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Billionaire Profile
R
Global Rank
#297

Image: Bechtel, John Hendricks, b. 1841 | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Riley Bechtel & family

CEO, Engineering
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$11.175B
Estimated based on Engineering stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
73
Source
Engineering, construction
Industry
Construction & Engineering
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Riley Bechtel, born March 25, 1952, is an American billionaire and businessman, known for his leadership in the engineering and construction industry. As the great-grandson of Warren A. Bechtel, the founder of Bechtel Corporation, Riley followed in his family's footsteps, eventually serving as Chairman and CEO of the company from 1990 to 2014. His career at Bechtel, which he joined full-time in 1981, involved pivotal roles and contributions to global infrastructure projects. Bechtel's wealth source is primarily from Engineering and Construction. His achievements include overseeing numerous large-scale projects worldwide. Currently, Riley, his siblings, and their children hold an estimated 40% stake in Bechtel.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Riley Peart Bechtel was born on March 25, 1952, in Alameda County, California. He is the great-grandson of Warren A. Bechtel, who founded the Bechtel Corporation in 1898. His parents were Elizabeth Hogan and Stephen D. Bechtel Jr., the former chairman and CEO of Bechtel. Riley attended The Thacher School and earned bachelor's degrees from the University of California, Davis, and a combined Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Stanford University in 1977.

Rise to Success

Riley joined Bechtel full-time in 1981 as a contract coordinator. He worked his way up through the company, becoming President and Chief Operating Officer in 1989 and CEO in June 1990. He also became Chairman in January 1996. Riley stepped down as CEO in 2014 due to health reasons associated with Parkinson's disease, and stepped down as Chairman in 2017. During his leadership, Bechtel executed over 25,000 projects across 160 countries.

Key Business Strategies

Bechtel's success is rooted in its ability to manage large-scale, complex projects. The company has a long-term strategic focus due to its private, family-controlled ownership. This structure allows for consistent vision and strategic planning. The company's key business units handle transportation, power, and hydroelectric facilities.

Philanthropy

Riley is committed to philanthropy through his involvement with various charitable organizations, including the Conservation Fund and the Ocean Exploration Trust.

Career Milestones

1981

Joined Bechtel Corporation full-time

Began as a contract coordinator.

1989

President and COO of Bechtel

Was elected to the position.

1990

CEO of Bechtel

Assumed the role of CEO.

1996

Chairman of Bechtel

Became Chairman of the company.

2014

Stepped down as CEO

Stepped down due to health reasons.

2017

Stepped down as Chairman

Retired from the position.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Environmental

Conservation Fund

$XB

Involved with the organization.

Environmental

Ocean Exploration Trust

$XB

Involved with the organization.

Controversies & Challenges

1930s

Hoover Dam Labor Violations

Bechtel was charged with 70,000 separate labor violations during the construction of the Hoover Dam.

1977

Humboldt Bay Reactor

The Humboldt Bay reactor in California, built by Bechtel, was shut down due to earthquake risks.

Various

Cost Overruns and Project Issues

Bechtel has faced criticisms regarding cost overruns on projects such as the Boston Central Artery tunnel project and San Francisco water system upgrade.

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