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Billionaire Profile
Charles B. Johnson
Global Rank
#602

Image: UPI/Bettmann Archive | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Charles B. Johnson

CEO, Franklin Templeton
Palm Beach, Florida
Real-Time Net Worth
$6.83B
Estimated based on Franklin Templeton stock value as of September 10, 2026
-0.73% (24h)
Age
93
Source
Franklin Templeton
Industry
finance-investments
Citizenship
United States

Biography

Charles B. Johnson is an American billionaire businessman and philanthropist. He is best known for his long tenure at Franklin Templeton Investments, which he led as CEO from 1957 to 2004. Johnson transformed the company from a small family operation into a global investment management firm. His career spans over five decades. Johnson is also the principal owner of the San Francisco Giants and has been a major donor to Republican causes. His net worth is estimated at $6.1 billion.

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Data Updated
Sep 10, 2026
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Wealth Over Time

Net Worth History

YearNet Worth
2026$6.83B
2025$5.70B
2024$5.70B
2021$5.80B
2020$5.50B

Portfolio Holdings

San Francisco Giants

San Francisco Giants

Sports
Ownership
26%

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Charles Bartlett Johnson was born on January 6, 1933, in Montclair, New Jersey. His parents divorced when he was a child. He attended Montclair High School and Yale University, where he graduated in 1954 with a bachelor's degree in economics.

Rise to Success

Johnson's career began at Franklin Resources, a mutual fund company founded by his father in 1947. He became CEO at age 24 and significantly grew the company. He took the company public in 1971. Under his leadership, Franklin Resources acquired Templeton, Galbraith & Hansberger Ltd. in 1992.

Key Business Strategies

Johnson's key strategies included strategic acquisitions, expanding the global footprint of Franklin Templeton, and a focus on long-term growth. He stepped down as chairman in 2013, succeeded by his son Greg Johnson.

Philanthropy

Johnson is a major benefactor of Yale University, donating $250 million in 2013 for the construction of two new residential colleges. He has also supported various academic and athletic programs. Johnson also established the C. and A. Johnson Family Foundation to fund religious, educational, charitable, and scientific purposes.

Career Milestones

1957

CEO of Franklin Resources

Became Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Resources at the age of 24.

1971

Franklin Resources Goes Public

Led Franklin Resources to go public.

1992

Acquisition of Templeton

Acquired Templeton, Galbraith & Hansberger Ltd.

2013

Stepped Down as Chairman

Stepped down as Chairman of Franklin Resources, succeeded by his son Greg Johnson.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Yale University Donations

$250M

Donated $250 million to Yale University in 2013 to support the construction of two new residential colleges.

Controversies & Challenges

2018

Political Donations and Cindy Hyde-Smith

Donated to Cindy Hyde-Smith's campaign, which faced criticism over a comment she made about public hangings.

2020

Donation to Lauren Boebert

Donated to Rep. Lauren Boebert, who voiced support for QAnon.

Billionaires Connected to Charles B. Johnson

Peers in Finance-Investments

All Finance-Investments billionaires

Richest in United States

All billionaires from United States

Adjacent Global Ranks

Full global ranking

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Charles B. Johnson's net worth in 2026?
As of 2026, Charles B. Johnson's estimated net worth is $6.829 billion, ranking #602 among the world's billionaires. The estimate is based on publicly available shareholding data and market prices, updated daily.
How did Charles B. Johnson make their money?
Charles B. Johnson's wealth primarily comes from Franklin Templeton, most notably through Franklin Templeton.
Where is Charles B. Johnson from?
Charles B. Johnson is from United States.
How old is Charles B. Johnson?
Charles B. Johnson is 93 years old.

Sources & References

  1. Charles B. Johnson — Forbes profile Forbes
  2. Franklin Templeton — official site Franklin Templeton