Rene Benko

as of 10/04/24

About Rene Benko

Rene Benko is the founder of Signa Holding, once one of Europe's largest real estate and retail firms until a 2023 credit crunch wiped much of Signa's equity.

Benko fell from the billionaire ranking in December 2023 after his main holdings - Signa Prime, Signa Development and Signa Holding - declared insolvency.

Benko's personal assets - including a yacht, art and property - were not part of the 2023 insolvency proceedings. They are not included in the net worth estimate.

Benko worked for a real estate developer in high school, racking up so many absences that he couldn't graduate. He began his investment career at 22.

In 2018, Benko jumped into the media industry and the following year purchased a stake in New York City's Chrysler Building.

Personal stats

Citizenship

Austria

Source of wealth

Real estate, retail

Residence

Austria

Marital status

Married

Birth date

03/20/77 (age 47)

Number of children

Self-made

self-made

Net worth history

Annual ranking

Did you know?

In 2018, Signa created its own venture capital firm, Signa Innovation, which invests in startups.