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Billionaire Profile
Bob Ell
Global Rank
#1801

Image: Unsplash Contributor | Unsplash License | via Unsplash

Bob Ell

CEO, Real estate
AUSTRALIA
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.336B
Estimated based on Real estate stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
81
Source
Real estate
Industry
Diversified
Citizenship
AUSTRALIA

Biography

William Robert "Bob" Ell is an Australian billionaire property developer and the founder and executive chairman of Leda Holdings. Born around 1946 in Merriwa, New South Wales, Ell began his career as a carpenter and leveraged his practical skills to enter the real estate industry. Over the decades, Ell transformed Leda Holdings into a major player in the Australian property market, with a net worth primarily derived from real estate holdings including residential subdivisions, retail shopping centers, and commercial and industrial assets. As of March 25, 2026, Forbes estimates his net worth at $2.3 Billion.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Bob Ell was born around 1946 in Merriwa, New South Wales, Australia. His father was a builder, which exposed Ell to the construction trade early in his life. Ell began his career as a carpenter's apprentice.

Rise to Success

In 1976, Ell founded Leda Holdings, a privately owned property development company. Initially, the company focused on smaller commercial projects around Sydney. Ell took the company private in 1990, which provided the freedom to focus on long-term property planning. Leda Holdings has completed over $3 billion in property development across multiple states.

Key Business Strategies

Ell's success is attributed to his long-term land planning and development outcomes. Leda Holdings owns several shopping malls in Queensland and Canberra, which function as commercial income generators. The company's diverse portfolio has supported business continuity over long periods. Ell has been involved in significant transactions, including the sale of the Kings Forest estate.

Philanthropy

Bob Ell's philanthropic activities appear to be limited, and there are no verifiable instances of large charitable involvements.

Career Milestones

1976

Founded Leda Holdings

Established Leda Holdings as a private property development company, initially focusing on commercial projects.

1990

Privatized Leda Holdings

Took Leda Holdings private, allowing for long-term property planning without public market pressures.

2003

Acquired Kings Forest

Acquired the Kings Forest estate near Kingscliff, which became a major residential project.

2025

Sold Kings Forest

Sold the Kings Forest residential subdivision for $620 million.

Controversies & Challenges

2009

Association with Michael McGurk

Ell acted as a bail surety for businessman Michael McGurk, which led to media attention after McGurk's murder.

2011

Illegal Vegetation Clearing

Named in parliament in connection with illegal vegetation clearing within the Cudgen Nature Reserve.

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