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Global Rank
#625

Image: Hunt, Leigh, 1784-1859 Hunt, Thornton Leigh, 1810-1873 | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Ray Lee Hunt

CEO, Oil
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$6.571B
Estimated based on Oil stock value as of April 21, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
82
Source
Oil, real estate
Industry
Energy
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Ray Lee Hunt, born in 1943, is an American billionaire businessman and heir to the Hunt Oil Company fortune. As chairman emeritus of Hunt Consolidated, he is a key figure in the oil and gas, real estate, and investment industries. Hunt's career began in 1958 with Hunt Oil, and he ascended to leadership after his father's death. His net worth is estimated to be $6.6 billion, reflecting his success in the energy sector and real estate. Hunt is known for his significant contributions to philanthropy and his involvement in civic affairs.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/21/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Ray Lee Hunt was born in 1943. He is the son of H.L. Hunt, the founder of Hunt Oil Company. His association with the company began in 1958 as a summer employee in the oil fields.

Rise to Success

After his father's death in 1974, Ray Lee Hunt inherited the Hunt Oil Company and the General American Oil Company. Under his leadership, the family's net worth grew significantly. In 2007, Hunt secured an oil deal with the Kurdistan Regional Government, estimated to be worth between $8 billion and $14.5 billion.

Key Business Strategies

Hunt is the chairman emeritus of Hunt Consolidated, an oil and gas, real estate, and investing conglomerate. He focuses on exploring, developing, and refining oil and gas, with domestic and international operations. Hunt Oil Company is one of the largest privately held companies in the United States, with a revenue of $3.5 billion in 2024.

Philanthropy

Hunt has contributed to Southern Methodist University (SMU), serving on the board of trustees. He has also supported the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

Career Milestones

1958

Summer Employee at Hunt Oil

Began association with Hunt Oil Company.

1974

Inherited Hunt Oil Co.

Took over leadership of Hunt Oil Company after the death of his father, H.L. Hunt.

1991-1994

Chairman of the National Petroleum Council

Served as chairman of this industry advisory organization for the Secretary of Energy.

2007

Kurdistan Oil Deal

Struck an oil deal with the Kurdistan Regional Government.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

SMU

$XB

Major donor to the SMU athletic program.

Civic

George W. Bush Presidential Center

$XB

Serves on the Board of Trustees.

Controversies & Challenges

2007

Kurdistan Oil Deal

The oil deal with the Kurdistan Regional Government was denounced by the Iraqi Oil Minister as illegal.

2009

Eviction Notice in Peru

Native Peruvians issued an eviction notice to Hunt Oil Company from the Amarakaeri Communal Reserve.

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