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Billionaire Profile
James Leininger
Global Rank
#2268

Image: Johann Jaritz | CC BY-SA 4.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

James Leininger

CEO, Medical products
San Antonio, Texas
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.85B
Estimated based on Medical products stock value as of September 10, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
80
Source
Medical products
Industry
Healthcare
Citizenship
United States

Biography

James Leininger, born in 1944, is an American physician, businessman, and philanthropist. He is best known for founding Kinetic Concepts (KCI) in 1976, a medical technology company specializing in wound care products. His career began in medicine, but he later transitioned to entrepreneurship, building KCI into a global leader. Leininger's estimated net worth is $1.9 billion, derived primarily from his early success in the medical products industry. He has also been involved in various other ventures, including real estate and investments. Beyond his business endeavors, Leininger is involved in conservative and Christian activism and has contributed to various charitable initiatives, notably in education and scientific research. He is a part-owner of the San Antonio Spurs and was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame in 2007.

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Data Updated
Sep 10, 2026
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Wealth Over Time

Net Worth History

YearNet Worth
2026$1.85B
2025$1.90B
2024$1.90B
2023$1.90B
2022$1.70B

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

James Leininger was born in Warsaw, Indiana, in 1944. He attended Indiana University Indianapolis, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1965 and a Doctor of Medicine in 1969. After completing an internship and postgraduate courses, he settled in San Antonio, Texas, where he taught at the University of Texas Health Science Center in 1972 and 1973.

Rise to Success

In 1976, Leininger founded Kinetic Concepts (KCI), a global medical technology corporation. KCI became a leader in medical devices, particularly in wound care, revolutionizing patient recovery. In 2012, Apax Partners acquired KCI for $6.3 billion, with Leininger being the largest shareholder.

Key Business Strategies

Leininger's business acumen extended beyond KCI. He co-founded the Renal Care Group and ATX Technologies, and served on the board of directors for various companies, including BioNumerik Pharmaceuticals and Spurs Sports & Entertainment. He also invested in real estate and food companies. He is noted for his investments through MedCare Investment Funds, managing $1 billion in assets.

Philanthropy

James Leininger supports charitable initiatives in education, humanitarian aid, and scientific research. In 1997, he donated significant amounts to various universities and organizations.

Career Milestones

1969

Medical Doctor

Earned his Doctor of Medicine from Indiana University.

1976

Founded Kinetic Concepts (KCI)

Founded KCI, a medical technology company.

2007

Inducted into Texas Business Hall of Fame

Was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Vanderbilt University

$1.5M

Donated to Vanderbilt University.

Education

Vision Forum

$2.5M

Donated to Vision Forum.

Education

University of Miami

$3M

Donated to the University of Miami.

Billionaires Connected to James Leininger

Peers in Healthcare

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Richest in United States

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Adjacent Global Ranks

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is James Leininger's net worth in 2026?
As of 2026, James Leininger's estimated net worth is $1.852 billion, ranking #2268 among the world's billionaires. The estimate is based on publicly available shareholding data and market prices, updated daily.
How did James Leininger make their money?
James Leininger's wealth primarily comes from Medical products, most notably through Medical products.
Where is James Leininger from?
James Leininger is from United States.
How old is James Leininger?
James Leininger is 80 years old.

Sources & References

  1. James Leininger — Forbes profile — Forbes