James Ratcliffe

Former chemical engineer James Ratcliffe is the founder, chairman and majority owner of chemical powerhouse Ineos Group.

The London-based conglomerate produces everything from synthetic oils and plastics to solvents used to make insulin and antibiotics.

It's become one of the U.K. shale sector's largest players. Its 600 foot "Dragon Ships" were the first to transport U.S. shale gas into Europe.

Ratcliffe mortgaged his house in 1992 to lead the buyout of a BP chemicals business; 6 years later, he bought a plant from that firm to form Ineos.

The company has continued to grow via acquisition. In January 2021, Ineos acquired two more chemicals businesses from BP for $5 billion.