Billionaire Profile
Howard Butt III & family
Global Rank
#1172

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Howard Butt III & family

CEO, H-E-B Grocery Company
US
Real-Time Net Worth
$3.1B
As of December 2025
Age
73
Source
Supermarkets
Industry
fashion-retail
Citizenship
US

Biography

Howard Butt III is the CEO of H-E-B, a prominent Texas-based supermarket chain. The source of the family's wealth is supermarkets. The company was founded in 1905 by Florence Butt and has grown to over 440 stores in Texas and Mexico. Howard Butt III's career has been marked by his leadership in the family business, which includes Central Market and other store formats. H-E-B is known for its commitment to quality, community involvement, and employee ownership.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Howard Butt III's connection to H-E-B began at birth, as the company was founded by his great-grandmother, Florence Butt, in 1905. The family's roots in the grocery business run deep, shaping Howard's upbringing and future career.

Rise to Success

Howard Butt III took over as CEO of H-E-B in 2021, succeeding his uncle Charles Butt. The company has a strong presence in Texas and Mexico, with over 440 stores. Under Howard's leadership, H-E-B continues to thrive, with reported revenue of $46.3 billion in 2023. The company is the largest private employer in Texas and is known for its innovation and community service.

Key Business Strategies

H-E-B's success is attributed to several key strategies. They include a focus on customer service, offering a wide selection of quality products, and adapting to changing consumer needs by investing in online ordering and curbside pickup. Moreover, the company has maintained a strong presence in the Texas and Mexico markets. Furthermore, the company is known for its employee ownership program, where employees have the opportunity to own a stake in the company.

Philanthropy

H-E-B gives 5% of pretax profits to charity each year. The H. E. Butt Family Foundation also makes charitable contributions and provides grants.

Career Milestones

2021

CEO of H-E-B

Assumed the role of CEO of H-E-B, succeeding Charles Butt.

1905

H-E-B Founded

Great-grandmother Florence Butt founded the company.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Community and Social Services

H-E-B's charitable giving

5% of pretax profits

Annual donations to charitable groups addressing hunger, education, health, and more.