LeaderPortfolio
Jackman
Hal Jackman
Rank #1616
CANADAFinance & InvestmentsInsurance, investments

Hal Jackman

Net Worth
$2.548B
-1.77% (24h)
Henry Newton Rowell "Hal" Jackman (born June 10, 1932) is a Canadian billionaire businessman and philanthropist. His wealth stems from his significant holdings in E-L Financial Corporation, an investment and insurance holding company. Jackman's career includes leadership roles at National Trust Company and The Empire Life Insurance Company, where he expanded his family's financial services empire. He served as the 25th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario from 1991 to 1997 and has been a generous supporter of the arts, education, and health sectors through the Hal Jackman Foundation. As of March 10, 2026, his net worth is estimated at $2.7 billion.

How to read Hal Jackman'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 Hal Jackman, we anchor the narrative to Insurance and Insurance, investments, 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 $2.548B alongside global rank #1616, 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 (CANADA) 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

Henry Newton Rowell "Hal" Jackman was born on June 10, 1932, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He is the son of Harry Jackman, a former Member of Parliament, and Mary Rowell Jackman, a philanthropist. Jackman's family had a prominent standing in Toronto's business and political circles.

Rise to Success

Jackman pursued his education at Pickering College, the University of Toronto Schools, Upper Canada College, the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, and the London School of Economics. Following his education, he began his career by joining his family's business, Empire Life Insurance Company. Through his leadership, he grew the company into one of Canada's largest holdings. Jackman also chaired the board of the National Trust Company. He then became the chairman of the board of The Empire Life Insurance Company and other prominent Canadian corporations. Jackman later followed his father's footsteps by entering politics and served as the 25th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario from 1991 to 1997. During his time as Lieutenant Governor, he supported the arts, history, and national unity. His business acumen and public service have allowed him to contribute significantly to both the economic and cultural landscapes of Canada.

Key Business Strategies

Jackman's success in the financial sector has been characterized by strategic asset diversification and timely investment decisions. His experience with the National Trust Company and E-L Financial Corporation underscores his commitment to prudent management and a customer-focused approach. In addition, he is the largest shareholder of E-L Financial Corporation, a Toronto-based investment and insurance holding company.

Philanthropy

Jackman has been a dedicated philanthropist. He established the Hal Jackman Foundation in 1987, which has awarded over $50 million to charities in the arts, education, health, and wellness sectors. His contributions have supported various initiatives, including educational programs and artistic endeavors at the University of Toronto, where he served as Chancellor from 1997 to 2003. He has also made a substantial donation to the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. In 1995, he established The Lieutenant Governor's Awards for the Arts, which awarded over $2.5 million to 84 arts organizations.

Career Timeline

1997-2003

Chancellor of the University of Toronto

Supported educational initiatives and contributed to the University's growth.

1991-1997

Lieutenant Governor of Ontario

Served as the Queen's representative in Ontario, supporting the arts and culture.

1956

Joined Empire Life Insurance Company

Began working at the family business, playing a significant role in its growth.

Philanthropic Impact

Philanthropy$50M+

Hal Jackman Foundation

Supports initiatives in the arts, education, and health sectors.

Education$100M

University of Toronto Faculty of Law

Supports scholarships, programs, and global impact efforts.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
E-L Financial Corporation

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

Henry Newton Rowell "Hal" Jackman was born on June 10, 1932, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He is the son of Harry Jackman, a former Member of Parliament, and Mary Rowell Jackman, a philanthropist. Jackman's family had a prominent standing in Toronto's business and political circles.

Rise to Success

Jackman pursued his education at Pickering College, the University of Toronto Schools, Upper Canada College, the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, and the London School of Economics. Following his education, he began his career by joining his family's business, Empire Life Insurance Company. Through his leadership, he grew the company into one of Canada's largest holdings. Jackman also chaired the board of the National Trust Company. He then became the chairman of the board of The Empire Life Insurance Company and other prominent Canadian corporations. Jackman later followed his father's footsteps by entering politics and served as the 25th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario from 1991 to 1997. During his time as Lieutenant Governor, he supported the arts, history, and national unity. His business acumen and public service have allowed him to contribute significantly to both the economic and cultural landscapes of Canada.

Key Business Strategies

Jackman's success in the financial sector has been characterized by strategic asset diversification and timely investment decisions. His experience with the National Trust Company and E-L Financial Corporation underscores his commitment to prudent management and a customer-focused approach. In addition, he is the largest shareholder of E-L Financial Corporation, a Toronto-based investment and insurance holding company.

Philanthropy

Jackman has been a dedicated philanthropist. He established the Hal Jackman Foundation in 1987, which has awarded over $50 million to charities in the arts, education, health, and wellness sectors. His contributions have supported various initiatives, including educational programs and artistic endeavors at the University of Toronto, where he served as Chancellor from 1997 to 2003. He has also made a substantial donation to the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. In 1995, he established The Lieutenant Governor's Awards for the Arts, which awarded over $2.5 million to 84 arts organizations.

Data Sources & Methodology

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