The 50 Wealthiest Greeks in America – TNH Annual Edition of Our Community’s Top Achievers

Welcome to The National Herald’s Annual 50 Wealthiest Greeks in America Special Insert.

Each year, this issue ranks among our most widely read and most anticipated publications. At its core, the 50 Wealthiest list highlights measurable financial success – individuals whose enterprise, investment, and scale of business have made a significant economic impact. Across industries ranging from shipping and finance to technology, retail, hospitality, and energy, the individuals featured here represent a remarkable spectrum of achievement.

Their stories are also part of a much larger narrative: the enduring Greek-American journey. For generations, Greek immigrants and their descendants have come to the United States with little more than determination, resilience, and a willingness to work relentlessly toward opportunity. Through entrepreneurship, innovation, and community leadership, they have contributed meaningfully to the broader American success story while remaining deeply connected to their heritage.

Yet numbers alone do not tell the full story of a community. Beyond financial achievement, this issue also explores the broader dimensions of influence that shape the Greek-American experience. In Women of Influence: Leadership & Legacy, we feature a curated group of women whose leadership, cultural impact, and professional achievements are helping define the present and future of their respective fields. These conversations stand independently from the ranking and focus not on net worth, but on vision, resilience, and the institutions and communities these women help shape.

We are also proud to introduce The Next Generation: Momentum & Innovation, spotlighting emerging leaders whose creativity, ambition, and forward trajectory signal the next chapter of Greek-American enterprise and influence. Their stories remind us that the spirit of initiative that defined earlier generations continues to evolve in new and exciting ways.

Together, these three sections reflect different dimensions of achievement – financial scale, leadership impact, and future momentum. While Americans may enjoy rankings, what ultimately endures are the stories: the risks taken, the companies built, the communities strengthened, and the generations inspired along the way.

Because in the end, it is not simply the number beside a name that matters – it is the journey behind it, and the legacy it leaves for those who follow.

With gratitude and pride,
Vanessa Diamataris
co-Editor/Publisher
The National Herald

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1

THE GORES (GEORGIOUS) BROTHERS

California

$12.6 BILLION (Forbes)

EQUITY INVESTMENT, SPORTS, TECHNOLOGY, LEVERAGED BUYOUTS, ENTERTAINMENT

The Gores Brothers: From Humble Beginnings to Billion-Dollar Success

With a combined net worth approaching $13 billion – one billion more than last year, the Gores brothers continue to rank among the most influential figures in global business, sports, and philanthropy. Their journey – from stocking shelves in their family’s modest grocery store in Flint, MI, to building billion-dollar enterprises across private equity, entertainment, and professional sports – embodies the enduring promise of the American immigrant story.

Born in Nazareth, Israel, to a Greek father and a Lebanese mother, Alec, Sam, and Tom Gores (formerly Elias, Samir, and Tewfiq) immigrated to the United States in 1968. Their father, Charlie Gores, instilled in them the values of discipline, perseverance, and gratitude for opportunity. On the day they arrived, he told them:

“This is your new country. You have to respect it, embrace it, and work hard. In America, you can achieve anything.”

They took those words to heart.

Though each brother charted a distinct path – spanning global private equity, international talent representation, and professional sports ownership – their success is rooted in shared principles shaped by family, faith, and a deep appreciation for the opportunities this country afforded them.

Tom Gores

A standout athlete in high school, Tom Gores excelled in football, basketball, and baseball – an early passion for sports that later evolved into major professional sports ownership. After earning his degree from Michigan State University, he founded Platinum Equity, which has grown into one of the largest private equity firms in the United States, with more than $36 billion in assets across a diverse global portfolio.

Gores’ sports footprint continues to expand in significant ways. In addition to owning the NBA’s Detroit Pistons, he holds a substantial stake in the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers. In 2025, Tom and Holly Gores also led the ownership group awarded a WNBA expansion franchise in Detroit, marking the return of the league to one of its most successful former markets. Set to begin play in 2029, the new franchise reflects not only Gores’ confidence in the explosive growth of women’s professional sports, but also his broader vision for Detroit as a center for investment, opportunity, and community development. Plans tied to the team include a dedicated practice facility, team headquarters, and a publicly accessible youth sports center designed to expand access to athletics for young people across the city.

Under Gores’ leadership, the Pistons have engineered one of the most dramatic turnarounds in professional sports. After enduring one of the franchise’s most difficult rebuilding stretches, Detroit has reemerged as one of the NBA’s top teams, reflecting Gores’ business-minded approach to leadership, executive talent, and long-term strategic investment.

His influence extends beyond the court. In 2025, Gores partnered with former NBA star Jalen Rose to launch Same Page Entertainment, a Detroit-based multimedia production company focused on premium film, television, and podcast storytelling with a ‘By Detroit, For the World’ ethos. The venture aims to amplify Detroit’s creative voices while generating new economic opportunity in Michigan.

Deeply committed to Detroit’s revival, Gores continues to invest heavily in transformative redevelopment and community infrastructure. His initiatives have linked sports, healthcare, education, and neighborhood renewal in ways that have made the Pistons organization an increasingly visible civic force in the city’s ongoing renaissance.

Philanthropy remains central to Gores’ mission. Together with Holly, he has committed millions to educational, youth development, and community-based initiatives across Michigan. Recent efforts include major support for SAY Detroit, including funding tied to the redevelopment of the historic St. Cecilia’s Gym; a $1 million contribution for basketball courts and programming at Detroit’s new riverfront park; continued support for the Detroit Pistons Foundation and its scholarship, literacy, and neighborhood programs; and longstanding holiday giving efforts that have delivered more than 175,000 toys to children and families across Michigan.

Tom and Holly Gores and their three children divide their time between Beverly Hills, California, and Birmingham, MI.

Alec Gores

A first-generation college graduate, Alec Gores charted an unconventional path to business success. After earning a degree in computer science from Western Michigan University, he entered the technology sector before leaving General Motors to launch his own computer distribution company from his basement. With just $8,000 from his father to purchase his first demo machine, Gores built Executive Business Solutions into a thriving enterprise, selling the company for $2 million in 1986.

That early success laid the groundwork for The Gores Group, his Beverly Hills-based private equity firm. Guided by a disciplined investment philosophy focused on acquiring and revitalizing underperforming companies, Gores has generated billions in returns across a diverse global portfolio. Today, his personal net worth exceeds $2.5 billion, cementing his status as a prominent figure in international finance and private equity.

A devoted father of six, Gores is also a committed philanthropist, having donated more than $50 million to charitable causes. His contributions support educational advancement and youth development initiatives, including significant backing of Hebrew University of Jerusalem, reflecting a lasting commitment to opportunity, research, and future generations.

Sam Gores

While his brothers built careers in private equity, Sam Gores established himself as a formidable force in global entertainment. A pioneering talent executive, he transformed Paradigm Talent Agency into one of the world’s leading firms in talent representation and content production. After beginning his career as an agent at The Gage Group, Gores founded his own agency, which evolved into Paradigm – now a dominant presence across film, television, theater, music, and digital media.

Paradigm represents an exceptional roster of internationally recognized artists and media figures. Its music division includes global stars such as Billie Eilish, Shawn Mendes, Sia, Imagine Dragons, Kacey Musgraves, Mark Ronson, and Pusha T. In the culinary world, the agency represents leading personalities including ‘Top Chef’ judge Tom Colicchio and Food Network figures Anne Burrell and Geoffrey Zakarian. Paradigm’s influence also extends across broadcast journalism and sports media, representing prominent anchors and correspondents from major networks including CNN, Fox News, ESPN, and NFL Network.

Through a strategic series of acquisitions, Gores expanded Paradigm’s global footprint, integrating respected firms such as Napoli Management, 3 Kings Entertainment, and Two Twelve Management, further strengthening its leadership across entertainment, media, and broadcasting.

Beyond Hollywood, Gores is deeply committed to philanthropy. He supports leading institutions including Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Conservation International, and Hand in Hand: Center for Jewish-Arab Education in Israel, advancing causes ranging from pediatric healthcare and environmental sustainability to cross-cultural education and coexistence.

A widely respected industry leader, Gores is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Television Academy, and the Recording Academy. He also serves as a Trustee of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and sits on the board of the Geffen Playhouse.

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2

JIM DAVIS & FAMILY

Massachusetts

$6.3 BILLION (Forbes)

NEW BALANCE

Middlebury College (Biology/Chemistry);

Married, 2 Children

Despite modest fluctuations in net worth over the past year, Jim Davis’ rise from the Massachusetts-born son of Greek immigrants to one of the most influential figures in global athletic footwear remains a story of bold vision and disciplined leadership. Initially preparing for a career in medicine, Davis pivoted to sales after the advice of a college professor – a turning point that ultimately reshaped both his life and an entire industry.

In 1972, at just 28 years old, Davis made a defining entrepreneurial decision, purchasing the then 66-year-old New Balance for $100,000. What was then a modest Boston company with six employees producing just 30 pairs of shoes per day has since evolved into a global enterprise generating more than $5 billion in annual revenue, operating in over 120 countries, and employing thousands worldwide.

Under Davis’ leadership, New Balance experienced its first major breakthrough in 1976 with the launch of the New Balance 320, which quickly became the top-rated running shoe in the United States and propelled the brand into national prominence. The company expanded into apparel in 1978 and, in recent years, has solidified its position at the intersection of sport, fashion, and youth culture through elite athlete partnerships and influential design collaborations.

Once stereotyped as a ‘dad shoe’, New Balance has reemerged as a global performance and lifestyle leader worn by elite athletes and embraced by a new generation of consumers.

Despite its international scale, Davis has remained steadfast in his commitment to American manufacturing. New Balance now produces more than four million pairs of athletic shoes annually in the United States and remains the only major athletic footwear company to maintain domestic factories. Recent investments include a $65 million expansion of the company’s Skowhegan, ME manufacturing facility, strengthening regional employment and advancing innovation in American-made production.

Davis’ influence extends well beyond business. He was recently named one of Boston’s most influential leaders, reflecting both his economic impact and longstanding civic presence in the region.

Philanthropy remains central to the Davis family’s legacy. Through the New Balance Foundation, the family made a transformational $100 million gift to Massachusetts General Hospital to support construction of a state-of-the-art cardiac and vascular care tower, advancing patient care, medical training, and research for generations to come.

Davis and his wife Anne, who joined the company in 1978, also remain deeply committed to community investment across Massachusetts, supporting education, youth wellness, and athletic initiatives. Their dedication to Boston’s athletic culture is reflected in The TRACK at New Balance, a state-of-the-art indoor track and performance complex that anchors the company’s transformative Boston Landing development.

With New Balance aiming to double revenue to $10 billion in the coming years, Davis continues to guide the company’s global growth while preserving its deep-rooted commitment to craftsmanship, domestic manufacturing, and community impact. His daughter, Kassia Davis, is also playing an active role in the company’s future, helping to extend the New Balance legacy into the next generation.

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3

JOHN A. CATSIMATIDIS

New York

$4.8 BILLION (Forbes)

OIL, REAL ESTATE, SUPERMARKETS

New York University;

Married, 2 Children

John A. Catsimatidis embodies the American immigrant success story, having built a vast and diversified empire spanning supermarkets, real estate development, energy, media, and professional sports. With an estimated net worth now approaching $4.8 billion – an increase of roughly $500 million over the past year – Catsimatidis remains one of the most prominent and influential Greek-American business leaders in the United States.

As Founder and Chairman of Red Apple Group, Catsimatidis continues to expand his real estate portfolio across major markets. In New York City, Red Apple Real Estate secured $57 million in financing for a 12-story mixed-use development in Chelsea that will include residential housing, community space, and retail. The firm also acquired a neighboring 60,000-square-foot property to support the project’s expansion. In Florida, Catsimatidis has accelerated development activity in downtown St. Petersburg, advancing multiple large-scale mixed-use projects that are reshaping the city’s skyline and reinforcing his national real estate footprint. His leadership in the region earned recognition as Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Developer of the Year.

Beyond property development, Catsimatidis is investing in next-generation energy initiatives. Through Red Apple Group’s subsidiary, United Nuclear Group, he has announced plans to develop small modular nuclear reactors designed to deliver safe, efficient, and cost-effective clean energy solutions, with multi-billion-dollar partnerships currently under discussion.

Catsimatidis also maintains a powerful presence in American media. As CEO of Red Apple Media, he oversees a growing portfolio of broadcast assets, including WABC Radio, and was recently named New York Broadcaster of the Year by the New York State Broadcasters Association, recognizing his expanding influence in national talk radio and political commentary.

His civic and cultural leadership remains equally visible. Catsimatidis was selected as a Grand Marshal of the 2026 New York Greek Independence Day Parade, one of the most prominent Hellenic celebrations in the Diaspora. He and his wife Margo were also honored during New York’s Columbus Day Parade, reflecting their longstanding contributions to cultural and philanthropic causes.

In professional sports, Catsimatidis recently assumed leadership of the Staten Island FerryHawks, an independent league professional baseball team, further expanding his diverse investment portfolio while reinforcing his ties to New York communities.

Philanthropy remains central to the Catsimatidis family’s mission. John and Margo continue to support community initiatives in New York and Florida, contributing to youth programs, emergency relief efforts, and holiday giving campaigns that assist families in need.

A major milestone in the company’s evolution came in 2024 when Catsimatidis elevated his son, John Catsimatidis Jr., to President and Chief Operating Officer of Red Apple Group. While remaining Chairman and CEO, Catsimatidis has ensured generational continuity and long-term strategic growth for the multibillion-dollar enterprise.

From business expansion and media leadership to civic engagement and philanthropy, John Catsimatidis continues to shape industries and communities alike through vision, scale, and sustained public impact.

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4

1. DEAN METROPOULOS

Florida

$4.3 BILLION (Forbes)

PRIVATE EQUITY, ACQUISITIONS

BS/MBA Babson College; Married, 2 Children

Dean Metropoulos is a vital part of the Greek American community. Always a part of the top 10 of this list year after year, Metropoulos continues to expand his private equity investments as Chairman and CEO of Metropoulos & Co., a boutique acquisition and management firm. Metropoulos, with his two sons, Evan, and Daren, have spent the past 40+ years acquiring, transforming, and growing numerous businesses in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Europe. Many of these were subsequently taken public or sold to strategic corporations.

Born in Greece, Metropoulos moved with his family to Massachusetts at the age of 10. After receiving his BS and MBA from Babson College, he Metropoulos joined GTE, and at the age of 25 became the youngest U.S. corporate CFO in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, moving from the U.S. to Paris, Brussels, and Geneva. At 29 he became GTE’s International youngest Sr. Vice President, traveling to every continent and many countries with GTE’s Telecom, Television, and Lighting businesses.

Metropoulos started his private equity practice at the age of 32, as he foresaw a new and growing frontier in Private Equity redefining investments, businesses, and venture capital, globally. With his focus on consumer and industrial businesses, C. Dean Metropoulos, Evan, and Daren have owned and transformed more historic and iconic brands than any organization in the world. They have become globally recognized for their performance and integrity and are sought after as partners by many global private equity firms and investors, particularly with their highly recognized and superior investment returns. Among a few of the unique brands and companies they acquired and transformed are:  Ghirardelli Chocolate, Pabst Blue Ribbon (and many regional beer brands), Mumm and Perrier Jouet Champagnes, Chef Boyardee, Bumble Bee, Vlasic, Duncan Hines, Pam Cooking Spray, Premier Foods – the largest UK consumer business, Hostess, and recently all of Nestle’s U.S. and Canadian spring water brands, through the entity Blue Triton – including Poland Spring, Saratoga, Pure Life, Zephyrhills, Arrowhead, etc. In recent months, Metropoulos, through a reverse merger with public company Primo Brands, took Blue Triton public under Primo Brands (PRMB) on February 27, 2025, on the NY Stock Exchange with a very well received analyst reception.

An example of the turnaround of iconic brands was the well-known Metropoulos deal of turning Hostess Brands around from Chapter VII bankruptcy. In 2013 Metropoulos & Co. acquired Hostess out of bankruptcy for $410M; in 2016, they took the company public via a SPAC for $4.2B and in 2024 Hostess was acquired by Smucker’s.

Metropoulos & Co. has been involved in more than 78 acquisitions and 5 SPACS involving over $58 billion in invested capital and has earned some of the most attractive returns on Wall Street.

In 2025, Metropoulos expanded his investment footprint into professional sports, acquiring a five percent ownership stake in the NFL’s New England Patriots, one of the league’s most storied franchises – further diversifying his portfolio into premier global sports assets.

Metropoulos is committed, and along with his family, are members and supporters of many Hellenic and Greek Orthodox organizations. As part of their commitment to their Greek heritage, Marianne Metropoulos wrote and produced, for our future generations, the feature film ‘Cliffs of Freedom’, depicting Greece’s fight for independence from the Ottoman Empire. The movie features Christopher Plummer, Pattie LuPone and Billy Zane in starring roles, among other well-known actors.

In 2025, Metropoulos received one of Greece’s highest state distinctions when Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis awarded him the Order of the Phoenix in recognition of his contributions to business and the international promotion of Greek culture. Accepting the honor, Metropoulos reflected on his immigrant journey and enduring heritage, noting that while America offered boundless opportunity, the foundation of his success remains rooted in Greek values, identity, and family.

The family is also active in many international philanthropic efforts, including the Gates and Buffett Giving Pledge, Prince’s Trust International (now King Charles), where Marianne Metropoulos is the principal benefactor of the international division educating nearly 1500 of children in Africa and Greece, medical research such as the Epigenetics Cancer Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering, early partners with Paul Newman of the Hole in the Wall Camps for children with cancer, as well as many other philanthropic efforts in education, abused animals, poverty, etc. In 2024, C. Dean Metropoulos inaugurated the Dean Metropoulos Institute of Technology and Entrepreneurship at Babson College, his alma mater.  For over a century, Babson has been the #1 entrepreneurial school in America, and it was recently highlighted by the Wall Street Journal as the #2 college in the U.S. based on the success and ratings of its graduates and alumni.

In addition, Evan and Daren Metropoulos are expanding and more than doubling the services of the Big Dog Ranch in West Palm Beach, FL by creating the Metropoulos Family Foundation Big Dog Ranch Medical Center to provide medical services to abused and abandoned dogs, including many recently stranded from the California fires.

1. Dean Metropoulos has been honored by many organizations, including the International Foundation for Greece (IFG), as well as by the Hellenic Post, which issued stamps dedicated to him.

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5

TED LEONSIS

Maryland

$3.8 BILLION (Forbes)

INTERNET, VENTURE CAPITAL, PROFESSIONAL SPORTS

Georgetown University (American Studies);

Married, 2 children

Ted Leonsis’ story reflects the power of perseverance, innovation, and civic commitment. The grandson of Greek immigrants and raised in a modest Brooklyn household by a waiter father and secretary mother, Leonsis grew up with limited means but expansive ambition. After relocating to his mother’s hometown of Lowell, MA, he worked tirelessly – mowing lawns to help support his family and defying early expectations about his future. With encouragement from a local businessman who recognized his potential, Leonsis became the first in his family to graduate from college, earning his degree from Georgetown University in 1977.

Leonsis began his entrepreneurial journey in the early days of the personal computing revolution. After founding and selling his first company, he became a key figure in the emerging digital and interactive media sectors, helping build several pioneering technology ventures and playing a central role in the growth of AOL into a global leader.

