Herbert Allen Jr & family

CEO, Allen & Company LLC

Real-Time Net Worth

$2B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Investment banking

Industry

finance-investments

Citizenship

Biography

Herbert Allen Jr. is a prominent figure in the finance industry, currently ranked #1763 on the Forbes 2025 Billionaires list with an estimated net worth of $2.0 billion. His wealth stems from his career in investment banking. Allen is the former president of Allen & Company, a Manhattan-based boutique investment firm specializing in technology, entertainment, and real estate. He joined the family firm immediately after graduating from Williams College in 1962, rising to become president at the age of 27 in 1966. Under his leadership, Allen & Company acquired a controlling interest in Columbia Pictures and launched the Sun Valley Conference, a premier gathering of business leaders. Allen's strategic decisions led to a seat on The Coca-Cola Company's board after the sale of Columbia Pictures. Allen has been married and divorced three times and has four children.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Herbert A. Allen Jr. was born in 1940. His father, Herbert A. Allen Sr., was a stock trader who joined Allen & Company in 1927. The firm, founded by his uncle Charles in 1922, specialized in corporate buyouts. Allen was raised in Irvington, New York, and graduated from Williams College in 1962.

Rise to Success

After graduating, Allen immediately joined Allen & Company. He was appointed president of the firm at the young age of 27 in 1966. Under his leadership, Allen & Company acquired a controlling interest in Columbia Pictures in 1973. In 1982, Allen & Company launched the Sun Valley Conference. The Coca-Cola Company bought Columbia Pictures in 1982, giving Allen Jr. a seat on the Board of Directors. Allen ceded control of Allen & Company to his son, Herbert Allen III, in 2002.

Key Business Strategies

Allen & Company is a boutique investment bank with a focus on media, technology, and entertainment. The firm is known for cultivating long-lasting relationships with corporate leaders, especially in the real estate, media, and entertainment sectors. Allen & Co. hosts the annual Sun Valley Conference, a secretive gathering that has helped the firm engineer major deals.

Philanthropy

In 1998, Allen donated $20 million to Williams College.

Career Milestones

1962

Joined Allen & Company

Graduated from Williams College and began his career at the family's investment firm.

1966

President of Allen & Company

Appointed President of Allen & Company at age 27.

1973

Acquisition of Columbia Pictures

Led Allen & Company's acquisition of a controlling interest in Columbia Pictures.

1982

Launched Sun Valley Conference

Launched the annual Sun Valley Conference, a premier gathering of business leaders.

1982

Coca-Cola Board of Directors

Became a board member of The Coca-Cola Company.

2002

Ceded control

Ceded control of Allen & Company to his son Herbert Allen III.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Donation to Williams College

$20M

Donated $20 million to Williams College in 1998, contributing to the educational institution's endowment and development.