Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#531

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Kelcy Warren

CEO, Energy Transfer LP

Real-Time Net Worth

$7.2B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Pipelines

Industry

energy

Citizenship

Biography

Kelcy Warren is an American billionaire and the Executive Chairman of Energy Transfer LP, a major player in the energy industry. He co-founded the company in 1996, building it into one of the largest energy companies in the U.S., operating approximately 130,000 miles of pipelines. Warren's career in the energy sector spans over 40 years, starting with the Lone Star Gas Company. He is known for his strategic acquisitions and his role in developing the Dakota Access Pipeline. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated at $7.2 billion, reflecting his significant wealth source in pipelines. Warren is a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington and is involved in various philanthropic initiatives.

Wealth Over Time

Portfolio Holdings

Energy Transfer LP

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Kelcy Lee Warren was born on November 9, 1955, in Gladewater, Texas, and grew up in White Oak, Texas. He was the youngest of four sons. His father worked in the pipeline industry. Warren graduated from White Oak High School and earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1978.

Rise to Success

Warren began his career at Lone Star Gas Company. From 1981 to 1992, he worked for Endevco. He served as executive vice-president of Cornerstone Natural Gas from 1989 to 1990 and as its president and CEO from 1993 to 1996. In 1996, Warren co-founded Energy Transfer with Ray C. Davis. Energy Transfer has grown to become one of the largest midstream companies in the U.S., operating more than 125,000 miles of pipelines. Warren served as CEO until 2020 and is currently the Executive Chairman.

Key Business Strategies

A key strategy was expanding its operations through strategic acquisitions, including the 2012 purchase of Sunoco. Diversifying the company's portfolio was essential when natural gas prices declined.

Philanthropy

Warren is a philanthropist who has supported several educational and medical institutions, along with children's organizations. In 2012, he donated $10 million to build Klyde Warren Park in Dallas, named after his son.

Career Milestones

1978

Graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington

Earned a degree in civil engineering.

1996

Co-founded Energy Transfer

Launched the company with Ray C. Davis, starting with natural gas pipelines.

2007

Co-Chairman and Co-CEO of Energy Transfer Partners

Became a leader at Energy Transfer Partners.

2012

Donated $10 million for Klyde Warren Park

Contributed to the construction of a park in Dallas.

2020

Stepped down as CEO of Energy Transfer

Remains Executive Chairman.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Urban Development

Klyde Warren Park

$10M

Lead donor to the Klyde Warren Park in Dallas.

Children's Charities

Cherokee Music Festival

Various

Hosts an annual event to raise money for children's charities.

General Philanthropy

The Kelcy Warren Foundation

Various

Supports various organizations.

Controversies & Challenges

2017

Dakota Access Pipeline Protests

Energy Transfer faced protests over the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.