Who is Larry Ellison?
Lawrence Joseph “Larry” Ellison is an American billionaire entrepreneur, business magnate, and philanthropist, best known as the co-founder, former CEO, and CTO of Oracle Corporation, a global leader in database software and enterprise solutions. Ellison transformed Oracle into one of the largest software companies in the world, making him one of the wealthiest and most influential figures in the technology industry.
Known for his visionary leadership, aggressive business strategies, and risk-taking, Ellison has left a lasting impact on the tech world. Beyond business, he is a passionate sailor, real estate collector, and philanthropist.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Lawrence Joseph Ellison |
| Date of Birth | August 17, 1944 |
| Age (2025) | 81 years |
| Birthplace | New York City, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Business Magnate, Philanthropist |
| Known For | Co-founder and former CEO of Oracle Corporation |
| Marital Status | Married (five times) |
| Current Wife | Jolin Zhu |
| Children | David Ellison, Megan Ellison |
| Net Worth (2025) | $393 billion |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) |
| Weight | 95 kg |
| Hair Color | Black (graying) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hobbies & Interests | Sailing, fitness, real estate, philanthropy |
| Major Achievements | Multiple America’s Cup wins transformed Oracle into ga lobal tech leader |
| Residence | Malibu, California; Hawaiian island Lānaʻi; other estates worldwide |
Larry Ellison Early Life
Larry Ellison was born on August 17, 1944, in New York City, USA, to Louis Ellison, a finance worker, and Lilian Mae Salomon, a nurse. Ellison’s early life was marked by challenges: his mother gave him up for adoption at a young age, and he was raised by his aunt and uncle in Chicago, Illinois.
From a young age, Larry showed a keen interest in mathematics, engineering, and electronics, which later became the foundation of his career in technology. Despite being self-motivated and intelligent, he struggled academically in some areas and eventually dropped out of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and later the University of Chicago, choosing to pursue a career in technology instead.
Larry Ellison Education
- Ellison briefly attended the University of Illinois, majoring in physics, and then the University of Chicago, where he studied mathematics and computer science.
- He did not complete a degree but gained critical knowledge in database systems, programming, and computer architecture, which would later shape his innovative work at Oracle.
Larry Ellison Family
- Adoptive Parents: Louis and Lillian Ellison raised him in a stable, supportive household.
- Marriages: Larry Ellison has been married four times, including to Mindy Ruth (divorced), Barbara Boothe (divorced), Mallika Srinivasan (marriage details private), and Meghan Markle (no, this is false; correct info: fourth marriage is to N/A).
- Children: Larry has two children, David and Megan, who maintain a low public profile.
- He has no known grandchildren, widely reported.
Ellison’s personal life has been marked by both public scrutiny and privacy, especially regarding relationships and family.
Larry Ellison Career
Early Career
- Larry began his career in tech startups in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
- He worked at Ampex, a technology firm, and later at Amdahl Corporation, where he gained experience with relational databases.
Founding Oracle
- In 1977, Ellison co-founded Software Development Laboratories (SDL), which was later renamed Oracle Corporation.
- Oracle’s first product was a relational database management system (RDBMS), inspired by research papers from IBM.
- Ellison’s vision of providing enterprise software solutions led Oracle to become a global leader in databases, cloud computing, and software applications.
Growth of Oracle
- Under Ellison’s leadership, Oracle grew through strategic acquisitions, including PeopleSoft, Siebel Systems, BEA Systems, and NetSuite.
- He stepped down as CEO in 2014 but remains the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Executive Chairman, focusing on technology innovation and cloud computing.
Larry Ellison Personal Life
Marriages and Relationships
Ellison’s personal life has been marked by multiple marriages and relationships. He has been married five times, with his fifth wife, Jolin Zhu, being 47 years younger than him. Their marriage has drawn significant public attention due to the age difference.
Children
Ellison has two children: David Ellison, a film producer and founder of Skydance Media, and Megan Ellison, the founder of Annapurna Pictures, a film production company.
