Kerry Stokes

Date of Birth: September 13, 1940

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Biography

Kerry Matthew Stokes is a distinguished Australian businessman best known for his significant contributions to the media, mining, and construction industries. Born on September 13, 1940, in Melbourne, Australia, Stokes overcame a challenging early life marked by adoption and limited formal education to become one of Australia’s most influential and wealthy entrepreneurs. Stokes’ business career began in earnest in the 1960s with investments in property development. His acumen for identifying lucrative opportunities led him to acquire struggling businesses and turn them into profitable ventures. In the 1970s, he expanded his portfolio into the mining and media sectors, areas in which he would become a dominant force. In 1979, Stokes acquired the West Australian Newspapers Group, which marked the beginning of his significant influence in the media industry. His media empire later expanded to include the Seven Network, one of Australia’s top television networks. Under his leadership, the Seven Network became a leader in television broadcasting, winning numerous awards for its news and entertainment programming. In addition to his media ventures, Stokes has been heavily involved in the mining industry. He has served as the chairman of several mining companies, including Australian Capital Equity (ACE), a private company with investments in mining, construction, and energy. Stokes has been honored with numerous awards for his contributions to business and philanthropy. He was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in recognition of his services to Australian society. He is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the areas of medical research, veterans’ affairs, and indigenous education.

5 Interesting Facts about Kerry Stokes

1. Kerry Stokes was adopted by Matthew and Irene Stokes shortly after his birth.

2. He dropped out of school at the age of 14 and started working as a laborer.

3. In 2012, he was awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for his contributions to Australian society.

4. Stokes is a notable art collector, with a particular interest in Australian art and historical artifacts.

5. He has been a major supporter of medical research and veterans’ affairs, contributing millions to these causes.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Kerry Stokes

1. “Success is not just about making money; it’s about making a difference.”

2. “I’ve always believed that adversity brings out the best in people.”

3. “My greatest reward is seeing the positive impact my work has on others.”

4. “In business, you have to be willing to take risks, but they must be calculated risks.”

5. “Philanthropy is not just about giving money; it’s about giving time and resources to create lasting change.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Kerry Stokes’ highest net worth achieved is estimated to be around AUD $4.98 billion.

Children

Kerry Stokes has four children: two sons, Ryan and Bryant Stokes, from his third marriage, and two adopted children from his first and second marriages. Ryan Stokes is notably involved in the family business and serves as the CEO of Seven Group Holdings.