Today, Leonsis is best known as Founder, Chairman, Managing Partner, and CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, one of the most influential sports and entertainment ownership groups in the United States. Through Monumental, he oversees the NHL’s Washington Capitals, the NBA’s Washington Wizards, the WNBA’s Washington Mystics, and Capital One Arena, anchoring Washington, DC’s sports and entertainment ecosystem. His forward-looking leadership has included pioneering innovations such as in-arena sports wagering and the expansion of Monumental’s media footprint through the Monumental Sports Network.

Leonsis continues to explore strategic expansion opportunities across professional sports. In 2025, he expressed interest (again) in acquiring Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals and Major League Soccer’s D.C. United, signaling ambitions to further consolidate Washington’s major sports franchises under Monumental’s leadership.

His influence extends beyond traditional team ownership. Monumental Sports & Entertainment recently acquired a minority stake in The IX, reinforcing Leonsis’ longstanding commitment to elevating women’s sports and expanding media representation.

Leonsis remains a transformative force in Washington’s urban landscape. He spearheaded an $800 million renovation of Capital One Arena, ensuring the Capitals and Wizards remain anchored in downtown DC, while Monumental continues to invest heavily in community engagement and cultural initiatives throughout the district.

Philanthropy remains central to the Leonsis family legacy. In 2025 alone, the family and Monumental Sports & Entertainment directed nearly $20 million toward charitable initiatives supporting education, youth opportunity, and community development. A landmark $30 million commitment to the D.C. College Access Program – the largest known investment in post-secondary access for DC. Students – will expand pathways to higher education for thousands of local families.

Leonsis’ dedication to service members and veterans has also earned national recognition. He will receive the prestigious Connie J. Milstein Philanthropic Award from Blue Star Families, honoring his longstanding commitment to supporting military families across the country.

Through entrepreneurial vision, sports leadership, and extraordinary civic investment, Ted Leonsis continues to shape Washington’s business, cultural, and philanthropic landscape while exemplifying the enduring promise of the immigrant experience.

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6

PETER J. BARRIS

Virginia

$3.2 BILLION (GuruFocus)

VENTURE CAPITAL

Northwestern University (Electrical Engineering); Married, 2 children

Peter J. Barris is a distinguished leader in venture capital whose career has helped shape the modern technology landscape through disciplined investment and strategic foresight. His legacy reflects a rare combination of technical expertise, financial acumen, and institutional leadership developed over more than four decades.

Born and raised in Chicago, Barris grew up influenced by his father, James, an accomplished engineer, and by the values of his Greek heritage. Initially intending to pursue patent law, he enrolled at Northwestern University, where he ultimately pivoted to electrical engineering. He later earned an MBA from Dartmouth College, building the interdisciplinary foundation that would define his investment career.

Barris began his professional journey at General Electric, spending nearly a decade in leadership roles that sharpened his understanding of corporate strategy, operations, and emerging technologies. His most defining career chapter began in 1992 when he joined New Enterprise Associates, one of the world’s premier venture capital firms.

Over the course of his tenure, Barris led investments in more than two dozen companies that later achieved significant public offerings or acquisitions. NEA-backed enterprises during his leadership include industry-shaping platforms such as CareerBuilder, TiVo, Diapers.com, Groupon, and Salesforce. His early investment in Groupon stands among the most successful venture returns of its era, underscoring his ability to identify transformative startups at critical growth stages.

Beyond venture capital, Barris has served on the boards of numerous public and private companies, providing strategic oversight that has influenced the trajectory of leading technology and media enterprises. His leadership roles have included board service with major publicly traded firms and emerging growth companies alike.

Barris’ contributions extend deeply into higher education and institutional philanthropy. In 2022, he was elected Chair of the Board of Trustees of Northwestern University, reflecting his longstanding commitment to academic leadership and governance. Together with his wife Adrienne, Barris has supported transformative educational initiatives, including the establishment of endowed scholarships benefiting students in Northwestern’s Bienen School of Music and McCormick School of Engineering. Earlier, Barris and a fellow alumni contributed $10 million to advance engineering education at Northwestern, reinforcing his dedication to fostering future innovators.

He also plays a prominent role in global Hellenic philanthropy. Barris serves on the Board of Directors of The Hellenic Initiative (THI), the world’s largest Greek diaspora organization. He is also a member of Leadership 100 and an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, reflecting his deep commitment to faith, heritage, and service.

His professional achievements have earned national recognition, including honors from the Forbes Midas List, Crain’s Chicago’s Top Tech Leaders, and induction into the Washington Business Hall of Fame.

Barris resides in McLean, VA with his wife Adrienne and remains closely engaged with family, community service, and educational philanthropy.

Through visionary investing, institutional leadership, and enduring commitment to Hellenic and educational causes, Peter J. Barris continues to influence both the innovation economy and the communities that shaped his journey.

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7

AMB. GEORGE L. ARGYROS

California

$3.1 BILLION (Forbes)

REAL ESTATE, SPORTS

Chapman University (Business & Economics); Married

The Honorable George Leon Argyros remains one of the most distinguished figures in American business, diplomacy, and philanthropy. Though his ranking shifted modestly this year, his legacy – shaped across real estate, international service, sports leadership, and charitable giving – continues to reflect the enduring influence of Greek-American enterprise and public service.

Born to Greek immigrant parents and raised in Detroit and later Southern California, Argyros worked as a paperboy and grocery clerk to finance his education, embodying the ethic of perseverance that would define his career. His entrepreneurial rise began in 1962 when he recognized an emerging opportunity in commercial real estate – acquiring high-traffic corner properties for gas station development – laying the foundation for a business empire built on foresight and disciplined investment.

In 1968, he founded Arnel & Affiliates, which grew into one of Southern California’s most successful privately held real estate firms, specializing in large-scale residential and commercial development. Expanding into investment management, he later established Westar Capital, reinforcing his stature as a leader in private equity and diversified investments.

Argyros also left a lasting imprint on professional sports. As owner of the MLB’s Seattle Mariners, his tenure included the franchise’s historic selection of Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. in the 1987 draft – one of the most consequential draft decisions in baseball history.

His commitment to public service reached its highest level in 2001, when President George W. Bush appointed him U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra. During his tenure, Argyros played a key role in strengthening diplomatic, economic, and security partnerships between the United States and Europe. Earlier, he served on the board of Freddie Mac under President George H. W. Bush, contributing to national housing finance policy.

Argyros’ dedication to service extends across generations. In 2025, President Donald Trump nominated his daughter, Melissa ‘Lisa’ Argyros, as U.S. Ambassador to Latvia. She was sworn in in early 2026, continuing the family’s distinguished tradition of diplomatic leadership.

Philanthropy remains central to the Argyros family legacy, with transformative investments spanning healthcare, education, the arts, and veteran services. Their recent initiatives include:

• A $15 million gift to Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian establishing the Julia Argyros Center for Nursing Excellence, advancing continuing education and professional development for nurses and bringing the family’s total giving to Hoag to more than $32 million
• A $25 million contribution to City of Hope supporting medical research and innovation
• A $10 million gift elevating Chapman University’s George L. Argyros School of Business and Economics into a full College of Business and Economics
• A $2 million donation to Alzheimer’s Orange County supporting dementia research and patient care programs

Through the Argyros Family Foundation, the family has also provided enduring support to U.S. service members, awarding more than 2,300 military scholarships valued at over $11 million to veterans pursuing higher education.

Their cultural and community contributions include major support for arts and education institutions across California, including landmark gifts to South Coast Repertory and Mariners Christian School.

Argyros remains a Trustee Emeritus of the Center for Strategic and International Studies and a Life Trustee of the California Institute of Technology, underscoring his lifelong commitment to policy, science, and education. As an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, he continues to champion faith-based and Hellenic initiatives worldwide.

Together with his wife Julia, Ambassador Argyros has built a legacy defined by visionary leadership, statesmanship, and transformative philanthropy – an enduring testament to service, faith, and the Greek-American spirit.

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8

JOHN PAUL DeJORIA

Texas

$3.0 BILLION (Forbes)

HAIR CARE PRODUCTS, SPIRITS

Married, 6 Children

John Paul DeJoria’s life story reflects the resilience and entrepreneurial drive often associated with the American Dream. The son of immigrants, including a Greek mother, who endured foster care and periods of intense hardship, DeJoria rose through determination, discipline, and vision to become a self-made billionaire and globally recognized philanthropist.

Following service in the U.S. Navy, DeJoria pursued a range of ventures before achieving his breakthrough in 1980 as co-founder of John Paul Mitchell Systems alongside stylist Paul Mitchell. What began as a modest hair care venture grew into a billion-dollar global enterprise and established DeJoria as a leading figure in professional beauty and personal care.

He later co-founded Patrón Spirits Company, transforming the premium tequila market before its $5.1 billion sale to Bacardi in 2018. DeJoria has since continued to expand his presence in the premium spirits industry. His newest venture, Bandero Premium Tequila, has rapidly expanded distribution across major U.S. markets and earned top international recognition, including a Gold Best in Class award at the Berlin International Spirits Competition.

His investment portfolio reflects a forward-looking focus on sustainability and innovation. In 2025, DeJoria became an advisor and investor in PhytoTeq, a pioneering food-technology firm developing plant-based cell culture ingredients designed to reduce environmental impact while improving global food systems. Earlier, he co-founded Vendidit, an AI-driven platform that streamlines secondary markets and reduces waste by facilitating the resale of returned and excess goods.

DeJoria’s civic engagement and influence extend beyond business. In 2025, the City of Austin honored him with a rare Key to the City in recognition of his longstanding commitment to community service and philanthropy.

Philanthropy remains the cornerstone of DeJoria’s legacy. Through the JP’s Peace, Love & Happiness Foundation, he supports environmental conservation, social responsibility, and humanitarian initiatives worldwide. His signature programs include Grow Appalachia, an initiative dedicated to combating hunger through sustainable agriculture education, and community farming. Since its founding, the program has produced millions of pounds of food and provided employment opportunities while feeding tens of thousands of families across the Appalachian region.

DeJoria is also a leading supporter of Food for Africa, which provides life-saving support for children affected by HIV/AIDS, and he has funded the construction of schools in Mali and Thailand to expand educational opportunities in underserved communities. His environmental initiatives include funding artificial coral reef projects designed to restore marine ecosystems and protect biodiversity.

From personal adversity to global entrepreneurial success, John Paul DeJoria continues to pair business innovation with humanitarian purpose – demonstrating that lasting success is measured not only by enterprise, but by impact.

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9

JAMIE DIMON

New York

$2.1 BILLION (Forbes)

FINANCE

Tufts University (Psychology

& Economics);

Married, 3 children

Jamie Dimon once again ranks among the most influential figures in global finance. As Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of JPMorgan Chase, he leads America’s largest bank by assets and the world’s top investment banking institution by revenue, shaping financial markets and economic policy both domestically and abroad.

Born and raised in New York City alongside his older brother Peter and fraternal twin Ted, Dimon was steeped in a multigenerational Greek-American legacy in finance. His grandfather, Panos Papademetriou – who later shortened the family name to Dimon after immigrating from Smyrna – arrived in the United States penniless and began working as a busboy before rising through the ranks at the Atlantic Bank of New York. He later became a stockbroker, building a career defined by discipline and market savvy. Dimon’s father, Theodore, initially aspired to become a violinist before ultimately following a similar path in finance.

Markets and investments were everyday conversation in the Dimon household. Dimon has often recalled learning about the brokerage business “across the kitchen table,” absorbing lessons in risk, responsibility, and long-term thinking from both his father and grandfather. Equally formative were the personal values instilled by his family. His grandfather – fluent in six languages and an avid reader – encouraged intellectual curiosity, integrity, and moral accountability. Dimon developed a passion for financial literature at an early age and maintains a disciplined routine of extensive daily reading, habits that continue to inform his leadership.

Dimon’s academic journey took him from the Browning School to Tufts University, where he studied psychology and economics, and later to Harvard Business School, where he earned his MBA. It was at Harvard that he met Judith Kent, who would become his wife and the mother of their three daughters.

After graduating, Dimon turned down opportunities at major investment banks to work alongside financier Sanford Weill at American Express. Their partnership led to a series of landmark mergers and acquisitions that culminated in the formation of Citigroup, at the time the largest financial conglomerate in the world. While Weill was known for his dealmaking, Dimon earned a reputation as the disciplined strategist ensuring financial rigor behind the scenes. A leadership rift ultimately led to his departure from Citigroup in 1998.

Dimon went on to lead JPMorgan Chase through some of the most turbulent periods in modern financial history, reinforcing the institution’s stability, scale, and global influence. His steady leadership during times of economic volatility has cemented his standing as one of the most respected voices in international banking.

From a childhood shaped by immigrant perseverance and family discipline to decades guiding the world’s most powerful financial institution, Jamie Dimon’s career reflects the enduring influence of heritage, integrity, and leadership at the highest levels of global finance.

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10

GEORGE M. MARCUS

California

Net Worth:

$2.7 BILLION

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 $25 million donation to establish the George and Judy Marcus Funds for Excellence in the Liberal Arts, which is the largest gift in the University’s history. In addition, they donated $1.8 million to SFFU Athletics Scholarships as well as 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 Orthodox faith 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.

In 2025, Marcus donated $1 million for the restoration of the cells at the Cathedral of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary in Constantinople. His generosity reflects not only his admiration for Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew but also his deep-rooted belief in preserving the Orthodox faith and strengthening the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Marcus has emphasized the importance of uniting Orthodox Christians across the globe, highlighting the vital role organizations like International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) can play in fostering collaboration. He has expressed interest in creating a global Orthodox initiative to further unite and support the faith, underscoring his enduring commitment to Orthodox Christianity and its future.

Marcus’ philanthropic impact extends well beyond the Orthodox community. In 2023, he was recognized for his lifetime achievements with the Lifetime Achievement Award from Connect Commercial Real Estate, honoring his transformative influence on the commercial real estate sector and philanthropy. Additionally, he received the 2023 Nicholas J. Bouras Award, an honor presented annually to individuals demonstrating extraordinary stewardship to the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Order of Saint Andrew.

Further demonstrating their unwavering dedication to impactful giving, George and Judy donated $2 million to the Humane Society Silicon Valley in 2023, supporting the organization’s strategic goals and commitment to improving the welfare of pets and their families.

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

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.

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11

GEORGE YANCOPOULOS

New York

$1.7 BILLION (Forbes)

PHARMACEUTICALS

Columbia University;

4 children

George Yancopoulos is the scientific architect behind the continued ascent of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, one of the world’s most innovative and influential biotechnology firms. His lifelong dedication to advancing medical science continues to reshape modern therapeutics and global healthcare.

Born and raised in New York to a family from Kastoria, Yancopoulos draws deep inspiration from his Greek heritage. His grandfather, George Danis Yancopoulos, fled Ottoman-occupied Macedonia, taught himself German, earned a degree in electrical engineering in Austria, and later returned to Greece to help build some of the country’s first electrical power plants. That legacy of self-made ingenuity profoundly shaped Yancopoulos’ worldview.

His father later emigrated to the United States and encouraged his children to pursue stable careers, initially worrying that scientific work would not provide financial security. A pivotal moment came when his father shared an article from The National Herald about Greek-American scientist P. Roy Vagelos joining Merck as head of research. “If you are going to become a scientist,” his father told him, “at least become like Roy Vagelos.” The example became a defining inspiration.

Yancopoulos went on to earn both his MD and PhD from Columbia University, launching one of the most distinguished careers in biomedical research. He has authored more than 350 scientific publications and was ranked among the world’s most-cited scientists during the 1990s, underscoring his foundational contributions to modern molecular medicine.

In 1989, he joined Regeneron in Tarrytown, NY, as a founding scientist and helped transform the company into a global biotechnology powerhouse. Now serving as Board Co-Chair, President, and Chief Scientific Officer, he oversees one of the most productive drug-discovery engines in the pharmaceutical industry.

His scientific leadership proved especially critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Regeneron developed one of the first effective antibody therapies for the virus. The treatment became a cornerstone in early pandemic response efforts and demonstrated the company’s ability to rapidly translate research into lifesaving medicines.

A pioneer in drug discovery, Yancopoulos has played a central role in developing breakthrough therapies including Eylea® for retinal diseases and Dupixent® for inflammatory conditions – medications that have transformed treatment protocols for millions of patients worldwide.

He is now leading Regeneron’s next frontier: redefining obesity treatment. Recognizing the muscle-loss risks associated with existing therapies, Yancopoulos is advancing combination treatments designed to produce healthier, more sustainable outcomes. Regeneron’s clinical programs aim to establish a new standard in metabolic care through science-driven, patient-centered innovation.

In 2025, Regeneron expanded its reach in precision medicine through the $256 million acquisition of 23andMe, strengthening its genetic research capabilities and deepening its investment in data-driven healthcare.

Beyond the laboratory, Yancopoulos is known for his modest lifestyle and devotion to family. Despite becoming the first pharmaceutical research chief to attain billionaire status, he maintains the unassuming habits of an academic scientist. His daughter once described him simply as “a weird, silly, always-there-for-us dad.” He has often expressed discomfort discussing wealth, preferring instead to inspire young scientists by showing that transformative research – not financial ambition – drives meaningful success.

He has received numerous honors recognizing both his scientific leadership and community impact, including induction into the National Academy of Sciences and major Hellenic leadership awards. Under his guidance, Regeneron has also cultivated a strong philanthropic culture through initiatives such as its global Day of Doing Good.

Yancopoulos also made a significant personal real estate investment in 2025, acquiring most condominium units in a Tribeca mixed-use property – an understated reflection of his financial success.

As he continues to push the boundaries of biomedical discovery, George Yancopoulos exemplifies how scientific rigor, immigrant perseverance, and quiet humility can combine to improve – and save – millions of lives worldwide.

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12

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 Founder, Chairman, and Global Chief Investment Officer of Calamos Investments, the firm he established in 1977. Headquartered in the Chicago metropolitan area, with additional offices in New York, San Francisco, Milwaukee, and the Miami area, the firm has grown into a global asset management powerhouse managing over $40 billion in assets.

The son of Greek immigrants, Calamos grew up working in his family’s small grocery store on Chicago’s West Side, where he stocked shelves, worked the register, and absorbed the values of discipline, sacrifice, and perseverance that would define his life. Watching his parents build a livelihood through relentless effort instilled in him both a formidable work ethic and an early fascination with business and investing. That passion emerged fully when, as a teenager, his parents entrusted him with the family’s $5,000 nest egg. Though initially drawn to architecture, he soon pivoted to economics and finance at the Illinois Institute of Technology, where he discovered that economics was not just about numbers, but about understanding how societies are structured and thrive.

Upon graduation, Calamos served for 17 years in the U.S. Air Force, including five years of active duty flying B-52 bombers and more than 400 combat missions in Vietnam as a Forward Air Controller. His military service, particularly in high-risk environments, sharpened his understanding of discipline, strategy, and risk management – principles that would later define his investment philosophy.

In 1977, leveraging a $60,000 second mortgage on his home, Calamos launched his investment firm with a focus on risk-managed strategies. He went on to pioneer innovative investment approaches, including convertible securities and liquid alternatives, setting new industry standards. Under his leadership, Calamos Investments went public in 2004 under the NASDAQ ticker CLMS and has since become a trusted global financial institution serving corporations, pension funds, endowments, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals.

