William Berkley

WB
WILLIAM BERKLEY
Founder of W. R. Berkley Corporation, Insurance Mogul
#1105 in the world United States Insurance
Real-time net worth
$1.4B
as of Dec 2025 (Forbes Real-Time Billionaires)
Primarily from W. R. Berkley Corporation and diversified investments.
Snapshot
Age
77
Year
2024
Citizenship
United States
Residence
Greenwich, Connecticut, USA
Source of wealth
Insurance
Self-made score
10/10
Philanthropy score
8/10
Short bio
William Berkley is a self-made billionaire who founded W. R. Berkley Corporation, a diversified commercial lines insurance company, and remains a key figure in the industry.

William Berkley is a renowned billionaire with significant influence across the insurance and finance industries. As of 2024, his estimated net worth is $1.4 billion USD.

Known for founding Berkley Corporation in 1967, he has made a substantial impact through innovative leadership, expanding his company's footprint internationally.

Berkley is also recognized for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and healthcare, supporting organizations like the Berkley Foundation.

Personal stats
  • Born: Circa 1947
  • Education: University of California, Berkeley (Bachelor's in Business Administration)
  • Marital status: Married
  • Children: 3
  • Primary companies: W. R. Berkley Corporation
  • Family office / holdings: Not publicly confirmed
Net worth detail

William Berkley's wealth is predominantly derived from his stake in W. R. Berkley Corporation, a Fortune 500 company specializing in commercial lines insurance. Additional wealth comes from strategic investments in various sectors, including real estate and financial services.

W. R. Berkley Corp. Stock
65%
Other Investments
20%
Real Estate Holdings
10%
Cash & Liquid Assets
5%
Wealth history
2010
$500 Million
2015
$800 Million
2020
$1.1 Billion
2024
$1.4 Billion
Wealth trajectory reflects the growth and performance of W. R. Berkley Corporation and strategic investment decisions over time.
Estimates based on public filings and financial reports.
Quick facts
  • Net Worth: $1.4 Billion (2024)
  • Age: 77 years old
  • Source of Wealth: Insurance
  • Self-Made Score: 10/10
  • Philanthropy Score: 8/10
  • Residence: Greenwich, Connecticut, USA
  • Education: Bachelor's in Business Administration from UC Berkeley
  • Founded Berkley Corporation in 1967
Early life & education

William Berkley pursued higher education at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

His entrepreneurial journey began at a relatively young age, laying the groundwork for what would become a significant career in the financial and insurance sectors.

Influence map
Media
Not publicly confirmed
Politics
Not publicly confirmed
Technology
Not publicly confirmed
Culture
Not publicly confirmed
Capital
Significant influence through W. R. Berkley Corporation's investment activities and market presence.
Path to wealth

William Berkley's career breakthrough came with the founding of Berkley Corporation in 1967. This venture marked his entry into the insurance industry, which he would go on to significantly shape.

He established the company with a clear vision to provide diverse insurance products and services, quickly gaining prominence in the market.

Berkley Corporation became the cornerstone of his fortune, evolving into a diversified commercial lines insurance company. His strategic leadership allowed the company to expand its offerings and market reach.

Key ventures under his portfolio include influential entities such as Berkley Infinium and Berkley Insurance Company, which have transformed sectors like commercial and personal insurance.

Under Berkley's guidance, the company grew into a Fortune 500 enterprise, expanding its footprint internationally and navigating market complexities.

Recent achievements include acquiring a leading insurance firm in 2024, further diversifying the business portfolio and solidifying its market position despite facing challenges like market volatility and regulatory changes.

Family & succession
Spouse / partner
Married
Children
William Berkley has three children.
Family in business
Not publicly confirmed
Succession plan
Not publicly confirmed
Business empire & holdings

W. R. Berkley Corporation: A Fortune 500 company specializing in commercial lines insurance, offering a wide range of property casualty insurance products and services.

Investments in various sectors, including real estate and financial services, complementing the core insurance business.

Key themes
  • Entrepreneurial Vision: Founded a major insurance corporation from the ground up.
  • Strategic Growth: Expanded the company's reach internationally and diversified its offerings.
  • Philanthropic Commitment: Active in supporting education and healthcare initiatives.
  • Industry Leadership: A long-standing figure in the insurance and finance sectors.
Lifestyle, spending & philanthropy

Beyond his business endeavors, William Berkley is actively involved in philanthropy, with a particular focus on education and healthcare causes.

He has made significant donations to various educational institutions and supports organizations such as the Berkley Foundation, aiming to drive social impact through his contributions.

He resides in Greenwich, Connecticut, and is known for engaging with the public on platforms like Twitter (now X).

Sources
  • UpCube Money - William Berkley Profile
  • Forbes Profile on William Berkley
  • W. R. Berkley Corporation Official Website
Politics, influence & power

Not publicly confirmed.

Notes
  • All financial figures are estimates and subject to market fluctuations.
Legacy & long-term impact

William Berkley's long-term vision includes continuing to shape the insurance industry, particularly through enhanced technological integration in insurance services.

His legacy is expected to be defined by his entrepreneurial spirit, the enduring success of W. R. Berkley Corporation, and his meaningful contributions to philanthropy.

He aims to leave a lasting impact through both his business achievements and his commitment to social causes.

Further reading
  • Not publicly confirmed.

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