Lee Jay-hyun

CEO, CJ Group

Real-Time Net Worth

$1.5B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

food products, entertainment

Industry

diversified

Citizenship

Biography

Lee Jay-hyun, born in 1960, is the Chairman of CJ Group, a major South Korean conglomerate. With a net worth of $1.5 billion as of late 2024, his wealth stems from his leadership in food products, entertainment, and diversified industries. His career began at Citibank in 1983, and he later joined CheilJedang, the family business. Under his leadership, CJ Group has grown into a global company. He is known for his philanthropic efforts, including the Lee Family Scholarship at Columbia College. Although he faced legal challenges, Lee was pardoned in 2016 and continues to drive CJ Group's innovation and expansion.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Lee Jay-hyun was born on March 19, 1960, in Seoul, South Korea. He is the eldest grandson of Lee Byung-chul, the founder of Samsung Group. His father, Lee Maeng-hee, was the eldest son of Lee Byung-chul. Lee attended Kyungbock High School and earned a bachelor's degree in law from Korea University in 1984.

Rise to Success

Lee Jay-hyun began his career at Citibank in 1983. In 1985, he joined CheilJedang, a company within the Samsung Group. He took over CJ Group in the late 1990s after it spun off from Samsung. Under his leadership, CJ Group has transformed from a sugar milling company into South Korea's 13th-largest conglomerate, expanding into food, entertainment, media, and logistics.

Key Business Strategies

Lee Jay-hyun has focused on aggressive expansion, mergers, and acquisitions to grow CJ Group. He spearheaded the restructuring of CJ CheilJedang, transforming it into a leader in biomaterials and biotech products. His strategy includes expanding the company's global footprint, particularly in Europe, and diversifying into various sectors.

Philanthropy

Lee is known for his philanthropic efforts, including the Lee Family Scholarship at Columbia College. The Lee family has also donated to support cultural heritage.

Career Milestones

1983

Career at Citibank

Began his career at Citibank in Seoul.

1985

Joined CheilJedang

Joined the family business, CheilJedang.

1997

CEO of CheilJedang

Appointed CEO of CheilJedang, later becoming Vice Chairman.

2002

Chairman of CJ Group

Became Chairman and CEO of CJ Group.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Lee Family Scholarship at Columbia College

Unknown

Endowed the Lee Family Scholarship at Columbia College.

Controversies & Challenges

2014

Tax Evasion and Embezzlement

Sentenced to four years in prison and fined for tax evasion and embezzlement.

2025

New Tax Evasion Probe

Facing a new tax evasion investigation related to Swiss bank accounts.