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Billionaire Profile
Dirk Ziff
Global Rank
#473

Dirk Ziff

CEO, Ziff Capital Partners
North Palm Beach, Florida
Real-Time Net Worth
$8.27B
Estimated based on Ziff Capital Partners stock value as of September 10, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
61
Source
Investments
Industry
finance-investments
Citizenship
United States

Biography

Dirk Ziff is an American billionaire investor and media heir. Born in 1965, he is the eldest son of William Bernard Ziff Jr., who sold the Ziff-Davis publishing empire for $1.4 billion in 1994. Ziff, along with his brothers, formed Ziff Brothers Investments, which invested across various asset classes, including hedge funds, private equity, and real estate. His source of wealth is investments. He has a Bachelor of Arts from Columbia University and an MBA from Harvard University. Ziff is also involved in philanthropy, including the Robin Hood Foundation, and he owns the World Surf League through his investment vehicle ZoSea. As of March 2026, his estimated net worth is $7.2 billion.

AI-Assisted Draft
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Data Updated
Sep 10, 2026
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Wealth Over Time

Net Worth History

YearNet Worth
2026$8.27B
2025$7.20B
2024$7.20B

Portfolio Holdings

World Surf League

World Surf League

Sports
Los Angeles, CA
Founded 1976

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Dirk Edward Ziff was born in 1965. His father, William Bernard Ziff Jr., built the Ziff-Davis magazine empire, which included publications like PC Magazine and Car and Driver. Dirk graduated from the Trinity School in New York City and later earned a Bachelor of Arts from Columbia University in 1988 and an MBA from Harvard University.

Rise to Success

In 1994, Dirk and his brothers inherited the family fortune after their father sold the Ziff-Davis publishing company. They subsequently founded Ziff Brothers Investments to manage and grow their wealth. The firm invested in a diverse range of assets, including hedge funds, private equity, and real estate. They also provided seed money to fund manager Daniel Och, which led to a 10% stake in Och-Ziff Capital Management, which later went public.

Key Business Strategies

Ziff Brothers Investments initially operated hedge funds but ceased operations in 2014. Dirk then formed his own family office, Ziff Capital Partners, in 2015, focusing on private investments. He has demonstrated a strategic approach to wealth management, diversifying investments across various sectors and asset classes.

Philanthropy

Dirk Ziff has been involved in several philanthropic initiatives, including serving as a founding board member of the Robin Hood Foundation. He also supports environmental causes through the Natasha & Dirk Ziff Foundation, contributing to ocean conservation and climate-related initiatives.

Career Milestones

1994

Inherited Family Fortune and Founded Ziff Brothers Investments

After his father sold Ziff-Davis, Dirk and his brothers founded Ziff Brothers Investments to manage their inheritance.

2006

Founding Board Member of the Robin Hood Foundation

Ziff became a founding board member of the Robin Hood Foundation, an organization focused on fighting poverty in New York City.

2013

Acquired World Surf League

Through ZoSea, an investment vehicle, Ziff acquired the Association of Surfing Professionals (now World Surf League).

2015

Founded Ziff Capital Partners

Dirk Ziff established his own family office to manage his personal investments.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Philanthropy

The Natasha & Dirk Ziff Foundation

$1.6M

Supports initiatives in education, philanthropy, and human services.

Environment

Environmental Conservation

$5M

Supports ocean conservation efforts aligned with U.N. goals.

Controversies & Challenges

2017

Resignation from The Weinstein Company Board

Ziff resigned from the board of The Weinstein Company due to allegations of sexual assault.

Billionaires Connected to Dirk Ziff

Peers in Finance-Investments

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Richest in United States

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Adjacent Global Ranks

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dirk Ziff's net worth in 2026?
As of 2026, Dirk Ziff's estimated net worth is $8.267 billion, ranking #473 among the world's billionaires. The estimate is based on publicly available shareholding data and market prices, updated daily.
How did Dirk Ziff make their money?
Dirk Ziff's wealth primarily comes from Investments, most notably through Ziff Capital Partners.
Where is Dirk Ziff from?
Dirk Ziff is from United States.
How old is Dirk Ziff?
Dirk Ziff is 61 years old.

Sources & References

  1. Dirk Ziff — Forbes profile — Forbes