Jim Goodnight, SAS Institute's CEO and co-founder, speaks on Capitol Hill in 2013 in Washington, D.C. Photo: Larry French/Getty Images
James Goodnight, co-founder and CEO of the Cary data analytics firm SAS, remains North Carolina's wealthiest resident, according to Forbes' recently released list of the world's billionaires.
The big picture: Most of North Carolina's richest business leaders saw their fortunes grow in the past year, including Goodnight, 81, whose wealth rose 36.5% to $10.1 billion last year, according to Forbes.
- Goodnight has used his fortune to benefit his alma mater, N.C. State, start Cary Academy and bankroll real estate projects across the region.
- The billionaire could have a huge liquidity event in 2025 — if SAS ends up listing its shares on the stock market as it has planned.
Zoom in: Cary's tech founders dominate North Carolina's richest list. Besides Goodnight, here are other Triangle connections on the list:
- Tim Sweeney, 53, founder and CEO of Cary-based Epic Games: $5.7 billion, up 21.3%.
- John Sall, 75, co-founder of SAS: $5 billion, up 35.1%
- Dennis Gillings, 79, founder and former CEO of IQVIA: $2.4B, up 14%
Between the lines: The two largest shareholders of First Citizens Bank, chairman and CEO Frank Holding, 62, and his sister Carson Brice, 56, have net worths of $1.2 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively.
Other billionaires with North Carolina connections:
- David Tepper, 66, hedge fund operator and Carolina Panthers owner: $20.6 billion
- Michael Jordan, 61, UNC basketball legend and Charlotte Hornets part owner: $3.2 billion
- Roy Carroll, 61, founder of the Greensboro real estate firm Carroll Cos.: $2.6 billion
- Ric Elias, 56, founder of Charlotte's Red Ventures: $1 billion
Not on the list:
- Tom Dundon, the Carolina Hurricanes owner.
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect that the list does include Dennis Gillings this year, along with Frank Holding and Carson Brice.
Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Raleigh.
More Raleigh stories
Get a free daily digest of the most important news in your backyard with Axios Raleigh.