The firm continues to break new ground. In November 2025, Calamos Investments marked a major milestone with the launch of the Calamos Nasdaq Autocallable Income ETF (Ticker: CAIQ), the first ETF to deliver an autocallable income strategy on a Nasdaq-100®-based index, offering a current weighted average coupon approaching 18 percent.

To celebrate the landmark listing, Calamos and senior leadership visited Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square, where Calamos rang the Closing Bell in recognition of the firm’s continued innovation and market leadership.

Calamos’ influence in global finance has been widely recognized. He has authored two influential books on convertible securities and remains a sought-after voice on markets and economic trends, frequently appearing on CNBC, Bloomberg Television, and Fox Business.

His life story reached an even broader audience with the release of his memoir, ‘The Sky’s the Limit: Lessons in Service, Entrepreneurship, and Achieving the American Dream’, written by New York Times bestselling author Joe Garner and published by John Wiley & Sons. The book became a major success, chronicling his journey from stocking shelves in his parents’ grocery store to becoming a decorated Air Force veteran and global investment leader, while offering powerful lessons on resilience, leadership, and disciplined risk-taking.

Calamos’ leadership and stature extend well beyond the financial sector. In September 2025, he was among a select group of distinguished Greek-Americans honored by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the Fourth Annual ‘Oli Mazi’ Luncheon in New York City, recognizing his contributions to business leadership and the global Greek diaspora.

His impact was celebrated again in March 2026 when he received the Hellenic Lifetime Achievement Award from The Hellenic Initiative during its formal Black Tie Dinner in Chicago. The event preceded a landmark cultural moment as Greek music superstar Konstantinos Argiros headlined a sold-out performance at the iconic United Center, bringing Hellenic culture to one of the world’s most legendary arenas.

Beyond business and public life, Calamos remains deeply committed to philanthropy.

He and his wife, Mae, established the John P. Calamos Foundation, supporting numerous scholarship initiatives within the Greek-American community.

He has also played a central role in the development of Chicago’s National Hellenic Museum, serving as Chairman of its Board of Directors. His philanthropic contributions extend to the Illinois Institute of Technology, where he and Mae endowed the university’s first chair in philosophy.

Throughout his life, John P. Calamos, Sr. has exemplified the values of discipline, innovation, and service.

From pioneering breakthroughs in global investment management to strengthening educational and cultural institutions, his legacy stands as a testament to perseverance, leadership, and the enduring spirit of the American Dream.

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13

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG

Connecticut

$1.2 BILLION (Celebrity Net Worth)

FASHION

University of Geneva (Economics)

Back on our list this year is Diane von Furstenberg. It is not widely known that the legendary fashion designer has Greek roots — yet her connection to Greece is deeply personal and profoundly meaningful. She traces her heritage to Thessaloniki through her mother, Holocaust survivor Liliane Nahmias, whose resilience would shape von Fürstenberg’s outlook on life and legacy.

Born Diane Simone Michele Halfin in Brussels, Belgium, von Fürstenberg was raised in a family marked by both tragedy and perseverance. Her father emigrated from Romania before seeking refuge in Switzerland during the Nazi occupation, while her mother, a member of the Resistance, was imprisoned at Auschwitz just 18 months before Diane’s birth. Von Fürstenberg has often reflected on her mother’s extraordinary strength, crediting her with instilling a lifelong philosophy of courage and optimism. “Fear is not an option,” she has said, recalling how her mother chose to speak of hope and human connection even when recounting unimaginable hardship. “I was her victory.”

After studying in Madrid and later at the University of Geneva, she married Prince Egon zu Fürstenberg in 1969 and moved to New York, where she began forging her own identity. Determined to build a life independent of privilege, she entered the fashion world in the early 1970s. “I wanted to be someone of my own,” she famously said – a declaration that would define her career.

In 1972, von Fürstenberg introduced the now-iconic wrap dress, a design that revolutionized women’s fashion by combining elegance, simplicity, and freedom of movement. The dress became a global cultural phenomenon, worn by everyone from First Lady Betty Ford to working women across America. By 1975, more than 15,000 dresses were being produced each week, cementing her status as a defining voice in modern fashion.

Her influence has continued to evolve across decades. In October 2025, von Fürstenberg launched DVF Vintage, an initiative offering curated archival pieces from her personal collections alongside pre-loved designs from the brand’s global community – a project reflecting both sustainability and the enduring appeal of her work.

That same month, she was honored with the Icon of Culture Award by the Perelman Performing Arts Center for her transformative cultural influence and her role in shaping Manhattan’s creative landscape over the past quarter century.

In March 2026, von Fürstenberg returned to the beauty world through a limited-edition collaboration with Estée Lauder, blending her signature aesthetic with modern luxury and reintroducing her vision to a new generation.

Her personal life has also reflected her defining ethos of authenticity and compassion. In 2001, she married media executive Barry Diller, with whom she had shared a decades-long relationship. In 2025, after Diller publicly came out as gay, von Fürstenberg expressed her unconditional love and support, a response widely praised as a testament to their enduring bond and her belief in personal truth.

Beyond fashion, von Fürstenberg is a global advocate for women’s leadership and philanthropy. Through the Diller–von Fürstenberg Family Foundation, established in 1999, she supports initiatives in human rights, education, the arts, public spaces, and environmental causes. Her DVF Awards continue to spotlight and empower extraordinary women worldwide.

Her contributions have earned international recognition, including the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award, induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame, and France’s prestigious Legion d’Honneur.

In November 2025, von Fürstenberg returned to Thessaloniki – the birthplace of her mother – for an emotional homecoming that underscored her enduring connection to Greece. Honored by Deputy Minister Konstantinos Gioulekas in a ceremony at the Ministry of Macedonia and Thrace, she reflected on her family’s roots and the city’s multicultural spirit. “I’m here to honor where our mother was born,” she said. “Thessaloniki is a place of harmony and coexistence – a city of surprises.” The tribute celebrated both her creative legacy and her global humanitarian work, reaffirming the city’s pride in one of its most accomplished daughters of the diaspora.

Today, Diane von Fürstenberg remains a singular cultural force whose influence extends far beyond fashion. Through design, philanthropy, and advocacy, she has championed women’s independence and redefined modern elegance – proving that true style is inseparable from strength, purpose, and heritage.

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14

DEAN SPANOS

California

$1.0 BILLION

(Celebrity Net Worth)

SPORTS, REAL ESTATE

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

Dean Alexander Spanos is Chairman and Owner of the Los Angeles Chargers, the National Football League franchise his father, the late Alex Spanos, purchased in 1984. A second-generation steward of one of professional sports’ most valuable organizations, Spanos has overseen the franchise through transformative changes while preserving the philanthropic and family-centered legacy that defines the Spanos name.

Born in 1950 in Stockton, CA, Spanos was raised immersed in both his family’s Greek heritage and the business acumen that would shape his future leadership. He attended Lincoln High School, where he excelled in football and golf, and later graduated from the University of the Pacific in 1972 with a degree in business administration.

Spanos began working alongside his father in the Chargers organization, assuming daily operational control of the team in 1994. He served as President and CEO until 2015, when he transitioned leadership responsibilities to his sons, John and A.G. Spanos. Following his father’s passing in 2018, Spanos became full owner of the franchise.

One of the defining moments of his tenure came in 2017, when the Chargers returned to Los Angeles – the city where the team was originally founded – after decades in San Diego. The move culminated in the opening of SoFi Stadium, one of the most technologically advanced sports venues in the world. The team further cemented its presence in Southern California with the construction of a cutting-edge headquarters and training complex in El Segundo.

Spanos has guided the franchise through significant ownership and financial milestones. In October 2024, he oversaw the sale of a 27 percent stake in the Chargers to fellow Greek-American billionaire Tom Gores, owner of the NBA’s Detroit Pistons. The transaction strengthened the franchise’s ownership structure while marking one of the most prominent partnerships between Greek-American owners in modern professional sports.

In May 2025, the NFL further approved the Chargers’ sale of an additional 8 percent stake to global private investment firm Arctos Partners, reinforcing the organization’s long-term capital strategy.

Beyond team operations, Spanos plays an influential role in league governance as a member of the NFL Management Council Executive Committee, helping shape league policy, labor negotiations, and strategic initiatives.

A defining element of Spanos’ leadership has been the Chargers’ expanding global footprint – particularly in Greece. In 2025, the NFL awarded the Chargers international marketing rights for Greece through its Global Markets Program, positioning the franchise as the league’s official ambassador to the country. That same year, the Chargers hosted the NFL’s first-ever flag football development events in Greece, introducing the sport to a new generation of young athletes and fans. The inaugural games, held in September 2025, marked a historic moment in growing American football’s presence in a nation with a rich sporting tradition.

Spanos also serves as President of A.G. Spanos Companies, the national real estate development company founded by his father, which has constructed residential communities across 18 states.

Philanthropy remains central to the Spanos family legacy. Through the Spanos Family Foundation and the Chargers Impact Fund, Spanos continues a decades-long tradition of community leadership. In February 2026, the Chargers Impact Fund announced its largest single charitable investment to date – a $2.5 million partnership supporting youth development initiatives in Los Angeles. The gift funds Lulu’s Place, a state-of-the-art center providing academic, athletic, and wellness programs for underserved youth, and supports construction of the Alex and Faye Spanos Legacy Field, honoring his parents’ enduring commitment to service.

“Children are our future,” Spanos said when announcing the initiative. “My parents instilled in us the responsibility to provide every possible avenue for young people to succeed – not just through words, but through action.”

The Spanos family’s philanthropic footprint extends deeply into the Greek-American community. In 2021, they contributed $10 million to the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Center – one of the most significant gifts in the project’s history. Spanos also serves on the Board of Friends of St. Nicholas and supports numerous faith-based and Hellenic initiatives.

In recognition of his heritage and global impact, Spanos was honored in Athens in 2024 with a commemorative stamp issued by Hellenic Post as part of the Distinguished Greek Personalities series. Accepting the honor, he reflected on his immigrant roots, noting: “We are Greeks of the diaspora, and so very proud to be the children of the motherland.”

His many accolades include the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and multiple national recognitions for leadership in professional sports and philanthropy.

Spanos and his wife Susie married in 1977 and raised their two sons in San Diego. Though the franchise relocated to Los Angeles, Spanos remains deeply connected to his hometown of Stockton and maintains close ties to Greece, frequently visiting Costa Navarino and Symi, the ancestral homeland of his maternal grandparents.

As Dean Spanos continues to guide one of the NFL’s most prominent franchises, his legacy reflects a blend of family stewardship, global vision, and a steadfast commitment to philanthropy – values deeply rooted in both the American Dream and his Hellenic heritage.

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15

GEORGE D. BEHRAKIS

Massachusetts

$990M (TNHE)

PHARMACEUTICALS

Northeastern University; Married, 4 children

George D. Behrakis is a retired pharmaceutical entrepreneur and one of the most influential Greek-American philanthropists of his generation, whose legacy spans public health, education, the arts, and Hellenic causes worldwide.

Born on New Year’s Day in 1934 to Greek immigrant parents, Behrakis was raised in Lowell, MA, where he developed the work ethic and sense of community responsibility that would define his life. He graduated from Northeastern University in 1957 with a degree in pharmaceuticals and, following military service, embarked on a career that would make him a respected leader in the global pharmaceutical industry.

In 1959, Behrakis joined McNeil Laboratories, a division of Johnson & Johnson, where he and his team played a key role in marketing Tylenol, helping transform it into one of the most trusted household medications worldwide. In 1968, he founded Dooner Laboratories, developing leading asthma treatments before selling the company nine years later. He subsequently acquired Muro Pharmaceuticals, expanding its portfolio from dermatology and ophthalmology products into asthma and immunology therapies. Under his leadership, Muro grew into a highly successful enterprise, and after its sale in the mid-1990s, Behrakis turned his full attention to philanthropy.

Through the Behrakis Foundation, he and his wife, Margo, have supported transformative initiatives in education, healthcare, and the arts. Their generosity has funded endowed chairs, scholarships, research programs, and institutional advancements at leading organizations including Northeastern University, Tufts University, Johns Hopkins University, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Hellenic College Holy Cross, and the University of Mississippi.

Behrakis has been especially devoted to public health initiatives in Greece. In 2008, he established the George D. Behrakis Research Laboratory at the Hellenic Cancer Society and launched SmokeFreeGreece, a national campaign aimed at reducing smoking rates among Greek youth. His landmark $1.8 million grant to Harvard’s School of Public Health funded groundbreaking research into tobacco use in Greece, followed by educational programs, public awareness campaigns, and academic collaborations with the Academy of Athens. A 2021 analysis by the Hellenic Statistical Authority documented a dramatic decline in smoking rates – a testament to the program’s national impact.

At Northeastern University, Behrakis helped establish the Behrakis Health Sciences Center, a major academic complex housing the Schools of Health Professions, Nursing, and Pharmacy, along with the Center for Drug Discovery. In his hometown of Lowell, he has played a central role in revitalizing the city’s historic business district, demonstrating his enduring commitment to community renewal.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston has been one of the greatest beneficiaries of his philanthropy. A lifelong supporter of the arts, Behrakis has contributed more than $25 million to the museum since 2006. The George D. and Margo Behrakis Wing houses renowned Greek, Roman, and Egyptian galleries, while additional gifts enabled the transformation of major exhibition spaces dedicated to the ancient Mediterranean world. Today, Behrakis is recognized as a principal guardian of one of America’s most prestigious cultural institutions.

His contributions to Hellenic causes have earned widespread recognition. He has received the Archbishop Iakovos Humanitarian Award from AHEPA, the Leonidian Award from the Pan-Laconian Federation, and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. The Hellenic Initiative honored him for his commitment to Greece’s economic and social development, while the Hellenic Post issued a commemorative stamp recognizing his philanthropic legacy. In 2022, he was among twelve distinguished Greek-Americans honored by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

A devoted member of the Greek Orthodox community, Behrakis is a former president of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Lowell, an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, chairman emeritus of Leadership 100, and a longtime member of the Archdiocesan Council’s Executive Committee. He also serves as vice chairman emeritus of Northeastern University and sits on the Board of Trustees of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. In recognition of his contributions to science, medicine, and humanitarian causes, he received an honorary doctorate from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in 2015.

Behrakis and his wife, Margo, have been married for more than six decades. Together they have built a family legacy rooted in service, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to advancing education, public health, and Hellenic heritage.

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16

ROY VAGELOS

New Jersey

$973 MILLION (TNHE)

PHARMACEUTICALS, HEALTHCARE

University of Pennsylvania (Chemistry);

Married, 4 children

Pindaros ‘Roy’ Vagelos, MD stands among the most influential figures in modern pharmaceutical science, biotechnology leadership, and academic philanthropy. A pioneering physician-scientist and former industry titan, Vagelos has shaped global medicine through breakthrough innovations, transformative corporate leadership, and record-setting philanthropic investments in scientific education.

Born in Rahway, NJ, in 1929 to Greek immigrant parents from Asia Minor, Vagelos grew up during the Great Depression working at his family’s restaurant, Estelle’s Luncheonette. There, he washed dishes, peeled potatoes, and worked as a soda jerk – all while observing conversations between local scientists and executives from nearby Merck & Co., whose presence sparked his early fascination with science.

Though initially indifferent toward academics, Vagelos discovered his passion for scientific inquiry and graduated with honors from the University of Pennsylvania in 1950 before earning his medical degree from Columbia University in 1954. Following clinical training at Massachusetts General Hospital, he spent a decade at the National Institutes of Health, rising to Senior Surgeon and later heading Comparative Biochemistry at the National Heart Institute.

In 1966, Vagelos became Chairman of Biological Chemistry at Washington University in St. Louis, where he founded the Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences – now one of the nation’s premier interdisciplinary research programs.

He entered the corporate world in 1975, joining Merck and rising to Chairman and CEO in 1984. Under his leadership, Merck revolutionized cardiovascular care through the development of statins, including Mevacor and Zocor, transforming treatment for millions of patients worldwide. His landmark decision to donate the river blindness treatment Mectizan free of charge to developing nations earned him international recognition as the ‘father of pharmacophilanthropy’. During his tenure, Fortune named Merck America’s Most Admired Corporation for seven consecutive years.

Following mandatory retirement from Merck in 1995, Vagelos continued shaping the biotechnology sector as Chairman of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, serving for nearly three decades until stepping down in 2023. His leadership helped transform the firm into one of the world’s most successful biotechnology companies, responsible for groundbreaking therapies such as Eylea and Dupixent.

Dr. George D. Yancopoulos, Regeneron’s co-founder and chief scientific architect, has long cited Vagelos as his mentor and role model, recalling how reading about Vagelos’ achievements in The National Herald inspired him as a young student. “Roy has set the standard for using science to change medicine and improve lives,” Yancopoulos has said.

Beyond his corporate accomplishments, Vagelos and his wife, Diana have become two of the most consequential benefactors in modern higher education and medical research.

At Columbia University, the Vageloses have donated more than $900 million, making them the institution’s most generous benefactors. Their landmark gifts include $250 million to establish debt-free medical education and a record-setting $400 million contribution – the largest in the university’s history – to advance biomedical research and education.

At the University of Pennsylvania, their philanthropy has transformed undergraduate science education. Their gifts established the Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research (VIPER) and funded the Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science and Technology, a cutting-edge sustainability research facility. Their total contributions to Penn exceed $239 million.

In July 2025, the couple further strengthened their academic legacy with a $15 million gift to Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis to expand its Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) – a pioneering MD/PhD program founded by Vagelos more than five decades earlier. In recognition of their transformative generosity, the program was renamed the Roy Vagelos Medical Scientist Training Program, ensuring his enduring influence on future generations of physician-scientists. Their philanthropy also extends to Washington University’s biology and biomedical sciences initiatives and numerous scientific institutions worldwide.

Vagelos’ scholarly contributions include more than 100 scientific publications and several books, including ‘Medicine, Science and Merck’.

He has received honorary degrees from leading institutions including Harvard, Princeton, Columbia, and the University of Pennsylvania. He was elected to the National Academy of Sciences and the American Philosophical Society and, in 2022, was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.

Despite formally retiring from corporate leadership, Vagelos remains intellectually active and engaged in scientific advancement. Married to Diana for nearly seven decades, the couple maintains close ties to Greece, regularly visiting Lesvos and Kefalonia, where they have family roots. They reside in New Jersey and have four children and numerous grandchildren.

Through visionary leadership in medicine, transformative corporate stewardship, and historic philanthropic giving, P. Roy Vagelos has built a legacy that continues to shape the future of global science, healthcare, and education.

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17

GEORGE SAKELLARIS

Massachusetts

$945 MILLION (TNHE)

ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT

Northeastern University; Married, 2 children

Few Greek-American entrepreneurs have shaped America’s modern energy landscape as profoundly as George Sakellaris. Sakellaris built his fortune by pioneering innovative energy-efficiency financing models in the 1980s and 1990s, retrofitting commercial and institutional buildings and getting paid through the savings his solutions generated. Decades later, he remains at the forefront of the clean-energy transition, working to remove regulatory barriers and unlock private capital for renewable and sustainability initiatives.