Controversies
Business Practices
Ellison’s aggressive business tactics have sometimes attracted criticism. His competitive nature and bold strategies have led to rivalries with other tech giants, including Bill Gates and Steve Jobs.
Legal Disputes
Oracle, under Ellison’s leadership, has been involved in several legal battles, including disputes over software licensing and antitrust issues. These legal challenges have occasionally cast a shadow over his business practices.
Public Perception
While admired for his business acumen, Ellison’s public persona has been a subject of debate. His private lifestyle and limited public appearances contrast with the more open approaches of other tech leaders.
Larry Ellison World’s Richest Person
As of September 2025, Larry Ellison briefly surpassed Elon Musk to become the world’s richest person, with an estimated net worth of $393 billion, according to Bloomberg.
Factors Contributing to Wealth
- Oracle’s Success: Ellison’s 41% stake in Oracle has been a significant source of his wealth. The company’s stock surged following major AI-driven deals, including a $300 billion agreement with OpenAI.
- Strategic Investments: Beyond Oracle, Ellison has made lucrative investments in various sectors, including real estate and technology.
- Media Influence: Ellison’s son, David Ellison, has taken over CBS News, potentially influencing media narratives and public perception.
Larry Ellison Net Worth
| Year | Estimated Net Worth | Source |
| 2023 | $106 Billion | Oracle, investments, real estate |
| 2024 | $108 Billion | Oracle, tech investments |
| 2025 | $111 Billion | Oracle, Berkshire Hathaway shares, private ventures |
💰 Larry Ellison consistently ranks among the top 5 richest people in the world.
Larry Ellison Social Media
| Platform | Handle | Followers / Notes |
| @larryellison | 171K+ | |
| N/A | Ellison is private and does not maintain a personal Instagram | |
| Larry Ellison | Professional updates via Oracle and corporate posts |
Larry Ellison Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) |
| Weight | 95 kg (approx.) |
| Hair Color | Black (graying) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Body Type | Tall, athletic build |
Interesting Facts About Larry Ellison
- Larry Ellison was adopted as a baby and credits his adoptive parents for shaping his early life.
- He dropped out of college twice but went on to become one of the world’s richest people.
- Ellison owns a large portion of the Hawaiian island Lānaʻi, which he purchased in 2012 for nearly $300 million.
- He is a passionate sailor and has won multiple America’s Cup championships.
- Larry has been married five times, with his fifth wife being 47 years younger than him.
- His children, David and Megan Ellison, are both influential in Hollywood, running Skydance Media and Annapurna Pictures, respectively.
- Ellison is known for his lavish lifestyle, owning yachts, private jets, and several luxury properties worldwide.
- In 2025, he briefly surpassed Elon Musk to become the world’s richest person.
- Larry is a tech visionary, credited with transforming Oracle into a global software and cloud computing leader.
- Despite his wealth, he keeps a relatively private life, rarely appearing in public outside business or sailing events.
FAQs About Larry Ellison
Q1: Who is Larry Ellison?
Larry Ellison is the co-founder and former CEO of Oracle Corporation, a global technology company.
Q2: What is Larry Ellison’s age?
He was born on August 17, 1944, making him 81 years old in 2025.
Q3: Is Larry Ellison married?
Yes, he has been married five times, currently to Jolin Zhu, his fifth wife.
Q4: Who are Larry Ellison’s children?
He has two children — David Ellison, a film producer, and Megan Ellison, a film producer.
Q5: What is Larry Ellison’s net worth?
As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $393 billion, briefly making him the world’s richest person.
Q6: What are Larry Ellison’s hobbies?
He enjoys sailing, real estate collecting, fitness, and philanthropy.
Q7: What is Larry Ellison famous for?
He is famous for founding Oracle Corporation and revolutionizing database software and cloud computing.
Q8: Does Larry Ellison own any islands?
Yes, he owns most of the Hawaiian island of Lānaʻi.
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