Billionaire Profile
Lesley Bamberger
Global Rank
#2030

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Lesley Bamberger

CEO, Kroonenberg Groep
NL
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.9B
As of December 2025
Age
60
Source
Real estate
Industry
real-estate
Citizenship
NL

Biography

Lesley Bamberger (born June 3, 1965) is a Dutch billionaire businessman and real estate mogul. He is the owner of Kroonenberg Groep, a prominent privately held real estate company, which he inherited in 1996. Bamberger's wealth source is primarily real estate, with a diverse portfolio of properties across the Netherlands and the United States. His career began in 1986 when he joined Kroonenberg Groep. He has transformed the company into a global real estate empire, showcasing his business acumen. Bamberger is also known for his involvement in sports, owning Almere City FC. His net worth is estimated at $1.9 billion, as of December 2025. His achievements include transforming Kroonenberg Groep into a global real estate empire.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Lesley Bamberger was born on June 3, 1965, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He grew up in a family with deep roots in the real estate business, as his grandfather founded Kroonenberg Groep. After being sent away from his high school, he continued his education at Aiglon College in Switzerland, eventually completing his secondary education in the Netherlands. Following school, he gained experience working at various real estate brokerage firms.

Rise to Success

Bamberger began his career at Kroonenberg Groep in 1986. He inherited the company in 1996 after the death of his grandfather, Jaap Kroonenberg. Bamberger has since expanded the company's portfolio significantly, making it one of the largest real estate companies in the Netherlands, with properties in both the Netherlands and the United States. Under his leadership, the value of the portfolio has grown substantially.

Key Business Strategies

Bamberger's business strategies focus on long-term value creation through strategic investments and a focus on robust rental income. He emphasizes quality and customer satisfaction. His approach includes diversifying the portfolio, investing in sustainable building practices, and expanding internationally. He focuses on high-quality locations, particularly in Amsterdam, where he believes the value is unmatched.

Philanthropy

Bamberger has been involved in philanthropic efforts, including a large-scale donation of 5,500 solar panels to the city of Amsterdam in 2024, in collaboration with ING. He is also known to support various charitable organizations, particularly in education and healthcare.

Career Milestones

1986

Joined Kroonenberg Groep

Began working at his grandfather's real estate company.

1996

Inherited Kroonenberg Groep

Took over the company after his grandfather's death and expanded its operations.

2010

Owner of Almere City FC

Became the owner of the professional football club.

2024

Donation of Solar Panels

Organized a large donation of 5,500 solar panels to Amsterdam, under the Kroonenberg Groep.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Environmental

Solar Panel Donation

$0.0

Donation of 5,500 solar panels to Amsterdam.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""It seems like the gravitational field keeps expanding out of Amsterdam.""

""Liquiditeit is het allerbelangrijkst, want zodra de bank dicteert wat je moet doen, gaat het fout." (Liquidity is the most important thing, because as soon as the bank dictates what you have to do, things go wrong.)"

Leadership Principles

Long-term Vision

Focus on long-term sustainable development and value creation.

Emphasis on Quality

Prioritize customer satisfaction and high-quality properties.

Financial Discipline

Emphasize cash flow management and financial stability.