Born in Laconia, Greece, Sakellaris excelled in mathematics and science from an early age. He recalls a teacher advising him that his aptitude for numbers destined him to become either an educator or an engineer. After completing high school in Greece, he arrived in the United States in 1965 as an exchange student, enrolling at the University of Maine in Orono despite speaking little English. Through determination and academic excellence, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. His parents joined him in America in 1969, and the family settled in Boston.

Sakellaris began his career at local utility New England Electric Systems while simultaneously earning both an MBA and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University. In 1979, company leadership selected him to establish a subsidiary focused on energy conservation – an initiative designed to reduce the need for costly new power plants. He embraced the challenge, launching NEES Energy and laying the groundwork for a revolutionary approach to energy efficiency.

In 1990, Sakellaris purchased the subsidiary and transformed it into NORESCO, building it into a leading energy conservation enterprise. A decade later, in January 2000, he founded Ameresco, a company that would grow into one of North America’s largest energy solutions providers. He took Ameresco public in 2010 and continues to serve as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board.

Ameresco delivers comprehensive energy efficiency, renewable energy, and infrastructure modernization solutions to federal, state, and local governments, healthcare, and educational institutions, public housing authorities, and major commercial clients. Guided by its motto, “Green. Clean. Sustainable,” the company has become a trusted partner in advancing resilient infrastructure and environmental sustainability.

The firm’s impact has earned national recognition. Ameresco was named to Forbes’ America’s Best Mid-Size Companies list – the only energy solutions provider included among the top 100 – and has been repeatedly honored as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the nation. In 2024, Ameresco received the Silver Company of the Year Award (Large Company category) at the Best in Biz Awards, highlighting its leadership in sustainability innovation and infrastructure resilience through major renewable energy and water treatment initiatives.

Strategically refining its focus, Ameresco recently divested Applied Energy Group to global consulting firm ICF, a move designed to sharpen its concentration on core renewable energy and efficiency operations while positioning the business for long-term growth.

Sakellaris’ industry leadership spans decades. He is a founding member and former president of the National Association of Energy Service Companies (NAESCO), where he helped establish the modern energy services sector. His numerous honors include the University of Maine’s Edward T. Bryand Distinguished Engineer Award, an honorary doctorate recognizing his lifetime achievements, Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year New England Award, and multiple national executive leadership distinctions.

Beyond business, Sakellaris is deeply committed to education and Hellenic causes. He supports Northeastern University, Hellenic College Holy Cross, and the University of Maine, and established an endowment at UMass Lowell in memory of his mentor, former Massachusetts Senator Paul Tsongas. A founding member of Faith: An Endowment for Orthodoxy and Hellenism, he is also an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and a major benefactor of St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church.

Outside the boardroom, Sakellaris is an accomplished competitive sailor. He has won the prestigious RORC Caribbean regatta twice and captured three consecutive victories at Les Voiles de St. Barth, underscoring the discipline and precision that define both his professional and personal pursuits.

From immigrant beginnings to industry pioneer, George Sakellaris has built a legacy rooted in innovation, resilience, and environmental stewardship – positioning him among the foremost leaders shaping the future of global energy.

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18

JOHN PAYIAVLAS

Ohio

$865 MILLION (TNHE)

FOOD SERVICE INDUSTRY

Married, 2 children

John A. Payiavlas is a self-made American entrepreneur whose journey from the son of Greek immigrants to the head of the nation’s largest independently owned contract food service company embodies the promise of the American Dream. He serves as Chairman of AVI Foodsystems, a national enterprise providing dining, vending, catering, and hospitality services to leading corporations, universities, healthcare systems, and entertainment venues across the United States.

Born to Greek immigrant parents Anthony and Paraskevi Payiavlas, whose roots trace to the island of Chios, he was raised in a working-class household in Ohio grounded in faith, discipline, and perseverance.

His life took a defining turn in 1951 when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. After completing basic training at Fort Riley, KS, he deployed to South Korea to serve with United Nations forces before transferring to the Greek Expeditionary Force Battalion – a rare distinction shared by only four Greek-Americans. For his valor and leadership, Payiavlas was awarded the Commander’s Silver Cross of Valour, Greece’s highest military decoration. He was honorably discharged in 1953 with the rank of Sergeant First Class.

Returning home with discipline forged in military service, Payiavlas turned to entrepreneurship. He began modestly, co-owning a small-town diner, the Village Café, in Warren, OH. In 1960, opportunity struck when a loyal customer offered to sell him a small vending company known as Automatic Vendors. Recognizing its potential, Payiavlas seized the moment – a decision that would lay the foundation for what became AVI Foodsystems.

Guided by a commitment to quality and personal service, he distinguished AVI early by offering fresh, homemade foods rather than mass-produced alternatives. Throughout the 1980s and beyond, the company expanded into business dining, higher education, healthcare, and hospitality sectors, building a reputation for excellence. Today, AVI serves millions of customers daily across 47 states with more than 8,500 employees. Its extensive client portfolio includes Fortune 500 companies, major universities, healthcare institutions, and national corporate brands.

Though intensely private, Payiavlas continues to guide the company as Chairman while his children carry forward the family legacy. His son, Anthony Payiavlas, serves as President and CEO, and his daughter, Patrice Kouvas, as Vice Chairman – both having begun their careers sweeping floors and preparing sandwiches. Together, they preserve the company’s founding values of integrity, hard work, and unwavering dedication to customers.

The Payiavlas family’s success is matched by a deep commitment to philanthropy and community development. In July 2025, AVI Foodsystems and the Payiavlas family donated $1 million to Youngstown State University in support of the ‘Kilcawley: Centered on the Future’ campaign, funding major renovations to the university’s central student hub. In recognition of their generosity, the facility’s primary dining space was named The Payiavlas Family Dining Commons.

Their charitable contributions extend widely across healthcare, education, and community initiatives, including major support for leading medical institutions and regional development projects.

Payiavlas’ contributions to Hellenism and the Greek-American community have earned national recognition.

In December 2025, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by The Hellenic Initiative at its 13th Annual New York Gala, an event that raised $2.7 million to support humanitarian and economic development programs in Greece.

The honor celebrated his lifelong dedication to service, philanthropy, and the global Greek community.

He has also received numerous distinctions, including induction into the Inside Business Hall of Fame and multiple honors from Greek-American organizations. He is Chairman Emeritus of Leadership 100, an Archon Depoutatos of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, a member of AHEPA, and a board member and treasurer of the Friends of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine, the organization responsible for completing the rebuilding of the historic church at the World Trade Center.

Payiavlas and his family – including children and grandchildren – continue to reside in Warren, OH, maintaining strong ties to their community and to their ancestral homeland of Greece.

Through resilience, vision, and unwavering dedication to faith and family, John Payiavlas has built both a national business enterprise and a legacy of service that reflects the highest ideals of the Greek-American experience.

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19

MICHAEL PSAROS

New York

$800 MILLION (TNHE)

INVESTMENTS

Georgetown University (Business); Married, 3 children

Michael Psaros, 58, 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 $20 billion of assets under management. KPS makes controlling equity investments in manufacturing and industrial companies across a diverse array of industries, and transforms these companies into world-class, industry-leading enterprises by structurally improving their strategic position, competitiveness, and profitability. KPS investment strategy is based on seeing value where others do not, buying right, and making businesses better.

KPS has completed over 120 acquisitions through eight institutional investment funds, and its active portfolio companies have aggregate revenue of $21.2 billion, operate 202 manufacturing facilities in 21 countries and employ 55,000 people worldwide.

In 2025, KPS was recognized by PitchBook, a leading private equity industry publication, as the top-forming private equity fund series in the world in the megafunds category measured by its investment performance over a 27-year period.

Psaros co-founded KPS in 1997, when he was 30 years old, after joining its predecessor investment banking firm founded by his inspiration, Eugene Keilin. Keilin engineered the employee buyout of Weirton Steel in Psaros’ hometown of Weirton, WV in 1984, preventing the loss of his father’s job and the jobs of thousands of others. The Weirton Steel buyout and turnaround inspired Psaros to pursue a career on Wall Street focused on manufacturing and industrial companies and saving jobs. Psaros and his partners launched KPS with a dream and no capital. Together they built one of the leading firms in the global private equity business. 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.

Psaros is a leading philanthropist and activist for Hellenic and Orthodox causes. He is the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the St. Nicholas 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 has attracted over 600,000 visitors from around the world since it opened in December 2022 and serves as a cenotaph in memory of the 3,000 people who tragically lost their lives on September 11th, 2001.

Psaros serves on the Executive Committee of the Archdiocesan Council of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and formerly served as its Treasurer. Psaros is an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and serves on its National Council. He received the Archon Nicholas J. Bouras Award for Philanthropic Leadership in 2022.

Psaros serves on the Investment Committee of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation, on the Board of Trustees of The Leadership 100, the Executive Board of The Hellenic Initiative, and is a proud supporter of AHEPA, which awarded Psaros its highest honor, the Socrates Award, in 2019.

The Psaros Family created the Psaros Orthodox Church Endowment, in the name of His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, to support the ministries of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Weirton, WV, in 2021.

Psaros was honored by the Hellenic Republic, through The Hellenic Post (ELTA) and the International Foundation for Greece for his exceptional business achievements, extensive philanthropic efforts, and commitment to Hellenism. The Hellenic Post placed Psaros on a limited-edition postage stamp now in circulation throughout Greece.

Psaros served on the Board of Directors of Georgetown University and 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, which was 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. Psaros received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, Honorus Causa, from Georgetown University in May 2025, where he was the Commencement Speaker.

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.

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20

ARTHUR T. DEMOULAS

Massachusetts

$795 MILLION (TNHE)

SUPERMARKETS

Bentley College; Married, 4 children

The Demoulas family supermarket empire began in 1917, when Greek immigrants Athanasios (Arthur) and Efrosine Demoulas opened a small market selling fresh lamb in Lowell, MA. In 1950, the original store model was revamped and premiered as the DeMoulas Superette. Arthur turned the business over to his two sons, George and Telemachus (Mike), in 1954. The following year, the Superette tripled in size and became DeMoulas Super Market. Over the next 17 years, the two brothers converted the lamb shop into a successful grocery chain of 15 stores.

Arthur T. Demoulas, born in 1955, attended Andover High School, where he played football. He spent his younger years working in the family business, joining the DeMoulas Super Markets Board of Directors after his first year at Bentley College and working his way up to Vice President, eventually becoming CEO.

Under his leadership, the business grew substantially. The Tewksbury-based DeMoulas Market Basket, Inc. expanded to 95 stores throughout New England, employs over 25,000 people, and has generated billions in revenue year after year, reaching $6.6 billion in 2023. Over the past decade, the company added approximately 30 new stores and a new perishable and produce distribution center, doubling its sales. Market Basket has been ranked #85 on Forbes’ list of America’s largest private companies, named one of America’s best employers by state in 2023, and ranked #273 in Forbes’ best customer service in 2025.

MIT’s 2019 article ‘The High Road Approach to Worker Compensation’ noted that despite revenue in the billions, Arthur T. had built a culture more like a mom-and-pop store, memorizing the names and birthdays of employees and visiting workers when they were sick. In August 2024, he sent a letter to all employees informing them that each would receive a one-time surprise bonus of $3,000.

In September 2025, Arthur T. was voted out as President and CEO by the company’s board of directors following months of internal disputes. The board placed him on paid leave in May 2025 amid an investigation into allegations that he and his allies were planning a work stoppage in response to the board’s oversight efforts, allegations his representatives denied. Following failed mediation, the board voted unanimously to remove him on September 9, 2025, and filed a complaint in the Delaware Court of Chancery alleging that he had resisted board oversight and operated with broad unilateral authority. Demoulas contested his removal, filing a counterclaim alleging the board had acted improperly and that his firing was predetermined. He is seeking reinstatement as CEO. A three-day trial was held in Delaware in December 2025, with final arguments presented in late February 2026. A decision from the court remains pending.

Two family foundations, the Telemachus and Irene Demoulas Family Foundation with $61 million in assets and the Demoulas Foundation with $30 million in assets, have donated millions to Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, schools, camps, hospitals, the Boston Ballet, the Boston Museum of Science, Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in Lowell, Bentley University, and Boston College. The greatest beneficiary has been the Lowell Plan, an economic development organization for the city, which has received well over $10 million in the last decade.

Arthur T. Demoulas lives in Lowell with his wife Maureen, with whom he has three daughters and a son.

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21

NICHOLAS MAOUNIS

Connecticut

$790 MILLION (TNHE)

FINANCE

University of Connecticut (Finance); Married

New on the list this year, Nicholas ‘Nick’ Maounis is a veteran hedge fund executive and investment strategist whose career exemplifies resilience, discipline, and strategic reinvention at the highest levels of global finance. He serves as Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Verition Fund Management, where he oversees the firm’s global investment activities and capital allocation across a diversified range of strategies. Today, Verition manages approximately $12 billion in assets and ranks among the fastest-growing multi-strategy hedge fund platforms in the industry.

The son of a Wall Street bond trader, Maounis was introduced to financial markets at an early age. He graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and quickly earned his professional footing under renowned investor S. Donald Sussman, founder of Paloma Partners. Paloma was among the earliest firms to pioneer the multistrategy hedge fund model that Maounis would later refine and expand. Under Sussman’s mentorship, Maounis developed a reputation for disciplined trading and portfolio construction, particularly in the specialized field of convertible arbitrage.

From the outset, Maounis demonstrated exceptional skill in convertible arbitrage – a sophisticated strategy that involves short-selling equities while purchasing their underlying convertible bonds to capitalize on pricing inefficiencies. He went on to manage large convertible-arbitrage portfolios and lead teams of traders across multiple strategies, first at Paloma Partners and later at Angelo Gordon and LF Rothschild, Unterberg, Towbin, where he served as Senior Vice President overseeing all convertible-arbitrage trading.

Maounis rose to prominence as the founder and President of Amaranth Advisors, which he built into a $9 billion investment powerhouse. In 2006, Amaranth entered financial history when a series of energy trades collapsed amid extreme natural-gas market volatility, triggering what was then the largest trading loss in corporate history. The firm lost more than $6 billion in a matter of days, a watershed moment that prompted sweeping industry reforms in risk management and oversight.

The firm’s name reflected Maounis’ appreciation for classical symbolism. He discovered ‘Amaranth’ on an antique pool table and was drawn to its Greek origin – from ‘amaranthos’, meaning ‘unfading’ – a term he believed captured the ideals of durability and long-term value.

Undeterred by the setback, Maounis began planning his return almost immediately. In 2008, he launched Verition with approximately $185 million in capital. Over the following decade, the firm evolved into one of Wall Street’s most dynamic multimanager platforms, supporting approximately 140 specialized trading teams that operate across global markets under centralized risk oversight.

Investors credit Verition’s disciplined structure and enhanced risk-management systems for its sustained performance and steady expansion. The firm’s assets have grown from roughly $1 billion in 2019 to nearly $12 billion today, generating strong risk-adjusted returns and attracting major institutional investors. Since its inception, Verition has delivered average annual returns approaching 13 percent, outperforming many industry benchmarks.

Maounis remains actively engaged in the firm’s strategic direction, overseeing capital deployment and risk management while applying lessons learned from earlier chapters of his career to build a more resilient and diversified enterprise. His professional resurgence underscores a defining reality of modern finance: experienced leaders who endure major setbacks often return with sharper discipline and renewed investor confidence.

In May 2025, Maounis further underscored his financial stature with the purchase of a $75 million waterfront estate on La Gorce Island in Miami Beach.

Now based between Connecticut and South Florida, Maounis continues to guide one of the hedge fund industry’s most closely watched firms, exemplifying strategic reinvention and institutional investment leadership.

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22

JOHN GEORGES

Louisiana

$745 MILLION (TNHE)

FOOD SERVICES, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, PHILANTHROPY, MEDIA

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

John Georges is a Louisiana business magnate, media proprietor, and philanthropist whose influence spans commerce, public life, and the preservation of Hellenic heritage. An entrepreneur across multiple industries and a steadfast advocate for the Greek-American community, Georges has built a diversified business empire while maintaining deep civic and cultural commitments.

Born in New Orleans to Anita and Dennis George, Georges was raised in a family rooted in Hellenic values and resilience. His father emigrated from Greece after serving in the Greek Resistance and the Royal Hellenic Air Force during World War II, instilling in his son a lifelong commitment to service, patriotism, and community leadership.

Georges is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Georges Enterprises, an investment firm based in Elmwood, Louisiana that specializes in acquiring and expanding businesses across diverse sectors including real estate, grocery distribution, restaurants, entertainment, and media. The foundation of his business career lies in Imperial Trading Company, a wholesale grocery distribution enterprise founded in 1916 by his maternal grandfather. Georges began working in the family business at age 11, sweeping warehouse floors and making deliveries as a teenager. After graduating from Tulane University, he returned to the company and led its transformation into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise with operations across the United States.

Among Georges Enterprises’ most prominent holdings is Imperial Trading Company, one of the nation’s leading convenience-store distributors with a presence in twenty states.

Georges has also become one of the most influential media owners in the American South through Georges Media Group. In 2013, he acquired The Advocate, expanding it into Louisiana’s largest newspaper. Under his stewardship, the publication earned a Pulitzer Prize in 2019 for investigative reporting that exposed injustices within Louisiana’s conviction system. Georges further reshaped the regional media landscape by acquiring The Times-Picayune and NOLA.com, uniting two historic publications under one banner. His media portfolio also includes Arthur Hardy’s Mardi Gras Guide, a cultural institution central to Louisiana’s heritage and tourism economy.

A deeply engaged civic leader, Georges has played a vital role in Louisiana’s recovery and community development efforts. Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, he helped lead the rebuilding of New Orleans’ Greek Orthodox community, raising more than $4 million in three months to restore homes, churches, and community institutions. As president of the Parish Council of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Orleans, he welcomed Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew during his historic visit in 2006.

In recognition of his longstanding commitment to Greece and the diaspora, Georges was sworn in as Honorary Consul of Greece in New Orleans in September 2025. The ceremony was officiated in Washington, DC by Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou, underscoring the historic diplomatic ties between Greece and New Orleans, home to the first Greek consulate and the first Greek Orthodox church in the United States. In this role, Georges serves as an official representative of the Hellenic Republic, promoting cultural, economic, and diplomatic relations between Greece and the Gulf South.

Georges is also a founding member of the board of Friends of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine, the organization responsible for the completion of the rebuilding the historic shrine at the World Trade Center.

A strong believer in education and entrepreneurship, Georges founded Louisiana Lemonade Day, a statewide initiative that teaches children business fundamentals through experiential learning. The program has helped more than 100,000 young participants develop entrepreneurial skills and financial literacy.

Throughout his career, Georges has served on more than fifty boards and commissions, including Vice Chairman of the National WWII Museum, member of the Louisiana Board of Regents, Commissioner of the Louisiana Public Belt Railroad, and Trustee of St. Augustine High School.

John Georges and his wife, Dathel, have three children and remain deeply engaged in both their local community and the broader Greek-American diaspora.

Through business leadership, media stewardship, philanthropy, and diplomatic service, John Georges continues to shape Louisiana’s civic landscape while strengthening the enduring ties between Greece and the United States.

