Billionaire Profile
David Reuben
Global Rank
#220

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

David Reuben

CEO, Reuben Brothers
GB
Real-Time Net Worth
$13.1B
As of December 2025
Age
87
Source
Investments, real estate
Industry
diversified
Citizenship
GB

Biography

David Reuben, a prominent British investor and real estate mogul, has built a substantial fortune through strategic investments. Born in Mumbai, India, in 1941, Reuben, along with his brother Simon, has a current net worth of $13.1 billion. His career began in metals trading, later expanding into real estate and diverse investments. Reuben's achievements include pioneering metals trading in Russia and transforming London's property market. He is recognized for his contributions to philanthropy through the Reuben Foundation, which supports healthcare and education initiatives.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Background

David Reuben was born in 1941 in Bombay, British India, into a Baghdadi Jewish family. His parents later separated. In the 1950s, he and his brother Simon moved to London with their mother, where they attended state schools. David started in the scrap metal business.

Rise to Success

The Reuben brothers' success started in the 1970s and 1980s through metals and property trading. In the early 1990s, they invested in the Russian metals market through Trans-World Group, which later became one of the largest aluminum producers. They sold their Russian assets by 2000, shifting focus to the UK property market. They acquired prime real estate in London, including Millbank Tower.

Key Business Strategies

David Reuben's approach involved identifying high-value opportunities and scaling them efficiently. The Reuben brothers diversified their investments into sectors like hospitality, logistics, and renewable energy. They also invested in technology companies.

Philanthropy

The Reuben Foundation, established in 2002, is the family's philanthropic vehicle, focusing on education, healthcare, and youth opportunity. The foundation has supported educational institutions, hospitals, and various community programs. The foundation has donated millions to create the Reuben College at Oxford University.

Career Milestones

1970s-1980s

Metals and Property Trading

Increased wealth through metals and property trading.

Early 1990s

Russian Metals Market Investment

Invested in the Russian metals market through Trans-World Group.

2000

Shift to UK Property Market

Sold Russian assets and focused on the UK property market.

2002

Establishment of the Reuben Foundation

Established the Reuben Foundation to focus on healthcare and education.

2021

Newcastle United Stake

The Reuben brothers took a 10% stake in Newcastle United Football Club.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Reuben College, Oxford

$100M

Funded the creation of Reuben College, Oxford University, focused on artificial intelligence, environmental change, and cellular life.

Healthcare

Great Ormond Street Hospital

Significant donations

Supported pediatric healthcare services.

Controversies & Challenges

1997

Links to the Izmaylovskaya Mafia

Linked to the Izmaylovskaya mafia by Russia's Interior Minister.