Billionaire Profile
Ken Kendrick
Global Rank
#3090

Image: Mwinog2777 | CC BY-SA 3.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Ken Kendrick

CEO, Banking
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.202B
Estimated based on Banking stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
82
Source
Banking, sports team
Industry
finance-investments
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Earl G. "Ken" Kendrick Jr. (born September 2, 1943) is an American billionaire businessman and sports executive. His estimated net worth is $1.2 billion, primarily derived from his ownership stake in the Arizona Diamondbacks. Kendrick's wealth also comes from his background in banking and other investments. His career began at IBM, and he later founded Datatel, Inc. He has been the managing general partner and principal owner of the Diamondbacks since 2004, and has been a part of the team's ownership since its inception in 1995. His achievements include leading the Diamondbacks to a World Series title in 2001, and the 2023 NLCS. Kendrick's philanthropic work includes chairing the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation, which has donated over $100 million to charitable causes. He is married and has two children.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Ken Kendrick was born in Princeton, West Virginia, in 1943. His father owned a gas station, instilling in him a strong work ethic from a young age. Kendrick graduated from West Virginia University in 1965 with a degree in business administration.

Rise to Success

Kendrick began his career at IBM. In 1968, he founded Datatel, Inc., a software company specializing in higher education and financial services. He later became a principal investor in Woodforest National Bank. In 1995, Kendrick became a part-owner of the Arizona Diamondbacks and became the managing general partner in 2004.

Key Business Strategies

Kendrick's business strategies have involved strategic investments, as seen with Woodforest National Bank. He has restructured the Diamondbacks' finances, eliminating significant debt through equity and debt restructuring. His leadership has also focused on creating a positive work environment and contributing to community initiatives.

Philanthropy

Kendrick is the chairman of the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation, which has donated over $100 million to charitable causes. He also supports education, healthcare, and youth sports. In 2022, he pledged $20 million to West Virginia University for economics education.

Career Milestones

1965

Graduated from West Virginia University

Earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

1968

Founded Datatel, Inc.

A software development company for higher education.

1989

Principal Investor in Woodforest National Bank

Helped grow the bank into one of the largest employee-owned banks.

1995

Part-owner of Arizona Diamondbacks

Became part of the ownership group when the team was founded.

2004

Managing General Partner of Arizona Diamondbacks

Assumed the role overseeing team operations.

2025

Horatio Alger Award

Received for his distinguished career and commitment to philanthropy.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Community Support

Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation

$100M+

Donated to community causes since its inception

Youth Sports

Kendrick Family Fields

N/A

Enhances youth sports infrastructure in the Valley

Education

Freedom Center at the University of Arizona

N/A

Provides research, teaching, and programming on individual freedom.

Healthcare

Kendrick Family Chair for Prostate Cancer Research

N/A

Established at the Cleveland Clinic.

Education

Pledged to WVU for Economics Education

$20M

To advance economics education through the Kendrick Center at the Chambers College of Business.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"It's been my privilege to give back through the Diamondbacks Foundation to support education, healthcare, and the underprivileged community."

Leadership Principles

Community Involvement

Dedication to supporting local causes and giving back to the community through the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation and other philanthropic efforts.

Financial Prudence

Making sound financial decisions, as seen in the restructuring of the Diamondbacks' debt, which helped improve the financial standing of the team.

Strategic Investment

Making strategic investments in business ventures, as illustrated through his involvement with Woodforest National Bank.