profitability. He has acquired numerous packaging and consumer goods companies through his private company, Rank Group.

Philanthropy

Graeme Hart and his wife have engaged in philanthropy in a discreet manner. In 2018, they donated NZ$10 million to fund a dental healthcare facility at the University of Otago.

Career Timeline

2022

Inducted into NZ Business Hall of Fame

Recognized for contributions to business in New Zealand.

2008

Acquired Alcoa's Packaging & Consumer group

Acquired the packaging group for US$2.7 billion, later renamed Reynolds Packaging Group.

2006

Acquired Carter Holt Harvey

Purchased the forestry and packaging company.

1990

Acquired Government Printing Office

Made a significant early acquisition through a leveraged buyout.

1987

Earned MBA

Completed a Master of Business Administration from the University of Otago.

1976

Founded Hart Printing Co.

Launched his first business, a printing company in Auckland, New Zealand.

Philanthropic Impact

Healthcare$10M NZD

Dental Healthcare Facility

Donated to fund a low-cost dental healthcare facility in South Auckland.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
Reynolds Consumer Products——

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

Graeme Hart was born in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1955. He attended Mount Roskill Grammar School but left at 16 without formal qualifications. Before building his business empire, Hart worked as a tow-truck driver and in other entry-level roles, which instilled in him a strong work ethic.

Rise to Success

Hart's business career began with Hart Printing Co. in 1976. He later earned an MBA from the University of Otago in 1987, which equipped him for strategic acquisitions. His success accelerated in the 1990s with the leveraged buyout of the New Zealand Government Printing Office. Hart has built his wealth primarily through leveraged buyouts and strategic acquisitions in the packaging sector.

Key Business Strategies

Hart's investment strategy focuses on acquiring undervalued companies with strong market positions, improving their operational efficiency, and implementing cost-cutting measures. He typically finances acquisitions with significant debt, then restructures and consolidates the acquired companies to increase profitability. He has acquired numerous packaging and consumer goods companies through his private company, Rank Group.

Philanthropy

Graeme Hart and his wife have engaged in philanthropy in a discreet manner. In 2018, they donated NZ$10 million to fund a dental healthcare facility at the University of Otago.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Graeme Hart are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.

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