Georgia—particularly Atlanta—is a major hub for global logistics, financial services, tech, sports, and entertainment. Many billionaires and ultra-wealthy individuals have chosen to make the state their home due to its strategic location, thriving economy, and growing startup ecosystem.
Below are the Top 10 Richest People in Georgia in 2025, based on Forbes rankings, SEC filings, and regional wealth reports.
1. Jim Kennedy – $9.2 Billion
Source of Wealth: Media (Cox Enterprises)
Residence: Atlanta, GA
Jim Kennedy is the chairman of Cox Enterprises, which owns Cox Communications and Autotrader. He inherited the company from his mother, Barbara Cox Anthony, and has grown it into a diversified media and automotive powerhouse.
2. Arthur Blank – $9.0 Billion
Source of Wealth: Retail (The Home Depot), Sports (Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United)
Residence: Atlanta, GA
Co-founder of Home Depot, Arthur Blank owns the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United (MLS). He’s also a significant philanthropist, funding healthcare, youth programs, and environmental conservation.
3. Dan Cathy – $8.8 Billion
Source of Wealth: Fast Food (Chick-fil-A)
Residence: Fayetteville, GA
Son of Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy, Dan helped turn the business into a fast-food juggernaut with national presence. Known for his conservative values and deep philanthropy, he is one of Georgia’s most recognizable billionaires.
4. Trudy Cathy White & Family – $8.1 Billion
Source of Wealth: Chick-fil-A (Family Holdings)
Residence: Atlanta, GA
Trudy, the daughter of S. Truett Cathy, co-owns a large stake in Chick-fil-A through the family trust. The Cathy family remains one of Georgia’s most prominent business dynasties.
5. Gary W. Rollins – $7.6 Billion
Source of Wealth: Pest Control (Rollins Inc., Orkin)
Residence: Atlanta, GA
Chairman of Rollins Inc., the parent company of Orkin Pest Control, Gary Rollins oversees one of the largest pest management firms globally. The Rollins family has been central to Atlanta’s corporate scene for decades.
6. Reed Hastings (Georgia Assets) – $6.8 Billion
Source of Wealth: Tech (Netflix)
Residence: California / Atlanta real estate & tech hubs
While based in California, Hastings has invested heavily in Georgia’s media and production industry, especially with Netflix studio expansions in metro Atlanta.
7. Ben Chestnut – $5.1 Billion
Source of Wealth: Software (Mailchimp)
Residence: Atlanta, GA
Co-founder of Mailchimp, Chestnut sold the company to Intuit for $12 billion in 2021. He is now an angel investor and supporter of Atlanta’s creative and tech startup ecosystem.
8. Tope Awotona – $2.7 Billion
Source of Wealth: Tech (Calendly)
Residence: Atlanta, GA
Founder of Calendly, one of the world’s most used scheduling platforms, Awotona has emerged as one of Georgia’s most prominent Black tech billionaires. The platform is used by over 20 million people globally.
9. Ted Turner – $2.6 Billion
Source of Wealth: Media (CNN, Turner Broadcasting), Real Estate
Residence: Atlanta, GA
Though retired, Turner remains an iconic figure in Georgia for founding CNN, TBS, and other media properties. His investments in land, conservation, and ranching are among the largest in the country.
10. Paul Judge – $1.3 Billion
Source of Wealth: Cybersecurity, Tech Investing
Residence: Atlanta, GA
Paul Judge is a serial entrepreneur and investor, known for co-founding Pindrop, Purewire, and leading multiple successful tech exits. He is a central figure in Atlanta’s Black tech ecosystem and venture capital scene.
Summary Table
| Rank | Name | Net Worth (2025) | Source of Wealth | Residence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jim Kennedy | $9.2B | Cox Enterprises | Atlanta |
| 2 | Arthur Blank | $7.4B | Home Depot, Sports | Atlanta |
| 3 | Dan Cathy | $6.8B | Chick-fil-A | Fayetteville |
| 4 | Trudy Cathy White & Family | $6.2B | Chick-fil-A | Atlanta |
| 5 | Gary W. Rollins | $5.6B | Rollins Inc., Orkin | Atlanta |
| 6 | Ben Chestnut | $4.1B | Mailchimp | Atlanta |
| 7 | Tope Awotona | $2.7B | Calendly | Atlanta |
| 8 | Ted Turner | $2.3B | Media, Ranching | Atlanta |
| 9 | Reed Hastings | $2.1B (GA Assets) | Netflix | Atlanta (investments) |
| 10 | Paul Judge | $1.3B | Cybersecurity, VC | Atlanta |
Final Thoughts
From media giants and retail legends to tech disruptors and next-gen investors, Georgia’s richest people reflect a dynamic mix of traditional industry and modern innovation. Atlanta, in particular, has become a beacon for billion-dollar startups, media expansion, and inclusive wealth creation.
