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Billionaire Profile
Tilman Fertitta
Global Rank
#220

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Tilman Fertitta

CEO, Landry's, Inc.
US
Real-Time Net Worth
$11.3B
As of December 2025
Age
68
Source
Entertainment, Houston Rockets
Industry
food-beverage
Citizenship
US

Biography

Tilman Joseph Fertitta, born June 25, 1957, is an American businessman and television personality. His source of wealth stems from his diverse business empire, primarily in the entertainment, hospitality, and sports industries, including the Houston Rockets. Fertitta's career began with entrepreneurial ventures in real estate and the restaurant industry. He is the sole owner of Fertitta Entertainment, which encompasses Landry's, Inc., a vast portfolio of restaurants, hotels, casinos, and entertainment venues. Through strategic acquisitions and business acumen, Fertitta has achieved a net worth of $11.3 billion, earning him a place among the world's wealthiest individuals. He is also the current U.S. ambassador to Italy and San Marino.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Tilman Fertitta was born in Galveston, Texas, on June 25, 1957. His father owned a seafood restaurant where Tilman gained early exposure to the hospitality industry. He studied business administration and hospitality management at Texas Tech University and the University of Houston but did not graduate.

Rise to Success

Fertitta's entrepreneurial journey began with selling vitamins before venturing into real estate and the restaurant industry. His acquisition of Landry's Seafood Restaurant in the 1980s marked a turning point. Fertitta took Landry's public in 1993 and expanded the company through strategic acquisitions. Fertitta Entertainment now owns over 600 properties, including restaurants, hotels, casinos, and entertainment venues.

Key Business Strategies

Fertitta's success is attributed to his ability to identify potential in struggling businesses and transform them into profitable ventures. His strategies include aggressive acquisitions and a focus on providing diverse dining and entertainment experiences. He also purchased the Houston Rockets in 2017 for $2.2 billion, a move that further solidified his wealth.

Philanthropy

Fertitta is actively involved in philanthropy, supporting education and disaster relief. He has made substantial donations to the University of Houston, including a $50 million pledge to the University of Houston College of Medicine, now named the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine.

Career Milestones

1986

Acquired Controlling Interest in Landry's Seafood

Fertitta acquired a controlling interest in Landry's Seafood, which laid the foundation for his business empire.

1993

Took Landry's Public

Fertitta took Landry's, Inc., public, expanding the company's reach and value.

2017

Purchased the Houston Rockets

Fertitta purchased the Houston Rockets for $2.2 billion.

2025

Appointed U.S. Ambassador to Italy and San Marino

Fertitta was appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to Italy and San Marino.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

University of Houston College of Medicine

$50M

Pledged $50 million to the University of Houston College of Medicine

Education

University of Houston

$20M

Donated $20 million to renovate the Hofheinz Pavilion basketball arena.