Billionaire Profile
Patrick Drahi
Global Rank
#417

Image: Ecole polytechnique Université Paris-Saclay | CC BY-SA 4.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Patrick Drahi

CEO, Telecom
FRANCE
Real-Time Net Worth
$8.593B
Estimated based on Telecom stock value as of April 20, 2026
+0.59% (24h)
Age
62
Source
Telecom
Industry
Telecom
Citizenship
FRANCE

Biography

Patrick Drahi is a French-Israeli billionaire businessman, primarily known for his ventures in the telecom and media industries. Born in Casablanca, Morocco, he is the founder of Altice, a multinational telecommunications and media conglomerate. Drahi has built a significant fortune through strategic acquisitions and investments, including Sotheby's auction house. As of March 2026, his net worth is estimated at $8.2 billion. Drahi is recognized for his entrepreneurial drive and his impact on the global communications landscape. His career includes founding Sud Câble Services and spearheading Altice's expansion through leveraged deals, showcasing his business acumen and commitment to innovation.

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

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Patrick Drahi was born on August 20, 1963, in Casablanca, Morocco, to a Jewish family. His parents were mathematics teachers. At age 15, his family moved to France, where he later pursued higher education.

Rise to Success

Drahi's career began in the telecommunications industry after earning degrees from École Polytechnique and Télécom Paris. He started Altice in 2001, expanding it through strategic acquisitions. Key acquisitions include SFR in France, and Suddenlink and Cablevision in the United States, which were later consolidated into Altice USA.

Key Business Strategies

Drahi is known for using leveraged acquisitions to buy undervalued assets and aggressively cut costs. His strategies have significantly expanded Altice's global presence. He is also recognized for his keen eye for opportunity, as demonstrated by the purchase of Sotheby's in 2019.

Philanthropy

Drahi and his wife, Lina, established the Patrick and Lina Drahi Foundation in 2014. The Foundation supports a variety of causes, particularly in education, science, and the arts.

Career Milestones

1986

Fiber Optics Researcher

Began career as a fiber optics researcher at Philips.

1994

Founded Sud Câble Services

Founded a cable company in France.

2001

Founded Altice

Established Altice, a holding company that invested in cable and mobile operators.

2019

Acquired Sotheby's

Acquired the auction house Sotheby's.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education, Science, Arts

Patrick and Lina Drahi Foundation

$MM

Supports educational, scientific, and cultural programs.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"“If you want to be successful… listen and do not talk too much.”"

Controversies & Challenges

2023

Corruption Probe

A corruption probe in Portugal involving money laundering and bribery allegations tied to executives and local partners of Altice.