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Billionaire Profile
Ken Xie & family
Global Rank
#708

Image: Dinesh Valke from Thane, India | CC BY-SA 2.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Ken Xie & family

CEO, Cybersecurity
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$5.9B
Estimated based on Cybersecurity stock value as of March 6, 2026
-0.66% (24h)
Age
63
Source
Cybersecurity
Industry
Technology
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Ken Xie is a Chinese-American billionaire, best known as the co-founder and CEO of Fortinet, a global leader in cybersecurity. Born in China, Xie's career began with the founding of Systems Integration Solutions (SIS) in 1993, followed by NetScreen Technologies in 1996. He then co-founded Fortinet with his brother Michael Xie in 2000. As CEO, Ken has guided Fortinet to become a major player in the cybersecurity industry, serving approximately 70% of Fortune 100 companies. His leadership has been instrumental in the development of advanced security solutions, including firewalls and cloud security services, and he has been recognized for his contributions to the evolution of internet security.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Ken Xie was born and raised in China. He demonstrated exceptional academic aptitude early on, graduating from Tsinghua University with Bachelor's and Master's degrees in electrical engineering. He later earned a Master's degree in electrical engineering from Stanford University.

Rise to Success

In 1993, Xie founded Systems Integration Solutions (SIS). In 1996, he founded NetScreen Technologies. NetScreen developed industry's first ASIC and dedicated hardware systems for high performance firewalls and VPNs. NetScreen was later acquired by Juniper Networks for $4 billion. In 2000, Xie founded Fortinet with his brother, Michael Xie. As CEO of Fortinet, he has led the company to become a global leader in cybersecurity, serving a vast majority of the Fortune 100 and governments worldwide. He has been a driving force in cybersecurity innovation.

Key Business Strategies

Xie's strategy has focused on creating integrated security architectures. He emphasizes a balanced approach between cloud and hardware solutions. Fortinet has grown significantly, with a valuation of approximately $50 billion and nearly $6 billion in revenue in 2024. The company has also made strategic acquisitions and expanded its product offerings.

Philanthropy

Xie runs a private foundation, along with his brother. Since 2009, Xie has had more than $30 million in income tax deductions by contributing shares of Fortinet to this private foundation.

Career Milestones

1993

Founded Systems Integration Solutions (SIS)

Started a network security company.

1996

Founded NetScreen Technologies

Co-founded a network security company, which was later acquired by Juniper Networks for $4 billion.

2000

Founded Fortinet

Co-founded Fortinet, a leading cybersecurity firm.

2009

Fortinet IPO

Fortinet went public on the Nasdaq.

2013

Member of National Academy of Engineering

Was made a member of the National Academy of Engineering.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Leadership Principles

Openness

Embracing open communication and transparency.

Teamwork

Fostering collaboration and cooperation.

Innovation

Prioritizing continuous improvement and creativity.

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