Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#1162

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Barry Zekelman

CEO, Steel

CANADA

Real-Time Net Worth

$3.634B

Estimated based on Steel stock value as of March 6, 2026

0% (24h)

Age

Source

Steel

Industry

Metals & Mining

Citizenship

CANADA

Biography

Barry Zekelman is a Canadian billionaire and the Executive Chairman and CEO of Zekelman Industries, the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America. Born in Windsor, Ontario, in 1967, Zekelman took over his family's steel business at the age of 19 following the unexpected death of his father. Under his leadership, the company, initially Atlas Tube, has grown significantly, later rebranded as Zekelman Industries. Zekelman's net worth is estimated at $3.4 billion. He is known for his outspoken advocacy of domestic industry and blue-collar jobs. He also owns a luxury yacht and a business jet.

Fact Checked

Verified by Editorial Team

Live Data

Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

Portfolio Holdings

Zekelman Industries

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Barry Zekelman was born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, on March 1, 1967. His father, Harry Zekelman, founded Atlas Tube in 1984. Zekelman attended York University in Toronto, but his studies were interrupted in 1986 due to his father's passing.

Rise to Success

At 19, Barry Zekelman took over Atlas Tube along with his brothers. Under his leadership, Atlas Tube grew from $1.5 million in revenue in 1986 to over $1.2 billion by 2006. In 2006, Atlas Tube merged with John Maneely Company to form JMC Steel Group, later sold to Carlyle Group. The Zekelman family repurchased the company in 2011 and renamed it Zekelman Industries in 2016.

Key Business Strategies

Zekelman Industries expanded through strategic acquisitions, including Wheatland Tube and Sharon Tube. The company focused on vertical integration and investments in advanced U.S. manufacturing. Zekelman Industries is the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America, with over 2,900 employees.

Philanthropy

Zekelman and his wife established the Stephanie and Barry Zekelman Foundation. St. Clair College renamed its business school the Zekelman School of Business and Information Technology.

Career Milestones

1986

Took over Atlas Tube

Assumed leadership of Atlas Tube after the death of his father at the age of 19.

2006

Atlas Tube Merger

Atlas Tube merged with John Maneely Company to form JMC Steel Group, later sold to Carlyle Group.

2011

Company Repurchase

The Zekelman family repurchased the company.

2016

Zekelman Industries Renamed

The company was renamed Zekelman Industries.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Philanthropy

Stephanie and Barry Zekelman Foundation

$XB

The foundation provides charitable contributions to various causes.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"“It all starts with people. I don't care what equipment you have. I don't care what customers you have. If you don't have a happy, engaged, empowered workforce, you'll never be in the lead.”"

Leadership Principles

Focus on People

Emphasizes the importance of a happy and engaged workforce.

Controversies & Challenges

2018

Illegal Donations to Trump-aligned Group

Fined $975,000 (USD) for illegal contributions to a political action committee that supported Donald Trump.

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