Billionaire Profile
James Dyson
Global Rank
#153

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

James Dyson

CEO, Dyson
GB
Real-Time Net Worth
$15.1B
As of December 2025
Age
78
Source
Vacuums
Industry
manufacturing
Citizenship
GB

Biography

Sir James Dyson is a British inventor, industrial designer, and entrepreneur, best known for founding the Dyson company. Born on May 2, 1947, Dyson's career is defined by his innovative approach to product design and engineering. His net worth is primarily derived from his pioneering work in the home appliance industry, particularly his invention of the bagless vacuum cleaner. Dyson's career is a testament to the power of perseverance, with numerous prototypes preceding his successful products. He has received several awards for his achievements, including a knighthood, and has established the James Dyson Foundation to support engineering education.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

James Dyson was born in Cromer, Norfolk, England, on May 2, 1947. He attended Gresham's School before studying at the Byam Shaw School of Art and later at the Royal College of Art, where he studied furniture and interior design.

Rise to Success

Dyson's breakthrough came with the invention of the bagless vacuum cleaner, which utilized cyclonic separation technology. He developed over 5,000 prototypes before perfecting the design. In 1991, he founded Dyson Ltd, which has grown into a global technology company. His innovative approach challenged the status quo of the vacuum cleaner market and revolutionized the industry.

Key Business Strategies

Dyson's success is built on several key strategies. He invested heavily in research and development. He also focused on design, developing products that were both innovative and user-friendly. Furthermore, Dyson maintained a commitment to quality and a willingness to challenge established norms in the industry. Dyson also founded the Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology in 2017, which offers a unique degree program.

Philanthropy

Dyson established the James Dyson Foundation in 2002 to support engineering and design education. The foundation supports engineering education in schools and universities and also supports medical and scientific research. The foundation's initiatives include the James Dyson Award, which supports young inventors.

Career Milestones

1968

Married Deirdre Hindmarsh

Married Deirdre Hindmarsh, an art teacher.

1978

Invented the Ballbarrow

Invented the Ballbarrow, a wheelbarrow with a ball instead of a wheel.

1983

Developed the G-Force cleaner

Developed the "G-Force" cleaner, featuring cyclonic separation technology.

1987

Founded Dyson Ltd

Founded Dyson Ltd, a technology company.

1991

Founded Dyson

Founded the Dyson company.

1993

Launched DC01

Launched the first mass-produced vacuum cleaner, DC01.

1996

Awarded CBE

Awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).

2002

Established James Dyson Foundation

Established the James Dyson Foundation.

2007

Knighted

Knighted for services to business.

2011

Appointed Provost of Royal College of Art

Appointed Provost of Royal College of Art.

2015

Elected Fellow of the Royal Society

Elected Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS).

2016

Appointed to the Order of Merit

Appointed to the Order of Merit (OM).

2017

Launched Dyson Institute

Launched the Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

James Dyson Foundation

Undisclosed

Supports engineering and design education.

Healthcare

Dyson Cancer Centre

Undisclosed

Donation to the Royal United Hospital, Bath.

Healthcare

Dyson Centre for Neonatal Care

$0.5M

Donation to the Royal United Hospital, Bath.

Education

Gresham's School Donation

$53.75M

Donation to Gresham's School to build STEAM Education building.

Education

Cambridge University Donation

$8M

Donation to create a technology hub and design lab.

Education

Imperial College London Donation

$12M

Donation to open the Dyson School of Design Engineering.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"The key to success is failure… success is made of 99 per cent failure."

"I made 5,127 prototypes of my vacuum before I got it right. There were 5,126 failures. But I learned from each one. That's how I came up with a solution. So I don't mind failure."

"Enjoy failure and learn from it. You can never learn from success."

"There is no such thing as a quantum leap. There is only dogged persistence – and in the end you make it look like a quantum leap."

"Manufacturing is more than just putting parts together. It's coming up with ideas, testing principles and perfecting the engineering, as well as final assembly."

Leadership Principles

Embrace Failure

Learn from mistakes and view failures as opportunities for growth.

Persistence

Never give up on an idea, and keep working until it is realized.

Innovation

Continuously seek new solutions to problems and challenge existing norms.

Quality Focus

Prioritize quality and design in all products.

Customer-Centricity

Focus on creating products that solve real problems and meet the needs of consumers.