LeaderPortfolio
Kadoorie
Michael Kadoorie
Rank #518
HONG KONGServiceHotels, energy

Michael Kadoorie

Net Worth
$7.459B
-0.25% (24h)
Sir Michael David Kadoorie (born 1941), a Hong Kong-based billionaire, is a prominent figure in the energy and hospitality sectors. With an estimated net worth of $7.7 billion, he is the chairman of CLP Holdings, Hong Kong's largest electricity provider, and also chairs The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, which owns the renowned Peninsula Hotels chain. His wealth stems from these significant holdings, alongside the family's long-standing involvement in real estate and finance. Kadoorie's career began early, taking on leadership roles in the family business after studying at Institut Le Rosey in Switzerland. His career is marked by achievements in leading CLP Holdings and the Peninsula Hotel Group, while the Kadoorie Charitable Foundation has been a cornerstone of his philanthropic efforts.

How to read Michael Kadoorie'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 Michael Kadoorie, we anchor the narrative to Hotels and Hotels, energy, 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 $7.459B alongside global rank #518, 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 (HONG KONG) 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

Born in Hong Kong in 1941, Michael Kadoorie is a member of the prominent Kadoorie family, with roots tracing back to Iraqi Jewish heritage. His grandfather, Elly Kadoorie, established the family business in Hong Kong in 1880 after initially settling in Shanghai. Kadoorie received his education at King George V School in Hong Kong and Institut Le Rosey in Switzerland.

Rise to Success

Kadoorie began his career within the family enterprises, entering Sir Elly Kadoorie & Sons Limited in 1964. He became chairman of China Light & Power (now CLP Holdings) in 1967 at age 26 and has held the position through the company's expansion. He took on the chairmanship of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels in 1985, overseeing the Peninsula Hotels chain.

Key Business Strategies

Kadoorie's leadership has focused on growing and diversifying the family's businesses. For CLP Holdings, this involved expanding its reach in Hong Kong and into mainland China, as well as markets in Australia and India. With The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, he has maintained and grown the luxury Peninsula Hotels brand. He has also focused on renewable energy initiatives through CLP Holdings.

Philanthropy

Kadoorie is actively involved in philanthropy through the Kadoorie Charitable Foundation, supporting various educational and agricultural projects, particularly in Nepal, helping over one million people. He has also supported projects in Hong Kong and Shanghai.

Career Timeline

2005

Knighted

Received a knighthood in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

1985

Chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels

Took over the leadership of the company that owns the Peninsula Hotels chain.

1967

Chairman of CLP Holdings

Assumed chairmanship of the Hong Kong utility company, guiding its expansion.

Philanthropic Impact

Education and AgricultureUndisclosed

Kadoorie Charitable Foundation

Supports educational and agricultural projects in Nepal and India.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels47.00%
CLP Holdings18.00%

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

Born in Hong Kong in 1941, Michael Kadoorie is a member of the prominent Kadoorie family, with roots tracing back to Iraqi Jewish heritage. His grandfather, Elly Kadoorie, established the family business in Hong Kong in 1880 after initially settling in Shanghai. Kadoorie received his education at King George V School in Hong Kong and Institut Le Rosey in Switzerland.

Rise to Success

Kadoorie began his career within the family enterprises, entering Sir Elly Kadoorie & Sons Limited in 1964. He became chairman of China Light & Power (now CLP Holdings) in 1967 at age 26 and has held the position through the company's expansion. He took on the chairmanship of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels in 1985, overseeing the Peninsula Hotels chain.

Key Business Strategies

Kadoorie's leadership has focused on growing and diversifying the family's businesses. For CLP Holdings, this involved expanding its reach in Hong Kong and into mainland China, as well as markets in Australia and India. With The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, he has maintained and grown the luxury Peninsula Hotels brand. He has also focused on renewable energy initiatives through CLP Holdings.

Philanthropy

Kadoorie is actively involved in philanthropy through the Kadoorie Charitable Foundation, supporting various educational and agricultural projects, particularly in Nepal, helping over one million people. He has also supported projects in Hong Kong and Shanghai.

Data Sources & Methodology

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