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Billionaire Profile
Patrick Drahi
Global Rank
#525

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

Patrick Drahi

CEO, Telecom
Zermatt, Switzerland
Real-Time Net Worth
$7.67B
Estimated based on Telecom stock value as of September 10, 2026
-0.6% (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.

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Data Updated
Sep 10, 2026
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Wealth Over Time

Net Worth History

YearNet Worth
2026$7.67B
2025$8.40B
2024$8.20B

Portfolio Holdings

Altice USA

Altice USA

ATUStelecom
Ownership
38%
Revenue
$9.10B
Long Island City, New York
11000 employees
Founded 2001

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.

Billionaires Connected to Patrick Drahi

Peers in Telecom

All Telecom billionaires

Adjacent Global Ranks

Full global ranking

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Patrick Drahi's net worth in 2026?
As of 2026, Patrick Drahi's estimated net worth is $7.67 billion, ranking #525 among the world's billionaires. The estimate is based on publicly available shareholding data and market prices, updated daily.
How did Patrick Drahi make their money?
Patrick Drahi's wealth primarily comes from Telecom, most notably through Telecom.
Where is Patrick Drahi from?
Patrick Drahi is from France.
How old is Patrick Drahi?
Patrick Drahi is 62 years old.

Sources & References

  1. Patrick Drahi — Forbes profile Forbes