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Billionaire Profile
Paul Lee
Global Rank
#2248

Paul Lee

CEO, Battery separators
Yuxi, China
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.87B
Estimated based on Battery separators stock value as of September 10, 2026
+2.13% (24h)
Age
68
Source
Battery separators
Industry
Manufacturing
Citizenship
United States

Biography

Paul Lee is a US citizen and the Chairman of Yunnan Energy New Material, a company specializing in film and packaging products. His source of wealth is battery separators. His career has spanned the fields of business, and venture capital, showcasing significant achievements, particularly in the manufacturing industry. Paul Lee's estimated net worth is $2.2 billion.

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Data Updated
Sep 10, 2026
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Wealth Over Time

Net Worth History

YearNet Worth
2026$1.87B
2025$2.30B
2024$2.20B

In-Depth Profile

Paul Lee, a US citizen, has built substantial wealth through his leadership in the manufacturing industry, particularly in the critical sector of battery separators. His journey in business and venture capital culminated in his role as Chairman of Yunnan Energy New Material, a company with a significant global footprint in film and packaging products. Lee's educational foundation includes a Master of Science degree from the University of Massachusetts, providing a strong academic basis for his subsequent career achievements. His source of wealth is directly attributed to his involvement with battery separators, a vital component in modern energy storage solutions.

Lee's career progression reflects a strategic focus on industries crucial for technological advancement. In a significant development, he became Chairman of Yunnan Energy New Material in what was the current year, overseeing a substantial expansion project in the United States. This expansion involves the construction of a large lithium battery separator film plant in Ohio, a project valued at hundreds of millions of dollars. This investment underscores the company's commitment to strengthening its position in the North American market and its role in the global supply chain for electric vehicle batteries and other energy storage applications. The company's expertise in film and packaging products extends to supplying major international corporations, including prominent electronics and chemical companies.

The core of Paul Lee's wealth stems from his ownership stake in Yunnan Energy New Material, a company that plays a pivotal role in the rapidly expanding battery industry. Battery separators are essential components that prevent short circuits in lithium-ion batteries while allowing ions to flow, thereby enabling the battery to function safely and efficiently. As the demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage solutions continues to grow, the market for high-quality battery separators has expanded considerably. Yunnan Energy New Material's strategic focus on innovation and its ability to secure significant contracts with leading battery manufacturers have been instrumental in its success and, by extension, in the growth of Lee's personal wealth.

Yunnan Energy New Material's business strategy is centered on supplying these critical components, positioning itself at the forefront of a high-growth sector. The company's operational footprint, which includes the significant investment in the Ohio plant, demonstrates its commitment to meeting global demand and maintaining a competitive edge. Paul Lee's leadership in guiding these strategic initiatives, expanding manufacturing capabilities, and securing key client relationships has been fundamental to the company's financial performance. His wealth is a direct reflection of the value created by Yunnan Energy New Material through its specialized manufacturing processes and its integral role in the modern energy landscape.

Career Milestones

2024

Chairman of Yunnan Energy New Material

Became the chairman of the company, which is building a $916 million lithium battery separator film plant in Ohio.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Mental Health

Paul and Irene Lee Foundation

Supports programs providing services for the mental health and well-being of those in the community.

Billionaires Connected to Paul Lee

Peers in Manufacturing

All Manufacturing billionaires

Richest in United States

All billionaires from United States

Adjacent Global Ranks

Full global ranking

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Paul Lee's net worth in 2026?
As of 2026, Paul Lee's estimated net worth is $1.866 billion, ranking #2248 among the world's billionaires. The estimate is based on publicly available shareholding data and market prices, updated daily.
How did Paul Lee make their money?
Paul Lee's wealth primarily comes from Battery separators, most notably through Battery separators.
Where is Paul Lee from?
Paul Lee is from United States.
How old is Paul Lee?
Paul Lee is 68 years old.

Sources & References

  1. Paul Lee — Forbes profile Forbes