Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#985

Image: Unknown Author | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Stewart Rahr

CEO, Drug distribution

UNITED STATES

Real-Time Net Worth

$4.272B

Estimated based on Drug distribution stock value as of March 6, 2026

0% (24h)

Age

Source

Drug distribution

Industry

Healthcare

Citizenship

UNITED STATES

Biography

Stewart Rahr, born in 1946, is an American entrepreneur and philanthropist, with a current net worth of $4.45 billion. His wealth stems primarily from drug distribution. Rahr is the founder of Kinray Inc., a pharmaceutical distributor that he sold to Cardinal Health in 2010 for $1.3 billion. Throughout his career, Rahr has been known for his extravagant lifestyle and significant philanthropic contributions, including over $25 million to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and substantial donations to cancer research and other causes.

Fact Checked

Verified by Editorial Team

Live Data

Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Stewart J. Rahr was born in Queens, New York, in 1946, into a Jewish family. He began his career working in his father's pharmacy in Brooklyn. He graduated from New York University with a B.A. degree and attended New York University Law School before dropping out to take over the family's pharmacy business.

Rise to Success

Rahr focused on the wholesale side of the pharmacy business, expanding it into Kinray Inc.. By 2010, Kinray served over 2,000 pharmacies in the Northeastern United States and generated revenues of over $5 billion. Rahr sold Kinray to Cardinal Health in 2010 for $1.3 billion, making him a billionaire.

Key Business Strategies

Rahr's success was significantly due to expanding the family business into a large pharmaceutical distribution company, Kinray Inc. He focused on serving independent pharmacies, which allowed him to build a substantial business and create significant profits.

Philanthropy

Stewart Rahr is known for his extensive philanthropy. He has donated millions to cancer research, organizations like the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Hurricane Sandy relief, and the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis.

Career Milestones

1944

Family Pharmacy

Father Joseph Rahr started a pharmacy in Brooklyn

1963

Graduated High School

Graduated from Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn

1960s

New York University

Attended New York University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

1970s

Kinray Inc.

Took over his family's pharmacy business and expanded it into a large wholesale operation

2010

Sold Kinray

Sold Kinray to Cardinal Health for $1.3 billion.

2011

Stewart J. Rahr Foundation

Established the Stewart J. Rahr Foundation to support youth, education, and medical research

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Children's Health

Make-A-Wish Foundation

$25M+

Donated over $25 million to the Make-A-Wish Foundation

Medical Research

Prostate Cancer Foundation

$15M

Donated $15 million to the Prostate Cancer Foundation

Medical Research

Israel Cancer Research Fund

$640K

Donated to Israel Cancer Research Fund

Medical Research

The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis

Unknown

Generous benefactor of The Buoniconti Fund

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"For 42 years, I worked nonstop from 7 A.M. to 5 P.M., day in and day out."

"I have no responsibilities but to make people's lives better."

"Happiness just doesn't happen. You have to force yourself."

"I'm just a regular guy."

Leadership Principles

Hard Work

Demonstrated commitment to hard work over four decades in building his business.

Philanthropy

Actively involved in philanthropic activities and giving back to those in need.

Enjoy Life

Balance between business and enjoying life and having fun.

Controversies & Challenges

2004

Drug Stockpiling

Controversy surrounding the stockpiling of pharmaceuticals to maximize profit margins.

2012

Nobu Incident

Banned from Robert De Niro's Nobu restaurant for causing a scene.

2012

Elevator Incident

Allegedly pulled a gun on an elevator operator.

2013

Sex Tape

Reported to have sent copies of a sex tape to friends

2013

Trump Portrait

Used as a straw purchaser by Donald Trump in an auction.

Compare Stewart Rahr

Net Worth Face-off

Stewart Rahr vs Elon Musk

Compare Wealth →

Net Worth Face-off

Stewart Rahr vs Jeff Bezos

Compare Wealth →

Net Worth Face-off

Stewart Rahr vs Mark Zuckerberg

Compare Wealth →