Billionaire Profile
Chen Jianhua
Global Rank
#137

Image: Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires from Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina | CC BY 2.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Chen Jianhua

CEO, Chemicals
CHINA
Real-Time Net Worth
$20.191B
Estimated based on Chemicals stock value as of April 20, 2026
+5.92% (24h)
Age
55
Source
Chemicals
Industry
Manufacturing
Citizenship
CHINA

Biography

Chen Jianhua is a prominent Chinese billionaire, currently 55 years old, who built his fortune primarily through the chemicals industry. As of March 2026, his estimated net worth is $20.0 billion. He serves as the chairman of Hengli Group, one of China's leading petrochemical businesses, and has been a driving force in its expansion and diversification. His career has been marked by his vision in business and an early transition into textiles, which has shaped his entrepreneurial success. Chen resides in Suzhou, China, and is married with two children.

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

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Chen Jianhua was born in Lufeng, Guangdong, China. He quit school at the age of 13. He later ventured into textile trading.

Rise to Success

Chen Jianhua founded Hengli Group in 1994, co-founded with his wife Fan Hongwei. The group expanded from textiles to petrochemicals, becoming one of China's largest in the industry. Chen acquired a state-owned chemical fiber factory and expanded the business to petrochemicals. Chen's wife, Fan Hongwei, serves as the chairman of Hengli Petrochemical, the listed arm of the group.

Key Business Strategies

Chen's strategy has focused on the petrochemicals sector, building Hengli Group into a major player. The company operates the world's largest terephthalic acid (PTA) factory.

Philanthropy

Information on Chen Jianhua's specific philanthropic initiatives and amounts could not be found.

Career Milestones

1994

Founded Hengli Group

Co-founded Hengli Group with his wife, which became one of China's largest petrochemical businesses.

2011

Appointed Mayor of Guangzhou

Served as the Mayor of Guangzhou.

2016

Chairman of Guangzhou People's Congress

Elected Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Guangzhou People's Congress.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Unknown

Unknown

Undisclosed

Details of specific philanthropic efforts are not available.