Who / What
Jeffrey Preston Bezos is an American businessman best known as the founder, executive chairman, and former president and CEO of Amazon, the world's largest e-commerce and cloud computing company. He is recognized as one of the wealthiest individuals globally with a significant impact on the technology and retail sectors.
Background & History
Born Jeffrey Preston Jorgensen on January 12, 1964, Bezos later changed his surname to his stepfather's name. He founded Amazon in 1994, initially operating out of his garage in Bellevue, Washington. Under his leadership, Amazon transformed from an online bookstore into a multinational technology company that revolutionized e-commerce and cloud computing services worldwide.
Why Notable
Bezos's estimated net worth reached US$239.4 billion as of December 2025, making him the fourth richest person in the world according to Forbes. He held the title of the wealthiest person from 2017 to 2021, according to both Forbes and the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. His entrepreneurial vision and business strategies have fundamentally reshaped consumer expectations and retail operations globally.
In the News
As of December 2025, Bezos continues to be a prominent figure in business and technology circles, with his wealth and influence making headlines regularly. His transition from Amazon CEO to executive chairman while focusing on other ventures like space tourism through Blue Origin remains closely watched by investors and industry analysts.