Billionaire Profile
Jeremy Jacobs Sr & family
Global Rank
#743

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Jeremy Jacobs Sr & family

CEO, Delaware North
US
Real-Time Net Worth
$5.4B
As of December 2025
Age
85
Source
Food service
Industry
service
Citizenship
US

Biography

Jeremy Jacobs Sr. is an 85-year-old American billionaire, primarily known for his role as chairman of Delaware North, a global leader in food service and hospitality. His source of wealth stems from the family business, which he transformed into a global powerhouse. Jacobs' career is marked by his strategic leadership, including his ownership of the Boston Bruins since 1975 and his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Delaware North serves over 500 million guests annually and has revenue of $4 billion. Jacobs' achievements also include significant contributions to philanthropy.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Jeremy Maurice Jacobs Sr. was born on January 21, 1940, in Buffalo, New York. His father, Louis Jacobs, co-founded Delaware North in 1915 with his brothers. The company started as a concessions business and expanded into major league ballparks. Jeremy took over the business at the age of 28 after his father's death.

Rise to Success

Under Jeremy Jacobs' leadership, Delaware North grew into a global hospitality and food service giant. The company operates in various sectors, including lodging, sporting venues, airports, gaming, and entertainment. A pivotal moment in his career was acquiring the Boston Bruins in 1975. Jacobs also oversaw the construction of Boston's TD Garden. He served as Chairman of the NHL Board of Governors since 2007.

Key Business Strategies

Jacobs' success is attributed to his strategic vision, including his deep commitment to quality and innovation in the hospitality industry. His leadership in Delaware North expanded its global reach while maintaining its family-owned structure. His acquisition and management of the Boston Bruins and his role in the NHL further solidified his influence in the sports industry.

Philanthropy

Jeremy Jacobs Sr. is also recognized for his philanthropic efforts. He and his family have contributed millions to various causes, including education, healthcare, and community development. Notable contributions include a $30 million donation to the University at Buffalo's medical school, which was renamed the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and the establishment of the Jacobs Institute.

Career Milestones

1915

Delaware North Founded

Louis Jacobs and his brothers founded Delaware North, initially a concessions business.

1968

Took over Delaware North

Jeremy Jacobs Sr. took over Delaware North after his father's death.

1975

Acquired Boston Bruins

Jacobs purchased the Boston Bruins.

2007

Chairman of NHL Board of Governors

Elected Chairman of the NHL Board of Governors.

2017

Hockey Hall of Fame

Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education and Healthcare

Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

$30M

Donation to the University at Buffalo's medical school.

Healthcare

Jacobs Institute

$10M

Established the Jacobs Institute, a medical innovation center.

Community Development

United Way

Millions

Significant contributions to United Way.

Healthcare

Roswell Park Cancer Institute

$1M

Donation to support an endowed chair in immunology.