Billionaire Profile
Shari Arison
Global Rank
#700

Image: Vardi Kahana | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Shari Arison

CEO, Carnival Cruises
ISRAEL
Real-Time Net Worth
$5.965B
Estimated based on Carnival Cruises stock value as of March 6, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
68
Source
Carnival Cruises
Industry
Service
Citizenship
ISRAEL

Biography

Shari Arison is an American-born Israeli businesswoman and philanthropist. She is the owner of Arison Investments, a global business and philanthropic group. Her career includes owning and managing Bank Hapoalim, Israel's largest bank for many years, and leading various ventures focused on sustainability and social impact. Arison inherited her wealth from her father, Ted Arison, the founder of Carnival Cruise Lines. Her net worth is estimated at $6.0 billion, placing her among the wealthiest individuals in Israel and the Middle East.

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

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Shari Arison was born in New York City on September 9, 1957. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she spent her formative years living in both the United States and Israel. Her father, Ted Arison, founded Carnival Cruise Lines. She served in the Israel Defense Forces.

Rise to Success

Shari Arison inherited a substantial fortune from her father. After his passing, she took the reins of the businesses in Israel. She became the owner of Arison Investments and The Ted Arison Family Foundation. She also held a controlling stake in Bank Hapoalim for 21 years and was the owner of Shikun & Binui for 22 years, demonstrating her acumen in business and her commitment to incorporating values into business practices.

Key Business Strategies

Arison has focused on creating a business model incorporating social good, launching 'The Doing Good Model' to integrate values into businesses. She founded Miya, a water-efficiency company, and has invested in various real estate projects, including a desalination plant and a thermo-solar power plant. She divested her stake in Bank Hapoalim in 2024, transitioning to a model of influence.

Philanthropy

Shari Arison is known for her philanthropic efforts through The Ted Arison Family Foundation. She initiated and leads Good Deeds Day, a global day that highlights acts of kindness, celebrated in over 115 countries. The foundation supports various social, educational, and cultural causes.

Career Milestones

1987

President of The Arison Foundation

Named President of The Arison Foundation in Miami.

1999

Inherited Wealth and Leadership

Inherited her father's fortune and took the reins of the businesses in Israel after his passing.

2007

Good Deeds Day

Initiated Good Deeds Day in Israel, which later became a global event.

2008

Founded Miya

Launched Miya, a global water-efficiency company.

2024

Sold Bank Hapoalim stake

Sold the last of her shares in Bank Hapoalim.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Community Service

Good Deeds Day

Undisclosed

A global day that highlights acts of kindness, celebrated in over 115 countries.

Various

Ted Arison Family Foundation

Undisclosed

Supports social, educational, youth, health, sports, and cultural causes in Israel.

Community Giving

Matan - Investing in the Community

Undisclosed

Created a culture of giving in the Israeli business community.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"My mission is to create a better world."

Leadership Principles

The Doing Good Model

A practical day-to-day tool for integrating values at the core of businesses, nonprofits, communities, and individual people.