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Billionaire Profile
Dagmar Dolby & family
Global Rank
#829

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Dagmar Dolby & family

CEO, Dolby Laboratories
US
Real-Time Net Worth
$5.1B
As of December 2025
Age
84
Source
Dolby Laboratories
Industry
technology
Citizenship
US

Biography

Dagmar Dolby, born in Germany in 1941, is a prominent American philanthropist and the widow of Ray Dolby, the founder of Dolby Laboratories. With an estimated net worth of $5.1 billion as of January 2025, her wealth stems primarily from Dolby Laboratories, a company that revolutionized audio technology. Dagmar has been a significant figure in San Francisco's social scene and is deeply committed to philanthropy, particularly in the areas of Alzheimer's research, reproductive rights, and stem cell research. She is a signatory of The Giving Pledge. Dagmar's career is intertwined with her husband's entrepreneurial success and her commitment to charitable causes. Her generous donations have supported medical and academic institutions, furthering advancements in healthcare and education.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Dagmar Bäumert was born in Germany in 1941. She spent her formative years in Frankfurt, Germany. In 1962, while living in Cambridge, England, she met Ray Dolby, who was studying physics at Cambridge University. They married in 1966.

Rise to Success

Dagmar's journey is closely linked to Dolby Laboratories, founded by her late husband, Ray Dolby, in 1965. After moving to San Francisco in 1976, she became a key figure in the city's social life and dedicated herself to philanthropy.

Key Business Strategies

Dagmar's influence is evident through her ownership of a significant portion of Dolby Laboratories after Ray Dolby's passing in 2013. Dolby Laboratories is a leader in audio and imaging technology, offering innovations like Dolby Stereo, Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos, and Dolby Vision.

Philanthropy

Dagmar is known for her remarkable philanthropy. The Dolby family has contributed to numerous causes, including education, mental health, and cultural preservation. Dagmar has also supported the Academy Foundation and the construction of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. She has committed over $160 million to the University of Cambridge, and has donated millions to the University of California, San Francisco, for research on mood disorders. Dagmar is a signatory of The Giving Pledge, focusing on supporting reproductive rights, stem cell research, and research on mood disorders and Alzheimer's disease.

Career Milestones

1966

Marriage

Married Ray Dolby.

1976

Relocation

Moved to San Francisco with her family, where Dolby Laboratories established its headquarters.

2013

Inheritance

Assumed ownership of nearly half of Dolby Laboratories after the passing of her husband, Ray Dolby.

2017

Giving Pledge

Became a signatory of The Giving Pledge.

2024

Honorary Dame Commander

Appointed an Honorary Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her services to philanthropy and British higher education.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Medical Research

Ray and Dagmar Dolby Regeneration Medicine Building

$36M

Donated to the University of California, San Francisco for stem cell research.

Mental Health

Dolby Family Center for Mood Disorders

$20M

Established at the University of California, San Francisco to address mental health challenges.

Education

University of Cambridge

$160M+

Committed funds to the University of Cambridge.

Arts & Culture

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Undisclosed

Supported the construction of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""I am delighted to confirm my plans to devote the major part of my estate to charitable causes. This is a decision my late husband, Ray Dolby, and I made many years ago, and will enable our sons, Tom and David, and their families to carry on these efforts to improve our communities.""

Leadership Principles

Commitment to Philanthropy

Dagmar Dolby has demonstrated a deep commitment to giving back to the community through various charitable initiatives.

Support for Medical Research

Actively involved in supporting medical research, particularly in areas like Alzheimer's and stem cell research.

Advocacy for Social Justice

Supports causes like reproductive rights and equality.