Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#2139

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Alfred West Jr

CEO, SEI Investments Company

Real-Time Net Worth

$1.8B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Money management

Industry

finance-investments

Citizenship

Biography

Alfred West Jr., born in 1943, is an 82-year-old American businessman, and the founder of SEI Investments. His wealth stems from money management and the financial services industry. West began his career after being unable to pursue his dream of becoming a fighter pilot due to poor eyesight. He obtained an MBA from the Wharton School and launched SEI in 1968. Over his career, West has achieved significant success, transforming a small startup into a global provider of investment solutions. He retired as CEO in 2022 after more than 50 years at the helm and now serves as the Executive Chairman. His strategic vision and commitment to innovation have been instrumental in SEI's growth, making him a prominent figure in the financial industry with a net worth of $1.8 billion.

Wealth Over Time

Portfolio Holdings

SEI Investments Co

SEIC•finance-investments

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Alfred West Jr. was born in 1943. He originally aspired to be a fighter pilot but was unable to pursue this dream due to poor eyesight. Instead, he studied aerospace engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology and later earned an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1966.

Rise to Success

West founded SEI Investments in 1968 after graduating from Wharton. The company initially provided technology solutions to banks. West took SEI public in 1981 and expanded into investment advisory and money management. Under his leadership, SEI grew into a significant financial services firm with a global presence. He served as CEO for over 50 years, retiring in 2022, and transitioned to the role of Executive Chairman.

Key Business Strategies

West's business strategy included a focus on innovation, technology, and a commitment to his employees. He emphasized the importance of shareholders' investment and aligned the company's goals with employee interests. The company's culture fosters a flexible and creative environment without traditional hierarchies, which allows for constant change and rapid adaptation to market conditions. West invested in SEI, viewing its success as paramount.

Philanthropy

West supports WestBridge, a nonprofit residential program to treat men with mental illness and substance use disorders, which was established after his son was diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Career Milestones

1968

Founded SEI Investments

Founded Simulated Environments Inc. (SEI), a financial services company.

1981

Took SEI Public

SEI went public, expanding into investment advisory and money management.

2022

Retired as CEO

Retired as CEO after 50+ years at the helm, and became the executive chairman.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Mental Health

WestBridge

A non-profit residential program to treat men with mental illness and substance use disorders.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"CEOs need to be shareholders ... They should have just as much at stake as their employees or their investors."