Billionaire Profile
Ryan Cohen
Global Rank
#870

Image: Bill Jerome | CC BY-SA 2.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Ryan Cohen

CEO, GameStop
CANADA
Real-Time Net Worth
$4.848B
Estimated based on GameStop stock value as of March 6, 2026
-0.57% (24h)
Age
40
Source
Investments
Industry
finance-investments
Citizenship
CANADA

Biography

Ryan Cohen is a Canadian entrepreneur and investor, best known for co-founding the e-commerce company Chewy.com, which he sold to PetSmart for $3.35 billion. He is currently the Chairman and CEO of GameStop, where he is leading a transformation of the company. With a net worth estimated at $5.3 billion, Cohen's wealth stems primarily from his investments. His career highlights include building Chewy into a leading online pet retailer and his activist investor role at GameStop, earning him the moniker "Meme King". Cohen's commitment to customer service and his ability to identify and capitalize on market opportunities have been key to his achievements.

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

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Ryan Cohen was born in 1986 in Montreal, Canada, to a Jewish family. He was inspired by his father, an entrepreneur, and started his first business at the age of 15. He did not attend college, instead choosing to pursue entrepreneurial ventures.

Rise to Success

Cohen founded Chewy.com in 2011, which quickly became a leading online pet retailer. He sold the company to PetSmart in 2017 for $3.35 billion. Following the sale, Cohen became an activist investor, acquiring a significant stake in GameStop. He joined GameStop's board in January 2021 and was appointed Chairman in June 2021, later becoming CEO in September 2023. Cohen's involvement led to a surge in GameStop's stock price, fueled by the "meme stock" phenomenon.

Key Business Strategies

Cohen's strategies include a customer-centric approach, exemplified by Chewy's focus on customer service. At GameStop, he is spearheading a transformation to diversify the business and adapt to the changing retail landscape, with a strong focus on digital initiatives.

Philanthropy

In 2018, Cohen and his wife founded the Ryan and Stephanie Cohen Family Foundation, supporting education, animal welfare, and healthcare.

Career Milestones

2011

Founded Chewy.com

Co-founded Chewy.com, an online pet supplies retailer.

2017

Sold Chewy.com

Sold Chewy.com to PetSmart for $3.35 billion.

2021

Joined GameStop Board

Joined the board of GameStop as an activist investor.

2023

Became CEO of GameStop

Took over as Chief Executive Officer of GameStop.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Philanthropy

Ryan and Stephanie Cohen Family Foundation

Unknown (millions)

Supports various causes including education, animal welfare, and healthcare.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""For me, each no sounded like they just didn't understand my vision.""

"“It's ultimately either going to be genius or totally, totally foolish.”"

Leadership Principles

Customer Obsession

Prioritizing customer service and building strong relationships with customers.

Adaptability

Adapting business strategies to changing market dynamics, as seen with GameStop's transformation.

Controversies & Challenges

2022

Bed Bath & Beyond Allegations

Faced allegations of misleading investors related to his trading in Bed Bath & Beyond stock. Cohen denied the allegations.