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23

ANGELO K. TSAKOPOULOS

California

$600 MILLION (Celebrity Net Worth)

REAL ESTATE

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

Angelo K. Tsakopoulos stands as one of the Sacramento region’s most distinguished businessmen, leading a land development enterprise that has shaped the landscape of Northern California for decades. Beyond his business achievements, he has dedicated much of his life to philanthropy, leaving a profound mark on the educational and cultural institutions of the greater Sacramento community and beyond.

Central to Tsakopoulos’s life philosophy is the ancient Greek concept of ‘paideia’, the pursuit of a complete and well-rounded education. Born in the small village of Rizes in Arcadia, Greece, he was the son of a butcher who endured the hardships of the Nazi occupation during World War II before making the journey across the Atlantic in search of a better life. He first landed in New York at the age of 15, then made his way to Chicago, before ultimately putting down roots in Sacramento, CA.

His early years in America were marked by hard work and determination. Tsakopoulos took on jobs as a shoeshine boy and a farmhand before a trusted mentor encouraged him to pursue higher education. He went on to study political science and business at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS), where he was also a member of the boxing team. During those years he went by the Americanized name of Chicos, a surname he would later set aside to restore his family’s proud Greek heritage. To support himself through school, he worked as a waiter and real estate salesman, two experiences that would prove foundational to the career he was about to build.

That career took shape through AKT Development Corporation, the firm Tsakopoulos founded and grew into one of the foremost real estate development companies in the Sacramento region. Under his stewardship, AKT has constructed more than 60,000 homes and over 30 million square feet of office space, while also maintaining a significant commercial building portfolio and overseeing approximately 20,000 acres of farmland. The firm remains a vital and expanding force in California real estate, with recent land acquisitions and new development initiatives across the greater Sacramento region underscoring AKT’s continued prominence in the market.

Tsakopoulos has long held that prosperity carries with it an obligation to give back. His family has directed generous donations of land and funding toward a broad range of cultural and educational institutions, among them several Greek Orthodox churches, the Crocker Art Museum, and the Sofia Theater of the B Street Theater Company, which bears the name of his wife. His commitment to higher education spans some of the country’s most respected universities, including Dartmouth College, Columbia University, Stanford University, Georgetown University, and Hillsdale College, among others.

In a particularly meaningful gesture, Tsakopoulos made the inaugural gift to endow the nation’s first Black Honors College at CSUS. He is also collaborating with the University of California at Davis on an ambitious ‘Community for Health and Independence’, an initiative that harnesses cutting-edge technology and research to reimagine community design for the country’s rapidly growing senior population.

His devotion to Greek heritage and scholarship led him to establish the S.B. Vryonis Center for the Study of Hellenism in Sacramento, building a collection of over 70,000 volumes that was subsequently merged into the Tsakopoulos Hellenic Collection at CSUS, creating one of the most significant repositories of Hellenic scholarship in the United States.

In 2018, the Tsakopoulos family contributed $1 million to endow the Justice Anthony M. Kennedy Chair at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento. Three years later, in 2021, Tsakopoulos directed $250,000 in relief to families uprooted by the devastating Caldor fire in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains.

On the international policy front, Tsakopoulos founded the Western Policy Center in 1997, an institute devoted to advancing American and Western interests across southern Europe, with a particular focus on Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey. In 2004, he engineered its merger with the Congressionally-funded Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars to establish the Southeast Europe Project, a platform dedicated to examining European Union enlargement and NATO’s evolving role in the 21st century. The initiative gave rise to the Tsakopoulos-Kounalakis Lecture Series, which brought world leaders and prominent scholars to Washington to engage with the enduring democratic ideals rooted in Classical Hellenism.

His contributions to Hellenism have been recognized at the highest levels. In 2007, Greek President Karolos Papoulias presented Tsakopoulos with the Commander of the Order of Honor, one of the Hellenic Republic’s most prestigious distinctions, in recognition of his lifelong service to Greek culture and heritage. In 2022, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis honored him once again in Washington, DC for his decades of dedication to Greece and the broader Hellenic world.

In 2016, on the occasion of his 80th birthday, Tsakopoulos was formally recognized in the U.S. Congressional Record for his extraordinary career in real estate development and his longstanding commitment to philanthropy in California. A steadfast supporter of the Democratic Party, he has cultivated close relationships with many of America’s most influential political figures and with Greek prime ministers across party lines over the past four decades. In 1994, he welcomed President Clinton to his Sacramento home for a major fundraising event, and two years later hosted Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos in the state capital.

His legacy extends through his family as well. Tsakopoulos has actively encouraged his children and other young Greek-Americans to pursue careers in public service. His daughter Eleni Tsakopoulos Kounalakis was appointed U.S. Ambassador to Hungary in 2010, and was elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022 as California’s 50th Lieutenant Governor. She is currently a candidate for California State Treasurer in 2026.

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24

TOM HANKS &

RITA WILSON

California

$500 MILLION

(Celebrity Net Worth)

ENTERTAINMENT

Married, 4 children

Few couples embody the intersection of Hollywood stardom and Hellenic pride quite like Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson. In 2020, Hanks was granted honorary Greek citizenship by former President Prokopis Pavlopoulos, a gesture of gratitude for the couple’s advocacy for international aid in the wake of the catastrophic wildfire in Mati. The honor was championed by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who had long cultivated a relationship with Hanks around matters of Greek interest, and was formally submitted by then-Interior Minister Takis Theodorikakos.

Hanks’ connection to Greece runs deep. He converted to Greek Orthodoxy in 1988, ahead of his marriage to Wilson, and has since become a fixture of Greek island life, owning properties on both Antiparos and Patmos and returning nearly every summer. He has never been shy about his affection for the country, describing himself as “an ardent admirer of all things Hellenic.”

Wilson’s ties to Greece are rooted in her heritage. Born to a Greek mother and a Bulgarian Muslim father who later embraced Greek Orthodoxy, she was raised in the faith and has carried it throughout her life. It was Wilson who played an instrumental role in steering Hanks toward co-producing ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’, a film that transcended its modest budget to become a genuine cultural phenomenon. The couple went on to co-produce ‘Mamma Mia!’ and its sequel, as well as ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3’, which was released on September 8, 2023.

On the awards front, Hanks received the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2020 Golden Globes, where he took the opportunity to speak warmly about his bond with Greece and its culture. His producing credits in recent years have continued to reflect his deep interest in historical storytelling, including the CNN documentary ‘The 2010s’ and the Apple TV+ mini-series ‘Masters of the Air’, featuring his Elvis co-star Austin Butler.

In February 2025, Hanks lent his voice to NBC’s sweeping 10-part nature documentary ‘The Americas’, earning praise from executive producer Mike Gunton, who called him “the voice of America.” Hanks himself seemed equally enthusiastic about the project, saying, “I was born to narrate this. You will be enthralled, enlightened, educated, and, foremost, entertained.” That same month, he and Wilson directed $1 million toward wildfire relief efforts in the Los Angeles area, splitting the donation across five organizations, including the Motion Picture and Television Fund, the Los Angeles Fire Foundation, the SAG-AFTRA Foundation Disaster Relief Fund, the American Red Cross, and MusiCares. “Now we must all move forward to what is next for our city, communities, and neighbors,” the couple said, encouraging others to give as well.

Hanks is now turning his attention to what may be his most ambitious historical project yet. His 20-episode documentary series, ‘World War II with Tom Hanks’s is set to premiere on the History Channel on Memorial Day 2026. Executive produced alongside Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Jon Meacham and longtime collaborator Gary Goetzman, the series promises a sweeping retelling of the deadliest conflict in human history, from Germany’s invasion of Poland to the fall of the Axis powers, spanning 200 territories and 40 languages.

Away from the screen, Hanks and Wilson remain active members of their Greek Orthodox community, worshipping at St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church in Los Angeles. Hanks’ spiritual father was Fr. Robert Stephanopoulos, father of political commentator and television host George Stephanopoulos.

This year, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson mark their 38th wedding anniversary, a testament to a partnership that continues to shape both the entertainment world and the communities they hold dear.

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25

MARCUS A. LEMONIS

Illinois

$500 MILLION (Celebrity Net Worth)

INVESTMENTS

Marquette University (Political Science); Married

Marcus Lemonis is the Executive Chairman and CEO of Bed Bath & Beyond, a subsidiary of Beyond Inc., the combined company of Overstock.com and Bed Bath & Beyond, as well as a non-executive Co-Founder and Special Advisor at Camping World Holdings, the company he built into the world’s largest RV retailer. A self-made entrepreneur and philanthropist, Lemonis is widely recognized for his business acumen and commitment to empowering others.

Born in Lebanon during its civil war and abandoned at an orphanage just days after his birth, Lemonis was adopted by Leo and Sophia Lemonis, a Greek-Lebanese couple who raised him in Miami, FL. Now 51, he was exposed to the automotive industry early in life, as his grandfather owned two of the largest Chevrolet dealerships in the country, in Tampa and Miami. At just 12 years old, he launched a lawn-mowing business to fund his dream of opening a candy store. At 22, he briefly ventured into politics, running for the Florida House of Representatives with an endorsement from The Miami Herald, though he ultimately lost the race.

Lemonis later joined AutoNation, the country’s largest car dealer, quickly rising to regional manager. At 25, he took a life-changing piece of advice from family friend Lee Iacocca, the legendary former head of Chrysler Corporation, who encouraged him to find an industry ripe for transformation. Lemonis identified that opportunity in the RV and outdoor equipment sector, leading him to co-found Camping World, which grew under his leadership into the nation’s largest RV retailer with revenues exceeding $6.5 billion. After more than two decades at the helm, Lemonis stepped down as CEO and Chairman of Camping World in December 2025, handing the reins to longtime company veteran Matthew Wagner, while remaining involved as a non-executive Co-Founder and Special Advisor and intending to stay a meaningful long-term shareholder. In January 2026, he was named CEO of Bed Bath & Beyond, adding that role to his existing title of Executive Chairman.

Beyond retail, Lemonis has left his mark on the restaurant industry, founding The Simple Greek, a fast-casual Greek restaurant franchise, in 2015. The brand was later acquired by the parent company of SaladWorks in 2021. That same year, he wrapped up his eight-season CNBC reality series, ‘The Profit’, which earned him the title of ‘Business Turnaround King’ for his investments in and revitalization of struggling businesses. The show also inspired spin-offs, including ‘Streets of Dreams’. Most recently, Lemonis starred in HGTV’s ‘The Renovator’, which focuses on home transformations.

A dedicated philanthropist, Lemonis has donated tens of millions of dollars to charitable organizations and small businesses, advocating for underrepresented entrepreneurs. In 2020, he founded The Lemon-AID Foundation, which supports women- and minority-owned businesses. He also launched Plating Change, a partnership with Grubhub and World Central Kitchen, to combat food insecurity.

One of his most impactful contributions is to his alma mater, Marquette University, where he and his wife, Bobbi Lemonis, donated $15 million to establish the Lemonis Center for Student Success. Officially dedicated on September 13, 2024, the center provides comprehensive student support services, including career guidance, tutoring, academic coaching, and collaborative workspaces. “This initial gift is the start of building the road for others,” Lemonis said of the initiative.

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26

JAMES NEARY

New York

$499 MILLION (GuruFocus)

FINANCE

Northwestern University (MBA)

James ‘Jim’ Neary is a leading private equity executive whose career has been defined by strategic investment leadership across global industries. He serves as Managing Director, Co-Head of US Private Equity and is a member of Warburg Pincus’ (one of the world’s most prominent private equity firms) Executive Committee and Executive Management Group.

Over the course of his distinguished tenure at Warburg Pincus, Neary has led major investment initiatives spanning Business Services, late-stage Technology-Enabled Services, Technology, Media & Telecommunications, and Capital Markets. His leadership has played a key role in shaping the firm’s portfolio strategy and driving growth across a broad range of sectors. Prior to joining Warburg Pincus, Neary served as a Managing Director at Chase Securities, building a strong foundation in investment banking and capital markets.

Neary currently serves as chairman or board member of several prominent companies, including Allied Universal, Consolidated Precision Products, Norstella, Sotera Health, and WEX. Throughout his career, he has also held board positions at numerous public and private companies across technology, financial services, logistics, and data analytics sectors – like Duravant, Endurance International Group, Hygiena, and Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

Beyond his professional achievements, Neary is deeply committed to philanthropy, healthcare advancement, and education. He serves on the Board of Trustees of Mount Sinai Health System and Eaglebrook School, and is Co-Chair of the President’s Council at Tufts University. In 2021, he joined the Board of Directors of The Hellenic Initiative, reinforcing his commitment to supporting Greece and the global Greek community.

Neary earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Political Science from Tufts University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, where he was recognized as a Eugene Lerner Finance Scholar.

His ties to Greece reflect the enduring traditions of the Greek diaspora. “I was raised Greek Orthodox and grew up steeped in the traditions of the Orthodox Church and Greek holidays,” he has said. “I have traveled to Greece with my extended family several times.” His commitment to his heritage and dedication to supporting Hellenic initiatives distinguish him as a prominent leader within the Greek-American community.

Through strategic investment leadership, board governance, and philanthropic engagement, Jim Neary continues to shape global industries while strengthening the cultural and civic bonds of the Hellenic diaspora.

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27

JAMES S. CHANOS

Florida

$400 MILLION (Celebrity Net Worth)

INVESTMENTS

Yale University (Economics & Political Science); 4 children

Few investors have left as indelible a mark on Wall Street as James S. Chanos, whose career has been defined by an almost preternatural ability to see what others overlook. The financial press has described him as “the LeBron James of short selling,” “Wall Street’s most distinguished bear,” and “the Darth Vader of Wall Street.”

His story begins in Milwaukee, WI, where he was raised by a second-generation Greek immigrant father who owned a dry-cleaning business and dabbled in stocks on the side. Those early dinner table conversations about the market planted a seed that would eventually grow into one of the most remarkable careers in the history of finance.

At Yale University, where he studied economics and political science, Chanos honed that early curiosity into analytical skill, experimenting with options trading while most of his peers focused elsewhere. His first job, at Gilford Securities in 1982, set the tone for his career. Investigating Baldwin-United’s books, he uncovered fraud severe enough to topple the company, establishing himself as a rising force on Wall Street.

In 1985, he founded Kynikos Associates, named after the Greek word for ‘cynic’. The firm grew into the largest dedicated short-selling hedge fund in the world, at one point managing $6 billion in assets. Its defining moment came in 2001, when Chanos identified fundamental weaknesses at Enron long before its collapse stunned global markets. He later exposed vulnerabilities at companies including Boston Chicken, Conseco, Tyco International, and Wirecard.

Kynikos’ later years proved more challenging. Persistent short positions against Tesla – a stock that defied conventional valuation logic far longer than skeptics expected – proved costly, and markets grew increasingly hostile to short sellers. By 2023, assets had fallen below $200 million, prompting Chanos to wind down the fund after 38 years and transition to a family office structure.

His personal finances also shifted. In early 2025, he quietly sold his Upper East Side penthouse for $19 million in an off-market deal, well below its prior peak asking price. The sale followed his 2024 divestment of a South Beach condominium for $17.8 million.

Freed from daily fund management, Chanos has focused on public commentary – an arena where his skepticism continues to resonate. In an August 2025 interview with the Institute for New Economic Thinking, he offered a sobering assessment of the artificial intelligence spending boom, warning that companies may be inflating earnings by depreciating A.I. hardware over long periods despite rapid obsolescence.

In early 2026, Chanos targeted Elon Musk’s proposal for orbital datacenters, dismissing the idea as “A.I. snake oil” and arguing that relocating infrastructure to space would increase nearly every operational cost. Soon after, he questioned IREN Ltd.’s decision to expand a massive equity offering without reaffirming its near-term revenue outlook, suggesting that the omission was telling.

Beyond finance, Chanos devotes significant time to philanthropy and education. He supports the Washington ‘Oxi’ Day Foundation, serves as a trustee of The Nightingale-Bamford School and The New-York Historical Society, and teaches a Yale course on the history of financial fraud – returning to the academic roots where his career began. Each year, he also returns to Mykonos, trading Wall Street’s volatility for the calm of the Aegean.

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28

MARTHA STEWART

New York

$400 MILLION (Celebrity Net Worth)

ENTERTAINMENT

Barnard College (Architectural History); 1 child

Martha Stewart remains one of America’s most influential cultural and business figures – and one with meaningful Greek roots. Stewart was once America’s first self-made female billionaire and continues to reinvent herself across media, publishing, hospitality, and lifestyle ventures, while proudly honoring her ancestral ties to Greece.

Born Martha Kostyras, she was raised in a working-class Polish-American household in New Jersey. In 2006, however, Stewart revealed a lesser-known part of her heritage: her father’s family originated from the Greek island of Kos in the Dodecanese. “On my father’s side, a long time ago, I found out that I’m Greek, from the beautiful island of Kos,” she said. She later visited the island, seeing the legendary plane tree under which Hippocrates is believed to have composed the Hippocratic Oath – a moment she described as deeply meaningful.

Stewart paid her college tuition through modeling before marrying Andrew Stewart in 1961 (divorced in 1990). After beginning her career as a Wall Street stockbroker, she moved to Connecticut and launched a small catering business in 1976 that would grow into a lifestyle empire. Her first book, ‘Entertaining’, debuted in 1981, establishing her as a national authority on hosting and home living.

Her influence expanded with the launch of Martha Stewart Living magazine in 1990 and the long-running television program of the same name. In 1999, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia went public on the New York Stock Exchange, briefly making Stewart America’s first self-made female billionaire.

Her career faced a dramatic setback in 2004 when she was convicted of insider trading and served five months in prison. Yet the episode ultimately became part of her story of reinvention. Stewart rebounded to rebuild her brand and remained a defining figure in American media and lifestyle culture.

In 2023, she became the oldest model ever to appear on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. The following year, Netflix released the documentary ‘Martha’, chronicling her rise, fall, and cultural resurgence.

Her hospitality ventures continue to expand. In 2022, Stewart opened The Bedford by Martha Stewart on the Las Vegas Strip, designed to mirror her own home and featuring refined comfort cuisine inspired by her personal recipes. A second location opens in March 2026 at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut, set amid wooded hills near her Bedford, NY farmhouse.

Stewart returned to television in 2025 as co-host of NBC’s ‘Yes, Chef!’, alongside chef José Andrés. The high-stakes culinary competition ran for one season of ten episodes.

A prolific author, Stewart continues to shape lifestyle publishing. Her 102nd book, releasing in May 2026, offers practical guidance on cooking, entertaining, organizing, collecting, and gardening – areas where she remains a defining authority.

In August 2025, she entered the advanced skincare market with Elm, a clinical platform developed with dermatologist Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali and an advisory board of more than 350 scientific experts.

Her digital presence remains strong through podcasting, MasterClass programming, and collaborations with cultural figures such as Snoop Dogg, underscoring her cross-generational appeal.

From Wall Street to publishing, from adversity to reinvention, Martha Stewart continues to redefine modern lifestyle entrepreneurship – all while proudly embracing her ancestral ties to Greece and her affection for Kos.

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29

JENNIFER ANISTON

California

$320 MILLION (Celebrity Net Worth)

TELEVISION AND FILM

New York’s School of Performing Arts

Jennifer Aniston remains one of Hollywood’s most enduring and beloved stars – a Greek-American icon whose talent, business acumen, and timeless presence continue to captivate audiences worldwide. At 56, her disciplined wellness routine and Cretan heritage are clearly serving her well. With an estimated net worth of $320 million, Aniston remains a major force in entertainment and entrepreneurship.

