Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#1947

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Phil Shawe

CEO, TransPerfect

Real-Time Net Worth

$1.8B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Translation services

Industry

technology

Citizenship

Biography

Phil Shawe is the co-founder and CEO of TransPerfect, the world's largest privately held provider of language and business services. With a current estimated net worth of $1.8 billion, Shawe built his wealth in the technology industry through translation services. His career began with a position at Chemical Bank before co-founding TransPerfect in 1992 while a student at New York University. Over three decades, he has overseen TransPerfect's growth, which has included key acquisitions and the integration of AI technology. Shawe's leadership has earned the company numerous awards and recognition, including being named Entrepreneur of the Year for New York City. He is actively involved in philanthropy, supporting over 25 causes and serving on the board of Girls Who Code.

Wealth Over Time

Portfolio Holdings

TransPerfect

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Phil Shawe was born in 1969 in Kentucky. He attended New York University, where he met Elizabeth Elting. Together, they co-founded TransPerfect in 1992, starting the business from a dorm room.

Rise to Success

Shawe began his career at Chemical Bank before transitioning to the language services industry. Under his leadership, TransPerfect has grown into a global enterprise with over 9,500 employees and 160 offices worldwide. Shawe has overseen the day-to-day operations for over 30 years. The company has received numerous accolades, including placements on the Inc. 5000 list and the Deloitte Technology Fast 500. In 2008, Shawe was named Entrepreneur of the Year for New York City by Ernst & Young.

Key Business Strategies

Shawe's leadership has been crucial in TransPerfect's success. He focused on providing high-quality language services and expanding globally. The company embraced technology, including AI, to streamline operations. Shawe bought out his co-founder's half of the company for $770 million in 2018, giving him full control. Since then, he has nearly doubled TransPerfect's revenue, which reached $1.2 billion in 2024.

Philanthropy

Shawe supports various causes, including The V Foundation for Cancer Research. He was also a board member of The Joyful Heart Foundation.

Career Milestones

1992

Co-founded TransPerfect

Co-founded TransPerfect while attending New York University with Elizabeth Elting.

1998

Expanded Worldwide

Began to expand TransPerfect's operations internationally.

2008

Entrepreneur of the Year

Named Entrepreneur of the Year for New York City by Ernst & Young.

2018

Sole CEO of TransPerfect

Became the sole CEO of TransPerfect and bought out his co-founder's half of the company.

2020

Guest Lecturer

Guest lecturer on various topics at New York University, Columbia University, and Yale Law School.

2024

Continued Growth

TransPerfect's revenue reached $1.2 billion.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Cancer Research

The V Foundation for Cancer Research

$0.4B

Supported cancer research through donations and fundraising.

Education

Girls Who Code

Unknown

Serves as a board member of this organization that closes the gender gap in technology.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""By no measure was it dysfunctional … And the system that forced [TransPerfect] to spend $250 million in legal fees to run a forced unprecedented sale process is the one that is dysfunctional.”"

Leadership Principles

Transparency Drives Trust

Shawe emphasizes the need to build trust among team members.

Turn Toward the Problem

Focusing on addressing customer service issues head-on is a key principle.

Escalate Problems Up the Chain of Command

Shawe believes in the importance of reporting issues to effect change in a corporation.

Controversies & Challenges

2015-2018

Legal Dispute with Co-founder

A protracted legal battle with his co-founder, Elizabeth Elting, which included a forced auction of the company.