March 6, 2008 1:24PM
Which Billionaire Do You Want to Have Breakfast With?
By Alexis Glick
Forbes just released its 22nd annual “World’s Billionaires List.” For the first time ever, the number of billionaires crossed into four figures, reaching 1,125. Microsoft’s Bill Gates dropped to No. 3 and Warren Buffett took the top spot. Gates has been in the top spot for the past 13 years and even though his net worth increased by $2 billion to $58 billion, he was knocked out by Warren Buffett ($62 billion) and Mexican telecom tycoon Carlos Slim Helu ($60 billion). I guess Microsoft’s stock isn’t the only thing that’s slipping!
This year, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg became the youngest self-made billionaire in history at the age of 23. Can you believe it? That’s crazy…only in America! It’s actually been a record-breaking year for young billionaires with Forbes listing 50 billionaires under the age of 40.
Another change Forbes highlighted this year is the world’s wealthiest are increasingly coming from emerging nations. Two years ago, 10 of the top 20 billionaires came from the United States. This year, only 4 of the top 20 are from the U.S. Many of the new faces come from China, India and Russia. Russia actually overtook Germany as the second richest country in terms of billionaires.
So are you thinking what I’m thinking? Who was the top female? It is France’s Liliane Bettencourt, the daughter of the founder of L’Oreal SA Cosmetics Company. She is number 17 on the list, with $22 billion
Check out the complete list at Forbes.com and tell me which Forbes billionaire would you most like to have breakfast with? We’ll review the results tomorrow morning on Money for Breakfast.
Comment by Matt
Mar 6th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Warren Buffet for Financial and Economic stewardship.
Comment by Art
Mar 6th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Even though he’s not a meat eater, I’d do a veggie omelet with Steve Jobs of Apple Inc. Who knows, with the right ingredients, he might actually comment on future products.
Comment by chuck harrison
Mar 6th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Honestly I would like to have breakfast with CEO Donald Trump and his daughter Ivanka. I’ve read his books cuz I love how he explains business. Plus I love his show the Apprentince. Even though he didn’t make the list I don’t care but I would love to hear his insights on the why the real estate market is in slump that it’s in.
Comment by Bob Sibley
Mar 6th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
I would like to have breakfast with you, Alexis, because your knowledge and beauty are worth MORE than a billion and I am sure I could learn a lot more from you than any of the other people on that list.
Comment by Todd Sawyer
Mar 6th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
J.R. Simplot, He built a business that is second to none and lives like a regular guy. A story to be admired.
Comment by Head Pig
Mar 6th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Fun post Glick. Sheldon Adelson would be my first bet. (no pun intended) Don’t you know he could probably arrange quite the Pig’s breakfast at the Venetian Macao. Who knows he might even give me a marker for the craps table.
Comment by Stephen McCarthy
Mar 11th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Alexis Glick - For a slightly different take on “wealth with responsibility” check out our wealth management/philanthropy theater group - Shaking The Tree - shakingthetree.org. We all come “from the business” and offer unique insights and perspectives thru the use of our professionally scripted short (45 minute) one act plays! BTW, in looking at your pedigree you must know both Doreen Mogavero for the floor and the late Ed Spiegel from GS institutional equity sales. Stephen McCarthy (KCG Capital Advisors - 646-825-2123)