Born to actress Nancy Dow and Greek-born actor John Aniston (Anastasakis), best known for ‘Days of Our Lives’, Aniston spent part of her childhood in Greece, strengthening her connection to her father’s family in Crete. Greek ancestry sources note that her great-grandfather fought in the 1878 Cretan Revolt against Ottoman rule, underscoring her family’s deep historical ties to the island.

Aniston’s career soared with her portrayal of Rachel Green on ‘Friends’ (1994–2004), a role that made her a global household name and earned her $1 million per episode in the series’ final seasons. Since then, she has transitioned seamlessly between film and television.

She made her Netflix debut in ‘Dumplin’’ and, beginning in 2019, starred alongside Reese Witherspoon and Steve Carell in ‘The Morning Show’, commanding $2 million per episode and earning major award nominations.

In 2023, Aniston starred in and produced ‘Murder Mystery 2’, continuing her successful partnership with Netflix, with a third installment reportedly in development. Her accolades include a Golden Globe, a Primetime Emmy, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Beyond acting, Aniston has become a successful producer and entrepreneur. In 2021, she launched LolaVie, a science-driven haircare line that quickly gained global attention. In February 2025, she partnered with Selena Gomez on a beauty campaign that generated $6.8 million in media impact value within a week, with their TikTok recreation of a classic Friends scene surpassing 22 million views.

Her influence extends to consumer brands as well. In 2025, The Hershey Company named her spokesperson for SkinnyPop, adding to longtime partnerships with Aveeno, Vitaminwater, and fitness company Pvolve.

Aniston studied at New York’s School of Performing Arts, pursuing acting despite her father’s objections. “That was my one rebellion,” she has said. “I wanted to make it so I could prove him wrong.”

She is also deeply committed to philanthropy, supporting Doctors Without Borders, AmeriCares, Feeding America, cancer research initiatives, and LGBTQ advocacy.

In her personal life, Aniston has been in a relationship with wellness coach Jim Curtis since 2025, reflecting her continued focus on health and balance.

According to the Evening Standard, Aniston maintains close friendships within the Greek-American community, including fellow Greek-American Rita Wilson, reinforcing her lasting ties to her heritage.

From global stardom to entrepreneurship and philanthropy, Jennifer Aniston continues to evolve while proudly honoring her Greek roots and enduring connection to Crete.

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30

EDWARD ZANDER

California

$317 MILLION (Benzinga)

TECHNOLOGY

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Married, 2 children

Edward Zander is one of the technology industry’s most accomplished executive leaders. Often called ‘Fast Eddie’ for his Brooklyn-born drive and sharp business instincts, Zander has long been recognized for his relentless energy and decisive leadership. As he once put it, “I’m from New York, so I’m New York fast.”

Born to Jewish immigrants from Greece and Poland, Zander grew up shaped by resilience and sacrifice. His father, who once dreamed of becoming a lawyer, worked as a furrier to support his ailing parents. His mother, blinded by glaucoma, fled Greece after losing her family during the turmoil of 1922 and the Asia Minor catastrophe – a personal history that would later inspire Zander’s philanthropic commitments.

Originally trained as an electrical engineer, Zander earned his degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1968 and began his career at Raytheon. Realizing engineering was not his calling, he pivoted into marketing at Data General Corporation, one of the pioneers of microcomputing. His impact was immediate: company sales grew from $7 million to $500 million during his tenure. While there, he earned an MBA from Boston University, which later awarded him an honorary doctorate.

Zander’s leadership trajectory continued with senior roles at Apollo Computer and Sun Microsystems, where he served as Chief Operating Officer. Over 15 years at Sun, he helped expand revenue to $18 billion, strengthened the company’s dominance in the server market, and oversaw breakthrough innovations including Solaris and Java. His marketing vision also produced the memorable ‘dot in dot com’ campaign, reinforcing Sun’s role as a foundational force in internet-era computing.

He is perhaps best known for his tenure as Chairman and CEO of Motorola, a role he assumed in 2004 at a pivotal moment in the company’s history. Under Zander’s leadership,

Motorola introduced the RAZR – the best-selling mobile phone of its era – and revitalized its global brand through the widely recognized ‘Hello Moto’ campaign. His tenure produced 12 consecutive quarters of revenue growth, doubled company revenue, and delivered double-digit earnings growth for the first time in more than a decade.

In recent years, Zander has remained active in innovation and technology through involvement with emerging ventures, including HireLogic, an A.I.-driven startup specializing in conversational analytics for hiring and recruitment.

Beyond corporate leadership, Zander is deeply committed to philanthropy, particularly glaucoma research. Motivated by his mother’s lifelong struggle with the disease, he and his wife, Mona, have been longtime supporters of the Glaucoma Research Foundation. In 2019, they received the foundation’s Catalyst for a Cure Award, and in 2023 established the Zander Family Research Fund through a multi-year pledge supporting early-career scientists developing gene therapies.

Zander has also served as a director of Seagate Technology, Netezza, and NetSuite. He remains active in civic and academic leadership as a trustee of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and member of advisory councils at Boston University.

From immigrant beginnings to global corporate leadership, Edward Zander’s career reflects bold decision-making, strategic reinvention, and a lasting commitment to innovation and service.

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31

CHRIS & HARRIS PAPPAS

Texas

$315M (TNHE)

RESTAURANT CHAINS

Brothers Christopher J. “Chris” Pappas and Harris J. Pappas remain actively involved in the thriving family enterprise Pappas Restaurants, which traces its roots to the first Pappas restaurant opened in Houston in 1976. Today the privately owned company operates more than 90 restaurants across multiple states, making it one of the largest family-owned restaurant groups in the United States.

The business grew out of the work of the brothers’ father, Jim Pappas, and his brothers, who founded Pappas Refrigeration in 1945 and later entered the restaurant business. Their first restaurant, the Dot Coffee Shop, opened in Houston in 1967 and remains a well-known local institution.

Over the decades, Chris and Harris expanded the family business into a portfolio of successful concepts that include Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Pappasito’s Cantina, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Pappas Bar-B-Q, Pappas Burger, Pappas Seafood House, Yia Yia Mary’s Pappas Greek Kitchen, and several other brands. Each concept has its own identity, ranging from Texas barbecue and seafood to upscale steakhouse dining and Greek cuisine.

The next generation of the Pappas family has increasingly taken on roles within the business, contributing in areas such as marketing, real estate development, culinary research and development, and construction.

The brothers also played a significant role in the Houston-based cafeteria chain Luby’s, becoming majority shareholders in 2001 and serving as the company’s chief executives for many years. The company was later taken private after facing industry headwinds in the late 2010s.

Chris Pappas has been active in numerous civic and industry organizations, serving on the boards of the Greater Houston Partnership, the National Restaurant Association, and the Texas Restaurant Association, among others.

He has also been involved with the Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership at the University of Houston, where he was inducted into the college’s Hospitality Industry Hall of Honor. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, he earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He and his wife, Maria, have five children.

Harris Pappas is a graduate of Texas A&M University and served as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, including service in Thailand and Vietnam, where he earned two Bronze Stars and three Army Commendation Medals.

He has served on numerous corporate and philanthropic boards, including Oceaneering International and the Memorial Hermann Healthcare System in Houston. Harris and his wife, Vicky Marinos Pappas, have children and grandchildren.

The brothers’ grandfather, H.D. Pappas, immigrated to the United States from Greece in 1897 and worked as a restaurateur. Although Chris and Harris were initially encouraged to pursue careers outside the restaurant industry, both ultimately joined the family business and helped transform it into a major hospitality enterprise.

Deeply involved in the Greek Orthodox community in Houston, both brothers were named Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in 2008.

Through their company and personal philanthropy, they have supported numerous charitable causes, including education initiatives and the Houston Food Bank, helping raise millions of dollars for community programs.

Today, the Pappas brothers continue to oversee the growth of their family’s restaurant empire while mentoring the next generation of leadership within the company.

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32

STELIOS PAPADOPOULOS

New York

$269 MILLION (TNHE)

BIOTECHNOLOGY

New York University

Stelios Papadopoulos—often referred to as the “godfather of biotech”—has played a central role in the development of the modern biotechnology industry for more than four decades. Born in Greece, he has helped finance, build, and guide some of the most influential biotechnology companies of the past generation.

Papadopoulos served on the board of directors of Biogen beginning in 2008 and became its Chairman in 2014. During his tenure he helped guide the company through major developments in neuroscience and biopharmaceutical innovation before stepping down from the board in 2023 under the company’s retirement policy.

He is best known as the co-founder and long-time Chairman of Exelixis, which he helped establish in 1994. Exelixis developed the cancer therapy Cabometyx, which has become an important treatment for several forms of cancer and one of the company’s flagship products. Papadopoulos also helped found Regulus Therapeutics and Anadys Pharmaceuticals, the latter acquired by Roche in 2011.

Earlier in his career Papadopoulos was one of Wall Street’s leading biotechnology investment bankers, serving as Vice Chairman of Cowen & Company and previously working at PaineWebber, Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, and Drexel Burnham Lambert, where he was among the first analysts dedicated to the biotechnology sector.

Beyond his corporate work, Papadopoulos is active in philanthropy and scientific research initiatives. He is a co-founder and Chairman of Fondation Santé, which supports biomedical research and scientific collaboration.

Papadopoulos earned a M.S. in physics, Ph.D. in biophysics, and MBA in finance from New York University.

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33

JOHN & CHRIS PAPPAS

Connecticut

$215 MILLION (TNHE)

RETAIL & WHOLESALE – FOOD

The Chefs’ Warehouse founders Chris and John Pappas have guided their company through a period of exceptional growth, combining steady organic expansion with disciplined acquisitions to cement its standing as one of the nation’s premier distributors of specialty ingredients to the fine-dining industry.

Recent financial performance underscores that momentum. Chefs’ Warehouse has grown into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise, delivering strong annual revenue growth and consistent operating performance. The company has also earned national recognition, including placement on Forbes’ list of America’s Best Small-Cap Companies. As it moves beyond its 40th anniversary, its expansion strategy remains focused on infrastructure investment, strategic acquisitions, and deeper penetration of key markets such as Florida and Texas.

Behind the business is a family story rooted in immigrant perseverance. Chris and John’s entrepreneurial path was shaped early by their father, Peter Pappas, a Greek-Cypriot immigrant and Korean War veteran who built a food distribution operation supplying butter, eggs, and cheese to Greek diners and coffee shops throughout New York City. The brothers learned the business firsthand, driving and unloading trucks throughout high school and college — an experience that laid the foundation for their future enterprise.

After graduating from Adelphi University, Chris played professional basketball in Europe, where he developed an appreciation for fine European ingredients, particularly French cheeses and butter. Inspired by that experience, he and John returned home to launch Dairyland USA with a single van and one truck – a modest beginning that would grow into a national industry leader.

Today, Chefs’ Warehouse operates an extensive distribution network across North America and the Middle East, with a product portfolio that has expanded from a few hundred items to tens of thousands of specialty SKUs serving Michelin-starred restaurants, private clubs, luxury hotels, and prominent hospitality groups. Strategic acquisitions, including Chef Middle East, expanded the company’s reach into the Gulf region, while additional purchases have strengthened its presence in major U.S. markets such as Texas and Northern California. Management continues to pursue disciplined acquisitions that complement existing territories and product lines.

Chris Pappas has served as Chief Executive Officer since 1985 and as Board Chairman since the company’s public offering. He oversees corporate strategy, procurement, sales, and operations, and serves on the board of the International Foodservice Distributors Association. John Pappas, also an Adelphi graduate, has served as Vice Chairman since 2011 and previously held the role of CEO. He oversees logistics, facilities, and corporate strategy. Together, the brothers have played a meaningful role in the evolution of modern American dining, supporting celebrated culinary figures such as Thomas Keller and Charlie Palmer as they rose to prominence.

Chris has long championed a ‘just-in-time, can-do’ philosophy, crediting the company’s longevity to integrity, perseverance, and curiosity. He has likened Chefs’ Warehouse to ‘Amazon before Amazon’, built on speed, flexibility, and deep customer relationships. Its C.H.E.F.S. core values reflect that culture: Curious and Creative, Hungry for Food and Results, Entrepreneurial, Forward-Thinking and Flexible, and Supportive of peers and chefs alike.

A strong advocate of sustainability, Chris works closely with farmers and producers to promote responsible sourcing while investing in employee well-being and the communities the company serves.

With four decades of growth behind them, Chris and John remain focused on innovation, global reach, and industry leadership. Continued investment in technology, infrastructure, and people positions Chefs’ Warehouse at the forefront of high-end food distribution for years to come.

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34

JAMES BIDZOS

Virginia

$212 MILLION (TNHE)

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY/MEDIA

James Bidzos was born in Greece and immigrated to the United States as a child, where his parents worked in the service industry – his father as a barber and his mother as a restaurant manager. Now in his early seventies, Bidzos has established himself as a foundational figure in online security, playing a central role in building the cybersecurity and internet infrastructure that underpin the modern digital economy.

He began his career at IBM before recognizing the growing importance of online security in the early 1990s. A trained computer programmer, Bidzos became instrumental in transforming RSA Security into a leading provider of authentication and encryption technologies. Recognizing the transformative potential of digital certificates for internet commerce, he founded VeriSign in 1995, positioning the company as a global leader in domain name registry services and cybersecurity.

Serving as VeriSign’s first Chief Executive Officer from 1995 to 2001, Bidzos built the company into a dominant force in internet security. In 2010, Symantec acquired VeriSign’s authentication services business for $1.28 billion, underscoring the company’s influence in digital trust infrastructure. When Bidzos returned as CEO in 2011, he led a sustained financial and operational revitalization that earned him recognition as Fortune magazine’s 2012 Businessperson of the Year.

Today, Bidzos serves as Executive Chairman, President, and CEO of VeriSign, overseeing its continued leadership as the primary registry operator for the .com and .net domains. The company manages hundreds of millions of domain name registrations worldwide and generates annual revenues exceeding $1 billion. VeriSign has consistently been recognized among the world’s leading public companies, including appearances on Forbes’ Global 2000 list.

Throughout his career, Bidzos has received numerous distinctions for his contributions to cybersecurity and internet infrastructure. His honors include recognition by Time magazine among leading figures in the digital economy and induction into the CRN Computer Industry Hall of Fame. In 2016, he was inducted into the National Cyber Security Hall of Fame for his pioneering role in advancing modern cybersecurity.

Beyond technology, Bidzos is an aviation enthusiast and earned his pilot certification from the Federal Aviation Administration in 2013.

With decades of groundbreaking work in digital security, domain infrastructure, and encryption technologies, Bidzos’ legacy remains closely tied to the evolution of the internet and the safeguarding of global online communications.

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35

ZOE CRUZ

New York

$211 MILLION (TNHE)

FINANCE

Radcliffe College (Romance Languages & Literatures); Harvard Business School;

3 children

Zoe Cruz (née Papadimitriou), born February 2, 1955, is a Greek-American banking executive, entrepreneur, and former Co-President of Morgan Stanley. Over a career spanning more than three decades, she established herself as one of the most influential women in global finance.

Born in Greece, Cruz relocated to the United States at age 14, settling in Massachusetts with her family. She graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University with a Bachelor of Arts in Romance Languages and Literatures in 1977, and earned her MBA from Harvard Business School in 1982. She is fluent in Greek, English, Spanish, and French.

In 1982, shortly after completing business school, Cruz joined Morgan Stanley, where she spent 25 years. She rose rapidly through the firm’s leadership ranks, becoming Vice President in 1986, Principal in 1988, and Managing Director in 1990. From 2000 to 2005, she served as Global Head of Fixed Income, Commodities, and Foreign Exchange, overseeing one of the firm’s largest and most complex divisions. On February 9, 2006, she was appointed Co-President of Morgan Stanley, becoming one of the highest-ranking women on Wall Street. That same year, she was ranked tenth on Forbes’ list of the World’s Most Powerful Women. On November 29, 2007, Morgan Stanley announced her resignation, concluding her tenure at the firm.

Following her departure, Cruz assumed numerous board and advisory roles across the financial, academic, and nonprofit sectors. She has served on the boards of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, and on advisory bodies for Harvard College and the Harvard Kennedy School Center for Business and Government. She also served as an advisor to Promontory Financial Group and held directorships at Old Mutual plc and Man Group. From 2017 to 2019, she served on the board of Ripple Labs.

In 2009, Cruz founded Vorás Capital Management, a macro and credit hedge fund. In 2012, the firm transitioned into EOZ Global, a single-family investment office focused on private investments across multiple sectors. That same year, she joined the Investment Committee of Bowdoin College. In 2020, she founded Menai Financial Group, a digital-asset investment firm providing institutional investment products and market infrastructure bridging traditional finance and blockchain markets.

Cruz’s career has earned sustained recognition across the global business community. She appeared on Forbes’ lists of the World’s Most Powerful Women multiple times and has been widely recognized as a pioneer for women in senior Wall Street leadership. Her professional trajectory reflects strategic vision, adaptability, and enduring influence in both traditional and emerging financial sectors.

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36

THEODORE ANTHONY SARANDOS JR.

California

$200 MILLION (TNHE)

ENTERTAINMENT

Married, 2 children

Theodore Anthony Sarandos Jr. remains one of the most influential figures in global entertainment, continuing to shape modern storytelling as co-CEO and Chief Content Officer of Netflix. A Greek-American executive raised in Phoenix, Sarandos has built an estimated net worth of approximately $200 million while transforming Netflix from a DVD-by-mail service into the world’s leading streaming and content powerhouse.

Now 61, Sarandos has often reflected on his early aspirations to become a journalist. Growing up in Arizona, he subscribed to out-of-town newspapers to stay informed about global events – an early sign of the curiosity and media awareness that would later define his career in entertainment leadership.

Sarandos has also spoken movingly about his Greek heritage. His paternal grandfather immigrated to the United States as a young boy from the island of Samos, during which the family name changed from Kariotakis to Sarandos. Recalling his first visit to Samos with his children, he described a deeply personal – and ultimately heartwarming – reunion with relatives despite language barriers. The challenge was to find the right house. “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.”

Sarandos’ professional journey began far from Hollywood’s executive suites. Starting as a video store manager, he carefully studied customer viewing habits before rising through distribution and merchandising roles. In 2000, he joined Netflix and became the driving force behind its evolution into a global entertainment leader. Under his leadership, the company pioneered original streaming content and produced critically acclaimed series including ‘House of Cards’, ‘Arrested Development’, ‘Orange Is the New Black’, ‘Stranger Things’, Germany’s ‘Dark’, Spain’s ‘La Casa de Papel’, and South Korea’s ‘Squid Game’. He also oversaw award-winning films such as ‘The Irishman’, ‘Roma’, and ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’.

Sarandos has been instrumental in securing major creative partnerships, including landmark deals with Shonda Rhimes – producing global hits like ‘Bridgerton’ and ‘Inventing Anna’ – and the $700 million acquisition of the Roald Dahl Story Company. Netflix’s ability to revive and amplify existing content has also reshaped viewing culture, with series such as ‘Suits’ experiencing record resurgences years after their original runs.

