Logo
SubscribeSign In
LeaderPortfolio
Billionaire Profile
Peter Kelly
Global Rank
#3064

Image: New Zealand Government, Office of the Governor-General | CC BY 4.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Peter Kelly

CEO, I.T.
UNITED KINGDOM
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.063B
Estimated based on I.T. stock value as of March 6, 2026
+1.24% (24h)
Age
68
Source
I.T.
Industry
Technology
Citizenship
UNITED KINGDOM

Biography

Peter Kelly is a British entrepreneur and founder of Softcat, a leading IT infrastructure and services provider. Born in 1957, Kelly built Softcat from the ground up after leaving college, transforming it from a software catalogue run from his garden shed into a multi-billion dollar company. His career in I.T. has led him to a current net worth of $1.3 billion, as of 2024, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in the UK. Kelly is known for his employee-centric approach, fostering a democratic culture where employees vote for managers. He stepped down from his role as non-executive director in 2015, but continues to hold a significant stake in Softcat. His achievements include building a highly successful, award-winning company known for being a top workplace. This has established him as a leader in the technology sector.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Peter Kelly, born in 1957, began his entrepreneurial journey after dropping out of college. He started his career in sales at Xerox Corporation.

Rise to Success

In 1993, Kelly founded Softcat. Initially, the business was run from Kelly's garden shed and operated as a software catalogue. The company quickly grew, employing over 850 people by 2016, with annual revenues exceeding £650 million.

Key Business Strategies

Softcat's success can be attributed to Kelly's unique approach. He established a democratic ethos where employees voted for managers. Kelly stepped down from his role as non-executive director in 2015, but he still owns a 32.6% stake in the company, demonstrating sustained confidence in the business. Softcat has been recognized as a top workplace.

Philanthropy

While specific details on Kelly's philanthropic initiatives are not readily available, his focus on employee well-being suggests a broader commitment to social responsibility.

Career Milestones

1981

Sales at Rank Xerox

Began his career in sales at Rank Xerox.

1987

Founded a recruitment company

Established a recruitment company.

1988

Apple Dealership

Opened an Apple dealership.

1993

Founded Softcat

Founded IT company Softcat, initially as a software catalogue.

2015

Softcat IPO

Softcat went public on the London Stock Exchange, and Kelly stepped down from his role as non-executive director.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"I just care that people are happy."

Leadership Principles

Employee-centric culture

Fostering a democratic environment where employees vote for managers.

Compare Peter Kelly

Net Worth Face-off
Peter Kelly vs Elon Musk
Compare Wealth →
Net Worth Face-off
Peter Kelly vs Jeff Bezos
Compare Wealth →
Net Worth Face-off
Peter Kelly vs Mark Zuckerberg
Compare Wealth →