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Billionaire Profile
Ken Xie & family
Global Rank
#668

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Ken Xie & family

CEO, Fortinet
US
Real-Time Net Worth
$5.7B
As of December 2025
Age
62
Source
Cybersecurity
Industry
technology
Citizenship
US

Biography

Ken Xie is a prominent American billionaire and a key figure in the cybersecurity industry. As the co-founder and CEO of Fortinet, a leading cybersecurity firm, Xie has built a career pioneering network security solutions. Born in China and educated at Tsinghua University and Stanford University, Xie's innovative approach led to the creation of the first ASIC-based firewall/VPN appliance. With a current net worth of $5.7 billion, he is recognized for his entrepreneurial achievements and contributions to the technology sector. Xie's leadership has been instrumental in shaping the cybersecurity landscape, with Fortinet serving approximately 70% of Fortune 100 companies.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Ken Xie was born in Beijing, China, and demonstrated exceptional academic aptitude from a young age. He earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in electrical engineering from Tsinghua University. He then pursued another Master's degree in electrical engineering from Stanford University.

Rise to Success

Xie's career began with Systems Integration Solutions (SIS) in 1993, focusing on network security. In 1996, he co-founded NetScreen Technologies, which Juniper Networks later acquired for $4 billion. Xie left NetScreen to create Fortinet with his brother Michael Xie in 2000. Under Xie's leadership, Fortinet has grown to become a global cybersecurity leader, offering integrated and automated security solutions.

Key Business Strategies

Xie's vision is rooted in embedding security within the end-to-end computing and networking infrastructure. Fortinet's success is attributed to its innovative approach, including the development of high-performance appliances and software-defined solutions, as well as strategic acquisitions. The company serves approximately 70% of Fortune 100 companies and governments globally.

Philanthropy

Ken Xie, along with his brother, runs a private foundation through which they have contributed shares of Fortinet. Since 2009, this has resulted in over $30 million in income tax deductions.

Career Milestones

1993

Founded Systems Integration Solutions (SIS)

Founded a network security company, marking his entry into the network security sector

1996

Co-founded NetScreen Technologies

Co-founded NetScreen Technologies, which developed some of the first firewall appliances using custom-built ASICs

2000

Founded Fortinet

Co-founded Fortinet with his brother, Michael Xie.

2009

Fortinet IPO

Fortinet went public on the NASDAQ.

2013

Elected to the National Academy of Engineering

Recognized for his contributions to cybersecurity.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Private Foundation

$30M+

Contributed shares of Fortinet to a private foundation, resulting in over $30 million in income tax deductions since 2009.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""In security every year brings a new challenge; you need a system that's prepared to adapt at a moment's notice.""

Leadership Principles

Focus on Innovation

Emphasizing the importance of continuously developing and adapting cybersecurity solutions to meet evolving threats.

Integrated Security Approach

Believing that security should be embedded in the entire computing and networking infrastructure.