Under his leadership, Netflix has aggressively expanded its global footprint. The company announced a landmark $1 billion investment in Mexican film and television production in 2025 and has moved decisively into live programming and sports entertainment. However, one of its boldest strategic plays – an $83 billion bid to acquire the studios and HBO Max platform of Warner Bros. Discovery – collapsed in February 2026 after Paramount Skydance prevailed with an all-cash offer.

Sarandos’ industry leadership continues to earn major recognition. He received the PEN America Business Visionary Award in 2023 for Netflix’s transformative impact on storytelling, particularly book-to-screen adaptations. In 2024, his total executive compensation reached $61.92 million, reflecting both company performance and his central role in its strategic direction.

His influence extends beyond Netflix. In May 2025, Sarandos joined the Board of Trustees of the Paley Center for Media alongside technology entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian and former NFL quarterback Eli Manning. He also serves on the boards of the Tribeca Film Festival, the Los Angeles Film Festival, and Spotify, and has been named a Consultant of the Digital Entertainment Group. Since 2016, he has served as a director of Spotify and has been recognized on Time magazine’s list of the world’s 100 most influential people.

Sarandos has two children from his first marriage to Michelle Sarandos and is currently married to Nicole Avant, former U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas and daughter of legendary music executive Clarence Avant.

As Netflix continues to expand its dominance across global entertainment, live programming, and international production, Sarandos remains at the forefront of innovation – redefining how the world watches stories unfold.

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36

PETER DIAMANDIS

California

$200 MILLION (Celebrity Net Worth)

ENTREPRENEUR

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

Peter H. Diamandis remains one of the world’s most influential futurists and technology entrepreneurs, solidifying his place among innovation leaders. A serial entrepreneur, investor, and visionary, he operates at the forefront of space exploration, artificial intelligence, health technology, renewable energy, and longevity sciences – industries reshaping humanity’s future.

Born to Greek immigrant parents and raised in Great Neck, NY, Diamandis dreamed of achieving escape velocity – not just from Long Island, but from Earth itself. Fascinated by space from childhood, he frequently gave enthusiastic ‘lectures’ about the cosmos to friends and family. When he announced his ambition to become an astronaut, his mother simply replied, “That’s nice. You’re going to be a doctor.” His father, an OB-GYN, hoped Peter would follow a traditional medical career, but Diamandis ultimately pursued both science and space, earning degrees in Molecular Genetics and Aerospace Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology before attending Harvard Medical School.

Though his early career centered on commercial space exploration, Diamandis increasingly expanded into longevity science, artificial intelligence, and sustainable technologies. His outlook aligns with futurist Ray Kurzweil’s concept of ‘longevity escape velocity’ – the belief that accelerating innovation will dramatically extend human lifespan.

Diamandis is best known as Founder and Executive Chairman of the XPRIZE Foundation, which designs global competitions to solve humanity’s greatest challenges. Major initiatives include the $101 million XPRIZE Healthspan, aimed at reversing age-related decline, and the $11 million Wildfire XPRIZE, focused on early wildfire detection and prevention.

In 2026, he launched the $3.5 million Future Vision XPRIZE to reshape how artificial intelligence is portrayed in popular media. Seeking to counter dystopian narratives, the competition encourages filmmakers to depict optimistic, human-centered A.I. futures. Backed by Google and Range Media Partners, finalists receive funding to develop feature films – positioning storytelling as a catalyst for technological optimism.

Beyond XPRIZE, Diamandis serves as Executive Founder of Singularity University, which promotes the use of exponential technologies to address global challenges. Over his career, he has founded more than 25 companies spanning biotechnology, A.I., venture capital, education, and commercial spaceflight.

In longevity and biotechnology, he has helped launch ventures including Fountain Life (A.I.-driven precision health), Human Longevity Inc. (genomics and cell therapy), Celularity (placental-derived stem cells), and BOLD Capital Partners, a biotech-focused investment fund.

Diamandis remains active in climate and clean energy innovation, serving on the advisory board of PeroNova, a company pioneering next-generation solar technologies.

A leading voice in longevity investing, he hosts exclusive ‘Platinum Longevity Trips’ that convene global investors and innovators at breakthrough biotech firms. Reviewing hundreds of emerging companies annually, he believes longevity biotech and A.I.-driven medicine will become multi-trillion-dollar industries.

A bestselling author and thought leader, Diamandis has written ‘Abundance’, ‘The Future Is Faster Than You Think’, ‘Life Force’ (with Tony Robbins), and ‘Longevity: Your Practical Playbook’. His widely cited ‘Diamandis Laws’ guide entrepreneurs navigating technological disruption.

His impact in space commercialization remains profound. Diamandis co-founded Planetary Resources, Space Adventures, and Zero-Gravity Corporation – ventures that helped pioneer the private spaceflight industry.

His influence continues to earn global recognition. In 2026, Diamandis was named to Forbes’ list of America’s 250 Greatest Innovators and recognized by Fortune as one of the World’s 50 Greatest Leaders, underscoring his role as a leading architect of the future.

Diamandis believes artificial intelligence, longevity science, and renewable energy will define the century ahead. His guiding philosophy declares: “The best way to predict the future is to create it yourself.”

Through his expanding ventures and bold initiatives, Diamandis continues to shape the intersection of technology, health, sustainability, and space – advancing an ambitious vision for humanity’s future.

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38

PETE SAMPRAS

California

$150 MILLION (Celebrity Net Worth)

TENNIS; Married, 2 children

Pete Sampras remains one of the most iconic figures in tennis history, a standard-bearer of excellence whose quiet dominance defined an era of the sport. Over a remarkable career, Sampras spent 286 weeks ranked World No. 1 and captured 14 Grand Slam singles titles, including a record-setting seven Wimbledon championships. Known for his precision, composure, and powerful serve, Sampras proved that sustained greatness could be achieved without theatrics – a legacy underscored by the lone major title that eluded him: the French Open.

Born in Potomac, MD, Sampras is the son of Sotirios, an American-born father of Greek heritage, and Georgia, who was born in Sparta, Greece. Greek culture played a central role in his upbringing, with the family attending Greek Orthodox Church services every Sunday. Even at the age of three, Sampras displayed an extraordinary athletic instinct that would later propel him to tennis stardom.

Turning professional as a teenager, Sampras began his career ranked No. 893 in the world before rapidly climbing the rankings. In 1990, at just 19 years and 28 days old, he became the youngest men’s singles champion in U.S. Open history. His pinpoint serve and attacking style earned him the nickname ‘Pistol Pete’. By 1993, he became the first player to surpass 1,000 aces in a single season, redefining power-serving in the modern game.

Sampras held the world’s top ranking by the Association of Tennis Professionals for six consecutive years – a record that still stands. He retired in 2003 following a storybook victory over longtime rival Andre Agassi in the 2002 U.S. Open final, a match widely regarded as one of tennis’ most memorable championship moments.

In 2007, Sampras was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the sport. He remains a revered ambassador for tennis and continues to participate in exhibition matches supporting charitable causes, including disaster-relief efforts.

Sampras resides in California with his wife, Bridgette Wilson – an actress, former Miss Teen USA, and model – and their two sons. In October 2023, Sampras publicly shared that Bridgette had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. In keeping with his private nature, he has largely remained out of the spotlight while focusing on his family.

Sampras’ legacy remains firmly intact as one of the sport’s most dominant champions and one of the most accomplished Greek-American athletes of all time.

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39

ELENA FORD

Michigan

$125 MILLION (Celebrity Net Worth)

AUTOMOTIVES

New York University; Married, 3 children

Elena Ford, born in New York in 1966, is a pioneering executive at Ford Motor Company and a distinguished member of one of the most storied families in American industry. She is the daughter of Charlotte Ford and Greek shipping tycoon Stavros Niarchos, and the great-great-granddaughter of automotive pioneer Henry Ford. As the first female Ford family member to hold an executive leadership position within the company, she carries both a historic American industrial legacy and a proud Greek heritage rooted in one of the most influential maritime families of the 20th century. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business from New York University.

Since joining Ford in 1995, Ford has held senior leadership roles across global marketing, brand strategy, customer experience, and dealer operations, helping strengthen the company’s worldwide presence and modernize its retail strategy. She helped launch Ford’s global brand promise, ‘Go Further’, and led the international rollout of the Ford Signature dealership design, enhancing customer engagement and dealer relationships worldwide.

She later served as Director of Global Marketing, Sales, and Service, playing a key role in implementing Ford’s ‘One Ford’ global vision. Her leadership extended to Ford Credit, where she oversaw global marketing and product strategy, and to customer-experience initiatives that established worldwide standards for dealership operations and service excellence. She was instrumental in launching FordPass and The Lincoln Way digital platforms, reflecting her focus on technology-driven customer engagement.

In 2023, Ford was appointed Chief Dealer Engagement Officer at Ford Blue, where she works closely with more than 10,000 dealers worldwide to modernize facilities, strengthen governance, enhance training programs, and promote diversity and community initiatives across Ford’s global retail network.

Her leadership continues to earn major industry recognition. She was named one of the 2025 Automotive News 100 Leading Women in the North American automotive industry, underscoring her influence in shaping the future of automotive retail and customer strategy.

Beyond her corporate role, Ford is deeply engaged in philanthropy. She supports the Ford Fund’s efforts to expand literacy and STEAM education for underserved communities and serves on the boards of several educational and cultural institutions, including Fair Lane: the historic home of Clara and Henry Ford.

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40

GIANNIS SINA UGO ANTETOKOUNMPO

Wisconsin

$110 MILLION (Forbes)

SPORTS

Married, 4 Children

Giannis Antetokounmpo, born December 6, 1994, in Athens, Greece, has risen from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential figures in professional basketball. His journey from selling goods on the streets of Athens to achieving NBA superstardom stands as a testament to resilience, discipline, and extraordinary talent. Born to Nigerian immigrant parents, he and his brothers faced significant financial hardship while growing up, often helping support the family through street vending. Despite these challenges, Antetokounmpo discovered basketball and quickly developed a passion for the game. His rare athleticism and raw ability drew the attention of scouts while playing for Filathlitikos in Greece’s second division. In 2013, his life changed when the Milwaukee Bucks selected him with the 15th overall pick in the NBA Draft, launching one of the most remarkable rises in modern sports.

Antetokounmpo’s NBA career has been defined by relentless work ethic and a steadily expanding list of accomplishments. He led the Bucks to their first NBA championship in 50 years in 2021, delivering a historic Finals performance that earned him NBA Finals MVP honors. His dominance was further cemented with back-to-back league MVP awards in 2019 and 2020, placing him among an elite group of players in league history. In 2020, he also captured the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award, underscoring his impact on both ends of the floor. A perennial All-Star and global ambassador for the game, Antetokounmpo has repeatedly been selected among the league’s top players and has served multiple times as an All-Star team captain.

Continuing his high level of play in recent seasons, Antetokounmpo remains one of the league’s most dominant and versatile performers, regularly producing standout scoring, rebounding, and playmaking displays while serving as the cornerstone of the Bucks’ championship aspirations.

Beyond basketball, Antetokounmpo has pursued strategic business ventures that expand his global footprint while maintaining strong ties to Greece. His family has invested in major real estate redevelopment projects near Piraeus aimed at creating modern sports and entertainment facilities. They have also entered Greece’s wine industry through a minority stake in a rapidly growing domestic producer. Through the Charles Antetokounmpo Family Foundation, named in honor of his late father, he supports youth basketball initiatives in Greece and the United States, along with philanthropic efforts focused on underserved communities.

Despite his demanding professional schedule, family remains central to Antetokounmpo’s life. He and his wife, Mariah Riddlesprigger, have four children, and he frequently shares moments of family life while expressing pride in his Greek heritage and close-knit upbringing.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s rise from the streets of Athens to NBA superstardom is a story of perseverance, discipline, and generational talent. His achievements on the court, combined with his expanding presence in business and philanthropy, continue to inspire millions worldwide.

Whether leading his team, investing in his homeland, or giving back through charitable initiatives, Antetokounmpo’s impact extends far beyond basketball.

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41

ARIANNA HUFFINGTON

New York

$100 MILLION

(Celebrity Net Worth)

MEDIA

University of Cambridge (Economics); 2 children

Ariadne Anna Stassinopoulos, known professionally as Arianna Huffington, is a media mogul, entrepreneur, and author whose influence spans journalism, technology, and workplace wellness. Over the years, she has been described as “the most upwardly mobile Greek since Icarus,” a phrase that captures a career defined by reinvention across multiple industries.

Born in Athens in 1950, Huffington was raised by parents whose resilience shaped her worldview. Her father, Konstantinos Stassinopoulos, was imprisoned during the German occupation for publishing an underground newspaper, while her mother, Elli, instilled in her daughters a philosophy of discipline, compassion, and intellectual curiosity. Raised modestly in Athens, Huffington left Greece as a teenager to study in Britain, earning a degree in economics from University of Cambridge and becoming president of its renowned debating society.

She moved to the United States in 1980 and quickly established herself as a writer, publishing the critically acclaimed biography Maria Callas: The Woman Behind the Legend in 1981. From 1986 to 1997, she was married to businessman and former U.S. Department of Defense official Michael Huffington, with whom she has two daughters.

In 2005, Huffington co-founded The Huffington Post, a pioneering digital platform that blended traditional journalism with user-generated content and rapidly became one of the most influential news outlets of its era. A personal health crisis in 2007 — when she collapsed from exhaustion and fractured her cheekbone — transformed her understanding of success and prompted a reassessment of the costs of burnout. AOL acquired the publication for $315 million in 2011, and it later came under the ownership of BuzzFeed. After more than a decade at its helm, Huffington stepped away in 2016.

That same year, she founded Thrive Global, a behavior-change platform built around what she calls “microsteps” — small, sustainable habit adjustments designed to improve sleep, nutrition, stress management, and overall well-being. Thrive Global now serves more than 200 organizations worldwide and reflects Huffington’s conviction that performance and health are inseparable. In 2017, she authored The Sleep Revolution, one of fifteen books she has written, including the earlier international bestseller Thrive.

Expanding this mission further, Huffington co-founded Thrive AI Health in partnership with Sam Altman and the OpenAI Startup Fund. The initiative aims to democratize personalized health coaching through artificial intelligence by integrating behavioral science with biometric and medical data voluntarily shared by users.

Huffington continues to shape conversations at the intersection of technology, public health, and leadership. She serves on the boards of Onex, and Gloat. She has been named to Forbes’ lists of the World’s Most Powerful Women and Time magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People. In 2022, she was portrayed by Uma Thurman in Super Pumped, the dramatization of Uber’s rise.

A longtime advocate of meditation and yoga — practices first introduced by her mother — Huffington begins each day with quiet reflection before engaging with technology. Across two distinct careers and more than four decades in public life, she has remained guided by a single conviction: that well-being is not peripheral to success, but foundational to it.

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41

PARTHENIS FAMILY

Illinois

$100 MILLION (TNHE)

FOOD MANUFACTURING

Few Greek-American families have shaped the American Mediterranean food industry as profoundly as the Parthenis family, whose entrepreneurial vision transformed a beloved ethnic specialty into a national culinary staple. From humble beginnings in western Greece to building one of the largest Mediterranean food manufacturing enterprises in the United States, the Parthenis family story is one of innovation, perseverance, and generational leadership.

Family patriarch Peter Parthenis Sr. immigrated to Chicago from the village of Vonitsa in the 1960s, bringing with him both an engineer’s precision and an entrepreneur’s ambition. Trained in electrical engineering and automation, he recognized an opportunity to apply advanced manufacturing techniques to traditional Greek foods. In 1974, he founded what would become Grecian Delight Foods, pioneering the large-scale production of gyro meat and revolutionizing how Mediterranean cuisine reached American consumers.

At a time when gyros were largely confined to small urban eateries, Parthenis introduced automation that reduced production time dramatically while preserving authenticity and quality. His innovations helped popularize the gyro sandwich nationwide, opening the door for broader acceptance of Greek and Mediterranean flavors across the American dining landscape. Over the decades, the company expanded its offerings beyond gyros to include pita breads, flatbreads, hummus, falafel, specialty proteins, and a wide range of prepared Mediterranean foods.

Under his leadership, the enterprise grew into a major national supplier serving restaurants, foodservice distributors, and retailers across the country. The family’s operations expanded to multiple large-scale manufacturing facilities in Illinois, building an integrated production network capable of meeting rapidly growing demand. Today, Grecian Delight | Kronos products are distributed widely across the United States and internationally, reflecting the company’s evolution from a regional producer into a global food manufacturing force.

Beyond business success, Peter Parthenis Sr. became deeply involved in philanthropic, civic, and religious leadership within the Greek-American community. His longstanding service includes senior roles with the National Hellenic Museum, Leadership 100, the Foundation of Hellenic Studies, and numerous charitable initiatives. He has been recognized with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and was invested as an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, reflecting both professional achievement and commitment to Hellenic heritage.

The family enterprise entered a transformative new chapter under the leadership of Peter Parthenis Jr., who helped guide its modernization and expansion. After earning his MBA from Northwestern University and completing advanced executive studies at Harvard Business School, he brought a strategic focus on innovation, product development, and national account growth. Rising through the company’s leadership ranks, he broadened the product portfolio and strengthened partnerships with major restaurant chains and retailers.

A defining milestone came in 2020, when the Parthenis family partnered with private investment firm Entrepreneurial Equity Partners to merge Grecian Delight Foods with **Kronos Foods, creating a unified category leader in Mediterranean and globally inspired cuisine. The merger combined decades of expertise, expanded distribution capabilities, and strengthened the company’s position as a dominant supplier in the rapidly growing ethnic foods sector.

Now celebrating more than half a century in business, Grecian Delight | Kronos continues to innovate with new product lines, plant-based offerings, and convenience-focused solutions for foodservice and retail partners. With a workforce numbering in the hundreds and products reaching tens of thousands of locations, the Parthenis family enterprise remains one of the most influential Greek-American business success stories in the food industry.

Rooted in Hellenic values of hard work, family unity, and community stewardship, the Parthenis family’s legacy reflects the enduring impact of immigrant entrepreneurship on American commerce. Their journey—from a single visionary founder to a multi-generational food manufacturing leader—stands as a testament to how cultural heritage and industrial innovation can combine to build a lasting national enterprise.

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43

JOSEPH KOKOLAKIS

Florida

$95 MILLION (TNHE)

CONSTRUCTION

Stony Brook University (Economics), Emory University (JD); Married; 3 children

Joseph J. Kokolakis is the president of Kokolakis Contracting, a national construction and development firm specializing in public works and large institutional projects. Founded in 1972 by his father, John Kokolakis, the company has grown under his leadership into a major contractor for government, military, healthcare, and educational facilities across the United States.

Born and raised in New York, Kokolakis earned a degree in economics from Stony Brook University and later a Juris Doctor from Emory University School of Law before joining the family construction business. Over the course of his career he helped expand the company into a national operation, overseeing major public-sector projects for federal agencies and the U.S. military.

Kokolakis is also involved in real estate development through Santek Management, which develops commercial and residential properties in New York and Florida. A licensed contractor and LEED-accredited professional, he has emphasized environmentally responsible design and construction throughout his work.

In 2026, Joseph and his wife Anna established the Anna and Joseph Kokolakis Endowed Fund for Climate and Sustainability at Stony Brook University’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, honoring Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, widely known as the “Green Patriarch” for his environmental leadership.

