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Billionaire Profile
Phil Shawe
Global Rank
#2322

Image: ConstantEditor126 | CC BY-SA 4.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Phil Shawe

CEO, Translation services
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.68B
Estimated based on Translation services stock value as of March 6, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
56
Source
Translation services
Industry
Technology
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Phil Shawe is the co-founder and co-CEO of TransPerfect, a leading translation and language services company. His estimated net worth as of January 31, 2026, is $1.8 billion. Shawe's wealth stems from his 99% ownership of TransPerfect, which generated $1.3 billion in revenue in 2024. Shawe, along with his then-fiancée, started the company in 1992. Shawe's career also includes being named Entrepreneur of the Year for New York City by Ernst & Young.

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

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Phil Shawe was born on August 19, 1969. He attended New York University.

Rise to Success

Shawe co-founded TransPerfect in 1992 with Elizabeth Elting, with whom he was in a relationship. The company grew from a two-person operation to a global leader in translation services. After a legal battle, Shawe bought out his former partner in 2018 for $770 million. Shawe has since nearly doubled TransPerfect's revenue.

Key Business Strategies

Shawe's key strategies involve pushing into the AI realm and making acquisitions. In 2024, the company's revenue reached $1.3 billion. The company has 10,000 employees.

Philanthropy

Shawe has supported over 25 causes by donating time or financial support. The company has raised over $250,000. He is also involved in education and veteran support initiatives.

Career Milestones

1992

Co-founded TransPerfect

Founded TransPerfect with Elizabeth Elting.

2008

Entrepreneur of the Year

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

2018

Acquired Full Ownership

Acquired full ownership of TransPerfect by buying out his former partner.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Girls Who Code

Undisclosed

Supports Girls Who Code, a group that helps women's equity and equality within the technology sectors.

Cancer Research

V Foundation for Cancer Research

Undisclosed

Named to The V Foundation for Cancer Research's Circle of Honor.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"“I am tax exiled in Puerto Rico.”"

"“Cannibalize yourself. If you can bring a better solution by bringing a technology solution to them, even if it's going to mean a decrease in your services revenue, you bring it. Because if you don't, someone else will.”"

Leadership Principles

Taking a personal and vested interest in your team member's success

According to Shawe, this is the most important aspect of being a successful manager.

Define what productivity looks like

In larger companies, productivity is less about what one person does and more about how teams serve the business as a whole.

Embrace Managing Your Time

Shawe is disciplined with how he spends his time.

Controversies & Challenges

2014

Legal Battle with Former Partner

Shawe was involved in a lengthy legal battle with his former business partner and fiancée, Elizabeth Elting, which led to a forced sale of the company. Shawe prevailed and gained complete control of the company.

2024

Delaware Political Involvement

Shawe has become active in local politics in Delaware, supporting candidates and organizations aimed at making changes in the court system.

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