News Summary
Nine billionaires from Massachusetts have been named in Forbes’ latest list of the 400 richest Americans, boasting a combined net worth of $6.6 trillion. Abigail Johnson leads the state’s rich with $35 billion, reflecting significant growth attributed to the recent stock market surge. Other notable billionaires include Robert Kraft and Edward Johnson IV, highlighting the diverse sectors contributing to wealth accumulation in Massachusetts. The report underscores the evolving economic landscape and the influence of corporate leadership on financial success.
Boston, MA – Nine prominent billionaires from Massachusetts have made it to Forbes’ annual list of the 400 richest Americans, which has reached a record-breaking collective net worth of $6.6 trillion, marking an increase of $1.2 trillion from the previous year.
Leading the pack of Massachusetts billionaires is Abigail Johnson, the CEO of Fidelity Investments, who boasts a net worth of $35 billion. This represents a significant rise from her previous worth of $31 billion last year, and her ranking has improved from 30th to 27th on the national list. Johnson, who took over as CEO in 2014 and became chair in 2016, inherited the leadership of the firm founded by her grandfather in 1946. She holds a 29% stake in Fidelity, which manages a staggering $5.9 trillion in discretionary assets.
Following Abigail Johnson is her brother, Edward Johnson IV, who has a net worth of $14.2 billion but has seen a decrease in his ranking from 70th to 76th nationally. He is the president of Pembroke Real Estate, which operates under Fidelity’s parent company, FMR. Also on the list is Elizabeth Johnson, another grandchild of Fidelity’s founder, who ranks 99th with a net worth of $12.3 billion.
Prominent figures from other sectors also feature in the Massachusetts billionaires list. Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, has a net worth of $13.8 billion, placing him 78th in the nation. Kraft purchased the franchise in 1994 for $172 million, and it is now valued at approximately $9 billion. Meanwhile, Rob Hale Jr., the CEO and founder of Granite Telecommunications, is positioned 246th nationally with a net worth of $6 billion.
The wealth growth has not been consistent across the board; Jim Davis and the family behind New Balance reported a decrease in their net worth from $6.5 billion last year to $5.2 billion this year. Tied at 352nd place are Terry Ragon, founder of InterSystems, and Alan Trefler, founder of Pegasystems, each with a net worth of $4.2 billion.
Rounding out the list is Amos Hostetter Jr., the founder of Continental Cablevision, who has a net worth of $3.5 billion, placing him at 382nd nationally.
National Context
The surge in wealth among the nation’s billionaires has been attributed largely to the recent rally in the stock market, which has propelled individual fortunes to new heights. The richest American on the Forbes list is Elon Musk, with a net worth of $428 billion, a significant increase from $244 billion last year. Following him are tech titans Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos, who rank third and fourth, respectively, highlighting the dominance of the technology sector in driving wealth accumulation.
Philanthropic Contributions
The Johnson family, known for their significant contributions to various causes, has notably supported institutions like Harvard University, Historic New England, and the Institute of Contemporary Art. Their philanthropic efforts underline the commitment of wealthy individuals to giving back to the community.
The growing number of billionaires and the rising total net worth of the wealthiest Americans point to an evolving economic landscape, where investment strategies, market fluctuations, and corporate leadership play pivotal roles in shaping financial success.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- NBC Boston: Richest People in Massachusetts
- Wikipedia: Forbes 400
- CBS News: Forbes 400 List 2025
- Google Search: Forbes 400
- Bisnow: Fidelity Puts Office Up for Sublease
- Google Scholar: Fidelity Investments
- Reuters: Fidelity Tests Stablecoin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Personal Finance
- Top Class Actions: Fidelity Class Action
- Google News: Fidelity Investments
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