Kokolakis and his wife, Anna—majority shareholder and Executive Vice President of Santek Management—reside in Dunedin, Florida with their three children, Yianni, Eleni, and Paige. He is active in philanthropic initiatives and the Greek Orthodox community and is a member of Leadership 100.

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44

CHRIS CHELIOS

Illinois

$80 MILLION

(Celebrity Net Worth)

SPORTS

Married, 4 children

Chris Chelios, born Christos Kostas Chelios in 1962 in Chicago, is one of the most accomplished defensemen in the history of professional hockey and a proud representative of (Spartan) Greek-American heritage. Raised in Evergreen Park, Illinois, he overcame early setbacks in his youth career before emerging as one of the sport’s most relentless competitors.

Chelios first gained national attention at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he helped lead the Badgers to the 1983 NCAA national championship. That success launched a remarkable National Hockey League career that spanned 26 seasons, one of the longest in league history.

Over the course of his career, Chelios appeared in 1,651 regular-season games, retiring as the NHL’s all-time leader in games played by a defenseman. He also holds the record for most playoff appearances by a defenseman.

Chelios won three Stanley Cup championships—with the Montreal Canadiens (1986) and the Detroit Red Wings (2002, 2008)—and captured the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman three times. He played for the Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, and Atlanta Thrashers, and served as captain of the Chicago Blackhawks during the late 1990s.

His achievements were recognized in 2013 with induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. In February 2024, the Chicago Blackhawks retired his No. 7 jersey, honoring one of the greatest players in franchise history.

Following his retirement, Chelios remained active in the hockey world. He served as an assistant coach with the Detroit Red Wings and later joined ESPN as an NHL analyst. He continues to make regular appearances at major hockey events, including the 2025 NHL Winter Classic at Wrigley Field.

In 2025, Chelios was named to the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, further recognizing his impact on the sport in Detroit and throughout the NHL.

Beyond hockey, Chelios has been involved in business ventures including the CCH Xtreme hockey training program. With a career that helped redefine longevity and excellence in professional hockey, he remains one of the most celebrated Greek-American athletes of his generation.

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44

JASON CALACANIS

Texas

$80 MILLION

(Celebrity Net Worth)

INTERNET ENTREPRENEURSHIP, INVESTMENTS

Fordham University (Psychology);

Married, 3 children

Jason Calacanis stands among the most consequential figures to emerge from the intersection of technology, venture capital, and media over the past quarter century. Brooklyn-born to Greek and Irish parents, his surname carries a meaning that has proven almost prophetic: roughly translated, it conveys the idea of having done well (‘kala kaneis’).

His formative years unfolded behind the counter of his father’s bar in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, a setting that cultivated both his instinct for reading people and his appetite for hard work. Financing his own education through two simultaneous jobs, he studied psychology at Fordham University before gravitating toward technology journalism. His publication, Silicon Alley Reporter, positioned him at the center of the dot-com era’s defining conversations and set the stage for everything that followed.

In 2003, Calacanis co-founded Weblogs, Inc., a pioneering blog network backed by Mark Cuban. The company was acquired by AOL less than two years later for more than $25 million, marking his first major exit and establishing his reputation as a digital media entrepreneur.

He subsequently transitioned into angel investing, becoming one of the earliest backers of transformative startups including Uber and Robinhood. Through his LAUNCH Fund, LAUNCH Accelerator, and AngelList Syndicate, Calacanis has invested in more than 300 companies, including Thumbtack, Trello, and Calm. His 2017 book, Angel: How to Invest in Technology Startups, became a widely read guide to early-stage investing.

Calacanis is also one of the technology industry’s most recognizable media figures. He hosts This Week in Startups, one of the longest-running programs focused on entrepreneurship and venture capital, and co-hosts the popular All-In podcast alongside leading venture investors. Both platforms have become influential forums for discussions on markets, technology trends, and the future of innovation.

In recent years, Calacanis has expanded into new sectors, including food entrepreneurship through the LAUNCH CloudKitchens Incubator, a program designed to support culinary founders building digital-first restaurant brands.

A longtime associate of Elon Musk, Calacanis has advised on technology ventures and corporate strategy while remaining an active voice in discussions surrounding venture capital, economic trends, and startup ecosystems.

Across more than two decades in technology and media, Calacanis has built a career defined by early conviction in transformative ideas, strategic risk-taking, and a consistent presence at the intersection of capital, innovation, and public discourse.

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44

KELLY CLARKSON

New York

$80 MILLION (TNHE)

MUSIC, TV

Kelly Clarkson has remained a major force in popular music and television since winning the inaugural season of American Idol in 2002. Following her victory and recording contract with RCA, she released “A Moment Like This,” one of the year’s best-selling singles, launching a career that has spanned more than two decades. Clarkson has since released multiple studio albums, earned three Grammy Awards, four American Music Awards, and two Academy of Country Music Awards, while selling over 25 million albums worldwide.

Born Kelly Brianne Clarkson to Jeanne Ann and Stephen Michael Clarkson, the Texas native is of Greek and Irish heritage on her mother’s side and has frequently spoken about her pride in her ancestry. After graduating high school, Clarkson was offered full scholarships to the University of Texas at Austin, the University of North Texas, and Berklee College of Music, but chose instead to pursue music professionally. That decision proved pivotal when she auditioned for American Idol’s first season and ultimately won the competition in September 2002.

Clarkson followed her breakthrough with a string of defining pop hits, including “Since U Been Gone,” “Because of You,” “Stronger,” “My Life Would Suck Without You,” and “Breakaway,” establishing herself as one of the most successful vocalists of her generation. She later expanded into holiday music with two Christmas albums, authored children’s books for HarperCollins, and performed voice work for film and television.

In 2019, Clarkson launched The Kelly Clarkson Show, which quickly became one of daytime television’s most popular programs and earned multiple Daytime Emmy Awards. She also serves as a coach on The Voice, further cementing her role as one of television’s most recognizable music personalities.

Clarkson married music manager Brandon Blackstock in 2013, and the couple had two children. Following their divorce in 2022, Blackstock passed away in 2025 after an illness. Clarkson later legally adopted the name Kelly Brianne while continuing to use Kelly Clarkson professionally.

From chart-topping recordings to award-winning television, Clarkson’s career reflects longevity, versatility, and enduring popularity. Her continued success across multiple entertainment platforms has secured her place among the most recognizable performers of her era.

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47

GEORGE SCANGOS

Massachusetts

$78 MILLION (TNHE)

BIOTECHNOLOGY

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

George Scangos, Ph.D., is a third-generation Greek American and a distinguished leader in the biopharmaceutical industry, with more than four decades of experience advancing breakthrough medical innovation. A native of Lynn, Massachusetts, he did not learn English until kindergarten and initially showed little interest in science before discovering a passion for biology at Cornell University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. He later received a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Massachusetts and completed postdoctoral research at Yale University before transitioning from academia into the biotechnology industry.

Dr. Scangos served as founding President and Chief Executive Officer of Vir Biotechnology from 2017 to 2023 and served on its board of directors until 2025. Under his leadership, Vir developed important therapies targeting infectious diseases including COVID-19 and Ebola, expanded a diversified research pipeline, and established a strong financial foundation that positioned the company among the fastest-growing firms in the biotechnology sector.

Prior to Vir, Dr. Scangos was Chief Executive Officer of Biogen, where he oversaw the advancement of major neurological disease therapies, including pioneering treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. Earlier, he spent more than a decade as President and CEO of Exelixis, guiding its evolution into a leading oncology-focused biotechnology company. His earlier leadership roles included serving as President of Bayer Biotechnology and holding senior positions across the life-sciences industry.

Widely respected across the global biotech community, Dr. Scangos has received numerous leadership honors, including recognition by Fortune magazine and consistent inclusion among Harvard Business Review’s lists of the world’s best-performing CEOs.

Dr. Scangos remains actively engaged in shaping the future of biotechnology. He currently serves as a Venture Partner at ARCH Venture Partners and as Chairman of Rezo Therapeutics. He also serves on the boards of Voyager Therapeutics, Agilent Technologies, Octave Bioscience, and Life Science Cares.

In the past year, he has continued contributing to global biotechnology dialogue through international industry forums and leadership conferences in both the United States and Athens, Greece. He remains connected to academia as an Adjunct Professor of Biology at Johns Hopkins University.

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48

YANNI CHRYSSOMALLIS

California

$70 MILLION (TNHE)

ENTERTAINMENT

University of Minnesota (Psychology); 1 daughter

Yanni Chryssomallis, known mononymously as Yanni, is a Greek-born American composer, pianist, and music producer whose distinctive fusion of classical, electronic, and world music has captivated global audiences for more than four decades. Born on November 14, 1954, in Kalamata, Greece, he was raised in a musically rich and supportive household that nurtured his curiosity and independence.

He began playing the piano at age six but resisted formal lessons, preferring instead to translate the music he heard in his mind directly onto the keys. This self-taught approach allowed him a creative freedom that became central to his artistic identity. Unable to read or notate music, Yanni relied entirely on his innate sense of melody, harmony, and emotional expression—an unconventional path that would ultimately define his signature sound.

An accomplished athlete as well as a musician, Yanni joined Greece’s national swimming team and broke the national freestyle record at age fourteen. Yet his life took a decisive turn in 1972, when, encouraged by his parents, he left Greece to study in the United States. Enrolling at the University of Minnesota, he immersed himself in a new culture, climate, and language while pursuing a degree in psychology. Between classes, he performed in local rock bands and began shaping his personal musical style, experimenting with both piano and emerging electronic keyboards to create innovative textures and sounds.

Despite the challenges of adapting to a new country, Yanni earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 1976. Upon graduation, he made a pivotal decision: to devote one full year entirely to music. Seeking to better understand the artistic forces that had shaped him since childhood, he committed himself fully to composition and performance. That defining year crystallized his life’s direction and confirmed music as his true vocation.

Yanni’s professional career took shape in the 1980s, first as a founding member of the rock band Chameleon and soon thereafter as a solo artist. His debut album, Optimystique (1984), introduced audiences to his instrumental style, but it was his late-1980s breakthrough that established him as a global force. Albums such as Reflections of Passion (1990), Dare to Dream (1992), and In My Time (1993) sold millions of copies worldwide, with the latter two earning Grammy nominations. His piano-centered, emotionally resonant compositions found an expansive international audience and helped define the era’s contemporary instrumental movement.

In 1993, Yanni released Live at the Acropolis, one of the most iconic concert performances of the modern era. Filmed at the historic Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens, the PBS special Yanni in Concert: Live at the Acropolis became one of the network’s most successful broadcasts, breaking fundraising and viewership records while introducing millions to his sweeping, cinematic sound. The performance cemented his international stature and launched a series of landmark concerts staged at historic global sites, including India’s Taj Mahal, China’s Forbidden City, and Egypt’s Pyramids of Giza.

Throughout his career, Yanni has continued to evolve musically while maintaining his dramatic stage presence—marked by expressive conducting, flowing hair, and his signature monochromatic concert attire. His later works expanded stylistic boundaries, including If I Could Tell You (2000), Ethnicity (2003), and Truth of Touch (2011), which topped Billboard’s New Age chart. He explored vocal collaborations on Yanni Voices (2009), traditional influences on Mexicanísimo (2010), operatic partnerships with Plácido Domingo and Renée Fleming on Inspirato (2014), and electronic-ambient textures on Sensuous Chill (2016). In 2020, In His Purest Form returned to the intimacy of solo piano, offering stripped-down interpretations of his most beloved compositions.

Behind the scenes, his daughter, Krystalán Chryssomallis, has played an increasingly important role in production and creative coordination, contributing to the execution of large-scale international performances, including his historic concert at the Pyramids of Giza.

A naturalized American citizen, Yanni remains a global touring artist whose ability to merge classical tradition with modern technology and present music in visually breathtaking settings has set him apart as a visionary in contemporary instrumental performance.

With a career spanning more than forty years, millions of records sold, and performances at many of the world’s most iconic venues, Yanni has redefined the global possibilities of instrumental music—creating an enduring legacy that continues to inspire audiences across cultures and generations.

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48

NICK PIHAKIS

ALABAMA

$70 MILLION (TNHE)

RESTAURANTS

Married, 3 children

Nick Pihakis embodies a classic Greek-American success story rooted in family, hospitality, and an enduring belief that food brings people together. The grandson of Greek immigrants, Pihakis grew up surrounded by the traditions that have long defined Hellenic families: hard work, generosity, and a deep respect for gathering around the table. Those early influences shaped not only his career, but the welcoming spirit that defines every restaurant he has built.

As a teenager after his family relocated to Birmingham, Alabama, Pihakis gravitated naturally toward restaurant life. He took his first job tending bar at a local establishment owned by fellow Greek restaurateurs, where he learned far more than how to pour drinks. The restaurant floor became his classroom. He observed how owners greeted regulars by name, how meals turned into celebrations, and how a well-run kitchen depended on teamwork, trust, and tireless effort. Hospitality, he realized, was not simply a business — it was a way of life.

In 1985, at just nineteen years old, Pihakis and his father Jim took a leap of faith and opened a neighborhood barbecue restaurant in Birmingham. Like many Greek-American family ventures, it was built not on grand capital, but on sweat equity, long hours, and a commitment to treating guests like family. The father-and-son partnership proved powerful, and the values instilled by his father became the foundation of the business. As one longtime colleague recalled, Jim Pihakis had a simple rule: he would sit down beside customers in their booths, ask how they were doing, and say, “What can I do for you?” It was a small gesture that left a lasting impression — a philosophy of personal connection that Nick carried forward as the company grew.

That single restaurant expanded steadily over the years into Jim ’N Nick’s Bar-B-Q, a beloved regional brand that spread across multiple Southern states. Despite its growth, the ethos remained deeply personal. Pihakis emphasized that success was built one guest at a time — through conversations, relationships, and a genuine desire to make every visitor feel welcome. The approach reflected the same φιλοξενία (philoxenia) — the Greek tradition of heartfelt hospitality — that shaped his upbringing.

Family remained central as the business expanded. His wife and children all worked within the restaurants, and the company culture extended beyond blood relatives to include longtime colleagues who became part of what Pihakis calls his “professional family.” Kitchens and dining rooms were not merely workplaces; they were training grounds where young employees learned responsibility, teamwork, and pride in their craft — lessons Pihakis himself absorbed as a young man learning from mentors and family members.

After helping grow Jim ’N Nick’s into a multi-state enterprise, Pihakis turned his attention to building a new generation of hospitality ventures through the Pihakis Restaurant Group. This chapter allowed him to collaborate with celebrated chefs and emerging culinary talents, developing distinctive restaurant concepts that blend regional traditions with contemporary creativity. The group includes acclaimed brands such as Rodney Scott’s BBQ, created in partnership with the James Beard Award-winning pitmaster; Hero Doughnuts & Buns, a fast-growing neighborhood café concept; Little Donkey, a lively Mexican street-food kitchen; and Tasty Town Greek Restaurant & Lounge, a vibrant homage to the flavors and convivial spirit of Greece. Each concept reflects Pihakis’s belief that restaurants should feel joyful, approachable, and deeply rooted in community.

Throughout his career, Pihakis has remained inspired by travel, friendships, and the creative people he meets along the way. Yet his guiding principles remain simple and deeply personal: work hard, treat people with respect, and create places where families can gather and make memories. His story mirrors that of many Greek-American entrepreneurs whose journeys began in family kitchens and neighborhood eateries, proving that lasting success is often built not just on business skill, but on relationships, resilience, and heart.

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50

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS

New York

$60 MILLION (TNHE)

MEDIA

Columbia University (Political Science); Married, 2 children

George Stephanopoulos is one of the most influential figures in American broadcast journalism, a veteran political strategist turned media leader whose career has spanned the highest levels of government, news, and public affairs for more than three decades. From his formative years in the White House to his long-standing role as a leading anchor at ABC News, Stephanopoulos has remained a steady and authoritative voice in American political discourse.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, to first-generation Greek-American parents, Nickolitsa and Rev. Dr. Robert George Stephanopoulos, he was raised in a household deeply rooted in faith, public service, and Hellenic heritage. His father served as dean emeritus of the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New York City, while his mother directed the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America National News Service. Though he once considered entering the priesthood, Stephanopoulos ultimately pursued public life through politics and journalism.

A graduate of Columbia University, Stephanopoulos earned a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford University, where he received a master’s degree in theology. He began his career in national politics, serving as a key aide on Michael Dukakis’ 1988 presidential campaign before joining Bill Clinton’s 1992 campaign. Following Clinton’s election, Stephanopoulos became White House Communications Director and later Senior Advisor to the President for Policy and Strategy, helping shape national policy messaging during a transformative period in American politics.

After leaving government, Stephanopoulos transitioned seamlessly into journalism, joining ABC News in 1997. Over the next three decades, he became one of the network’s most trusted and visible figures, serving as Chief Anchor of ABC News, co-anchor of Good Morning America, and host of This Week with George Stephanopoulos. His incisive interviews and political analysis have shaped national dialogue, particularly during elections, global crises, and presidential administrations.

For the 2024–2025 season, This Week ranked as the No. 1 Sunday public affairs program in total viewers for the fourth consecutive year, underscoring Stephanopoulos’ enduring relevance and audience trust.

Beyond broadcasting, Stephanopoulos has built a significant presence as a producer and media entrepreneur. He founded George Stephanopoulos Productions (GSP), a unit within ABC News Studios dedicated to long-form nonfiction storytelling. GSP has produced numerous acclaimed projects, including the Emmy Award-winning documentary Grand Knighthawk: Infiltrating the KKK, as well as Power Trip: Those Who Seek Power and Those Who Chase Them, Two Men at War, and The Informant: Fear and Faith in the Heartland. The company also produced the Emmy-nominated special Alec Baldwin Unscripted and the primetime documentary Bruce Springsteen: Backstage and Backstreets.

In partnership with his wife, actress and producer Alexandra “Ali” Wentworth, Stephanopoulos co-founded BedBy8, a production company focused on scripted series and documentary storytelling. Collaborating with GSP, the company produced the award-winning and critically acclaimed documentary Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields.

Stephanopoulos is also a prolific author. He has written two No. 1 New York Times bestsellers: All Too Human: A Political Education, a memoir chronicling his White House years, and The Situation Room: The Inside Story of Presidents in Crisis, which explores the untold stories behind some of the most consequential decisions in modern American history.

His contributions to journalism have earned him numerous honors, including Emmy Awards, a DuPont Award, Murrow Awards, and Cronkite Awards. In recognition of his commitment to public service, he has served on the Board of Directors of The Michael J. Fox Foundation since 2014.

In 2024, Stephanopoulos briefly became part of a high-profile legal dispute stemming from on-air commentary. The matter was resolved through a corporate settlement, and he subsequently reaffirmed his long-term commitment to ABC News with a new multiyear contract.

Married to Ali Wentworth since 2001, Stephanopoulos is the father of two daughters. The couple wed at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, where his father officiated—a reflection of the enduring importance of faith and heritage in his life.

With a career bridging presidential politics, global journalism, media production, and authorship, George Stephanopoulos remains a defining figure in American public life—an influential communicator whose credibility, reach, and institutional leadership continue to shape the national conversation.