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Billionaire Profile
Bill Alfond
Global Rank
#1215

Bill Alfond

CEO, Shoes
Boston, Massachusetts
Real-Time Net Worth
$3.55B
Estimated based on Shoes stock value as of September 10, 2026
+0.12% (24h)
Age
77
Source
Shoes
Industry
Fashion & Retail
Citizenship
United States

Biography

Bill Alfond is an American investor and philanthropist with a current net worth of $3.4 billion, ranking him among the world's wealthiest individuals. His wealth primarily stems from the inheritance of Berkshire Hathaway stock, a result of his father Harold Alfond's sale of Dexter Shoe Company to Warren Buffett in 1993. Alfond spent three decades in Dexter Shoe Company, eventually becoming president of the bowling shoe division. He has been a limited partner in the Boston Red Sox since the 1970s. Alfond co-founded the Bill and Joan Alfond Family Foundation in 1986, which supports various charitable initiatives, particularly in Maine and Massachusetts. His career includes significant achievements in both business and philanthropy, demonstrating a commitment to community and making a positive impact on society.

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Data Updated
Sep 10, 2026
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Wealth Over Time

Net Worth History

YearNet Worth
2026$3.55B
2025$3.50B
2024$3.40B
2023$2.59B
2022$3.00B
2021$2.47B
2020$1.44B

Portfolio Holdings

Fenway Sports Group

Fenway Sports Group

sports
Revenue
$574M
Boston, Massachusetts
1669 employees
Founded 2001
Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

BRK.B•finance-investments
Market Cap
$1.07B
Stock Price
$477.87
Revenue
$1,222.2B
Omaha, Nebraska
396.5K employees
Founded 1839

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

William L. "Bill" Alfond was born on May 16, 1948, in Waterville, Maine, to Harold and Dorothy Alfond. He grew up in a Jewish family with roots in the shoe manufacturing industry. Alfond attended The Governor's Academy and graduated in 1967 before earning a Bachelor of Arts from Colby College in 1972 and later a Master of Arts in 2002.

Rise to Success

Alfond spent three decades at Dexter Shoe Company, eventually becoming president of the bowling shoe division. A pivotal moment in the family's wealth came in 1993 when Harold Alfond sold Dexter Shoe Company to Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway for approximately $420 million in stock. This transaction propelled the Alfond family's wealth significantly through Berkshire Hathaway's growth.

Key Business Strategies

Bill Alfond's key to wealth was through holding Berkshire Hathaway stock and being a limited partner in the Boston Red Sox. He is a director of Dexter Enterprises LLC, managing investments and philanthropy.

Philanthropy

Bill Alfond co-founded the Bill and Joan Alfond Family Foundation in 1986 with his wife Joan. The foundation supports various initiatives, particularly in Maine and Massachusetts, focused on education, healthcare, and community development. The foundation has distributed over $425 million in grants.

Career Milestones

1967

Graduated from Governor Dummer Academy

Graduated from The Governor's Academy

1972

Graduated Colby College

Earned a Bachelor of Arts from Colby College

1970s

Limited Partner in the Boston Red Sox

Became a limited partner through Fenway Sports Group

1986

Co-founded the Bill and Joan Alfond Family Foundation

Established a foundation with his wife to support charitable causes.

1993

Dexter Shoe Sale

His father sold Dexter Shoe Company to Berkshire Hathaway.

2002

Master of Arts from Colby College

Received a Master of Arts degree from Colby College

2015

Inducted into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame

Recognized for contributions to athletics and community support.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education, Healthcare, Community Development

Bill and Joan Alfond Family Foundation

$30.9M

Supports communities across multiple states with a focus on diverse projects and initiatives. The foundation has funded projects in a variety of cities across several states, including Maine, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, Maryland, and Montana.

Billionaires Connected to Bill Alfond

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bill Alfond's net worth in 2026?
As of 2026, Bill Alfond's estimated net worth is $3.551 billion, ranking #1215 among the world's billionaires. The estimate is based on publicly available shareholding data and market prices, updated daily.
How did Bill Alfond make their money?
Bill Alfond's wealth primarily comes from Shoes, most notably through Shoes.
Where is Bill Alfond from?
Bill Alfond is from United States.
How old is Bill Alfond?
Bill Alfond is 77 years old.

Sources & References

  1. Bill Alfond — Forbes profile — Forbes