Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#922

Image: Collision Conf | CC BY 2.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Ben Chestnut

CEO, Email marketing

UNITED STATES

Real-Time Net Worth

$4.646B

Estimated based on Email marketing stock value as of April 21, 2026

+0.66% (24h)

Age

Source

Email marketing

Industry

Technology

Citizenship

UNITED STATES

Biography

Ben Chestnut is a self-made American internet entrepreneur known for co-founding Mailchimp, a leading email marketing platform. Born in Augusta, Georgia, he pursued studies in physics and industrial design before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey. Chestnut's wealth source stems from the success of Mailchimp, which he co-founded with Dan Kurzius in 2001. Under his leadership as CEO, Mailchimp reached over 13 million users and was acquired by Intuit in 2021 for $12 billion. This acquisition solidified his status as a billionaire. Chestnut is married with two children and resides in Atlanta, Georgia. His career is marked by achievements, including being named Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year and a place in the Technology Hall of Fame of Georgia.

Fact Checked

Verified by Editorial Team

Live Data

Updated 4/21/2026

Wealth Over Time

Portfolio Holdings

Mailchimp

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Ben Chestnut was born and raised in Augusta, Georgia. He attended high school in Hephzibah, Georgia. Chestnut studied physics at the University of Georgia and industrial design at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Growing up, Chestnut's mother ran a hair salon from their home.

Rise to Success

In 2000, Chestnut and Dan Kurzius, both web designers, lost their jobs and decided to start their own web design company, the Rocket Science Group. In 2001, they launched Mailchimp as a side project to help small businesses with email marketing, which has since evolved into a larger marketing platform. Chestnut and Kurzius decided to commit to Mailchimp full-time in 2007. Chestnut and Kurzius bootstrapped the company without outside funding. The company was acquired by Intuit in 2021 for $12 billion.

Key Business Strategies

Mailchimp adopted a freemium model in 2009, which helped to expand its user base and increase profits. Chestnut focused on user-friendly design and listening to the customers' needs.

Philanthropy

Ben Chestnut serves on the advisory board for the Emory Center of Ethics.

Career Milestones

2001

Co-founded Mailchimp

Founded the email marketing company with Dan Kurzius.

2016

Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year

Recognized for his contributions to the tech industry.

2017

Most Admired CEO

Awarded by Atlanta Business Chronicle.

2018

Became a Billionaire

Achieved billionaire status according to Forbes.

2021

Mailchimp Acquired by Intuit

Intuit acquired Mailchimp for $12 Billion.

2022

Technology Hall of Fame of Georgia Inductee

Inducted into the Technology Hall of Fame of Georgia.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Advisory Board

Emory Center of Ethics

Undisclosed

Serves on the advisory board.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"I'm never a good enough listener, but I try and listen a little harder every day."

Leadership Principles

Customer Focus

Prioritizing the customer's needs and adapting to their evolving demands.

Adaptability

Embracing change and being resilient.

Collaboration

Involving others in the growth of the company.

Controversies & Challenges

2022

CEO Departure

Stepped down as CEO after sending an email expressing concerns about employees introducing themselves with pronouns in virtual meetings.

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