Early Life and Family
James R. Cargill II, born in 1949, is the great-grandson of William Wallace Cargill, who founded Cargill in 1865. He grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is part of the Cargill-MacMillan family, which has a long history in American agriculture and commerce. He has a brother, Austen S. Cargill II, and a sister, Marianne Cargill Liebmann.
Rise to Success
James Cargill II's career has been intertwined with Cargill, the largest private company in the U.S. in terms of revenue. He is one of the 12 billionaire heirs to the Cargill fortune. Cargill has a diverse global presence across food, agriculture, financial, and industrial sectors. The company's revenue was $154 billion in the fiscal year 2025. James has contributed to the company's continued success while preserving its long-term goals for growth and sustainability.
Key Business Strategies
Cargill's business model is based on efficient global supply chain management and adapting to market changes. The company focuses on innovation, customer service, and sustainable practices. The Cargill-MacMillan family prioritizes the company's mission, maintaining a low public profile. The company has been restructuring, including reducing business units and laying off employees.
Philanthropy
James Cargill II is known for his philanthropic efforts, supporting the arts through donations. He supports prominent institutions like the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Institute of Art. He is involved with the Center of the American West at the University of Colorado at Boulder and the Board of Trustees of the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution.
