Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#630

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Trevor Rees-Jones

CEO, Chief Oil & Gas

Real-Time Net Worth

$6.1B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Oil & gas

Industry

energy

Citizenship

Biography

Trevor Rees-Jones is an American billionaire businessman and philanthropist, best known as the founder of Chief Oil & Gas. With a net worth of $6.1 billion as of December 2025, Rees-Jones built his wealth in the oil and gas industry. Born in 1951, he is a graduate of Dartmouth College and Southern Methodist University's Dedman School of Law. Rees-Jones began his career as a bankruptcy attorney before entering the oil and gas sector. He founded Chief Oil & Gas in 1994, which became a major player in the development of the Barnett Shale. He is also known for his philanthropic efforts through the Rees-Jones Foundation, supporting various charitable causes, especially healthcare, education, and youth services.

Wealth Over Time

Portfolio Holdings

Rees-Jones Holdings LLC

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Trevor D. Rees-Jones was born in 1951 in University Park, Texas. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in 1966. He attended Dartmouth College and later earned a J.D. from Southern Methodist University's Dedman School of Law.

Rise to Success

Rees-Jones started his career as a bankruptcy attorney in Dallas. In 1984, he began pursuing oil and gas investments. In 1994, he founded Chief Oil & Gas, which became a major player in the Barnett Shale. Chief Oil & Gas was sold to Chesapeake Energy in 2022 for $2.65 billion.

Key Business Strategies

Rees-Jones is known for his pioneering role in the shale fracking boom. He utilized advanced technologies such as 3-D seismic imaging and horizontal drilling to enhance gas production. Rees-Jones focused on responsible development of energy resources.

Philanthropy

In 2006, Trevor and his wife, Jan, founded The Rees-Jones Foundation. The foundation supports programs that enhance the quality of life for people in North Texas, including programs for youth services, healthcare, and education. The Rees-Jones Foundation has given over $800 million to programs in North Texas, Africa, and India.

Career Milestones

1973

Graduated from Dartmouth College

Earned a degree in history.

1978

Began practicing law

Practiced oil and gas bankruptcy law in Dallas.

1984

Began oil and gas investments

Ventured into the oil and gas industry.

1994

Founded Chief Oil & Gas

Founded Chief Oil & Gas, which became an early operator in the Barnett Shale field.

2006

Founded The Rees-Jones Foundation

Founded The Rees-Jones Foundation with his wife, Jan.

2022

Sold Chief Oil & Gas to Chesapeake Energy

Sold Chief Oil & Gas to Chesapeake Energy for $2.65 billion.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Philanthropy

The Rees-Jones Foundation

$741M

Supports programs for children, youth, and families in North Texas and internationally.

Healthcare

UT Southwestern Medical Center

$100M

Provided significant donations to support medical research and patient care.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""I saved the best for last.""

""I want to be a good husband to my wife, Jan. I want to be a good father to our two sons. And I want to be a good grandfather to our grandchildren. If I accomplish that, then I can consider myself to be successful.""

Leadership Principles

Integrity

Known for his integrity in business and personal life.

Commitment to Family

Emphasis on family values.

Philanthropy

Dedication to improving the lives of others through charitable contributions.

Controversies & Challenges

Unknown

Environmental concerns

Chief Oil & Gas faced environmental fines and citations, especially in Pennsylvania.