Billionaire Profile
Rolly van Rappard
Global Rank
#2603

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Rolly van Rappard

CEO, CVC Capital Partners
NL
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.4B
As of December 2025
Age
65
Source
Private Equity
Industry
finance-investments
Citizenship
NL

Biography

Rolly van Rappard is a prominent figure in the world of private equity, co-founding CVC Capital Partners, a global leader in the industry. His career began in corporate finance at Citigroup, setting the stage for his successful venture into private equity. Van Rappard's source of wealth is primarily derived from his stake in CVC Capital Partners. His achievements include leading CVC to become one of the world's largest private equity firms with assets under management exceeding $200 billion, and being a non-executive chair for CVC. He has also served on the boards of several global companies. With a net worth of $1.4 billion, Van Rappard's influence extends beyond finance, as he actively supports environmental and cultural initiatives.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Louis Rodolph Jules Ridder van Rappard, known as Rolly van Rappard, was born in Curaçao, and comes from a noble Dutch family. His father was the director of Scheepsvaartmaatschappij KNSM. He studied law at the University of Utrecht, and later pursued a Master's in Economics at Columbia University in New York.

Rise to Success

Van Rappard began his career at Citicorp, working in corporate finance in London and Amsterdam. In 1989, he joined CVC (then Citicorp Venture Capital London), and was instrumental in its spin-off from Citigroup in 1993. Under his leadership, CVC expanded to become a leading global private equity firm. CVC's IPO on the Amsterdam stock exchange in April 2024 further solidified his success.

Key Business Strategies

Van Rappard's key strategies involve identifying and investing in companies with high growth potential. His leadership at CVC has resulted in investments in various sectors, including Formula 1, GEMS Education, and Breitling. He has been known for his strategic acumen. CVC’s investments include companies like Petco, Swiss watchmaker Breitling and the Spanish soccer league La Liga.

Philanthropy

Rolly van Rappard actively supports various environmental charities and cultural institutions, including African Parks Networks, Pristine Seas, Blue Marine Foundation, and the Wildlife Justice Commission. He has also made a significant donation to the Rijksmuseum.

Career Milestones

1989

Joined CVC

Joined Citicorp Venture Capital (CVC) in London.

1993

CVC Spin-off

Led the spin-off of CVC from Citigroup.

2012

Chairman of CVC

Became Chairman of CVC Capital Partners.

2024

CVC IPO

CVC Capital Partners went public on the Amsterdam stock exchange.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Environment

African Parks Networks

Unknown

Supports environmental conservation.

Environment

Blue Marine Foundation

Unknown

Supports marine conservation efforts.

Environment

Wildlife Justice Commission

Unknown

Supports the disruption of wildlife trade networks.

Culture

Rijksmuseum

$16.0M

Made a significant donation to the Rijksmuseum.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""It would be double, but honestly, ten times wouldn't surprise me.""

Leadership Principles

Strategic Vision

Identifying and investing in companies with high growth potential.

Strong Partnerships

Building and maintaining strong relationships within the private equity industry.