Jeff Bezos (born Jeffrey Preston Jorgensen, January 12, 1964) is an American entrepreneur, media proprietor, investor, and commercial astronaut best known as the founder of Amazon.com, the world’s largest online retailer. He is also the founder of Blue Origin, an aerospace company developing technologies to enable private space travel.
Early Life and Education:
Bezos was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and raised in Houston, Texas, and Miami, Florida. He was adopted by his stepfather, Miguel Bezos, a Cuban immigrant, from whom he took his last name. He graduated valedictorian from Miami Palmetto Senior High School in 1982 and later earned a degree in electrical engineering and computer science from Princeton University in 1986.
Career and Amazon:
Bezos worked on Wall Street in various fields before founding Amazon.com in 1994, initially as an online bookstore. Under his leadership, Amazon expanded into a global e-commerce and cloud computing powerhouse, diversifying into electronics, streaming, AI, and logistics.
Amazon revolutionized global retail and transformed into one of the world’s most valuable companies. Bezos served as CEO until 2021, when he stepped down to become executive chairman, succeeded by Andy Jassy.
Other Ventures:
In 2000, Bezos founded Blue Origin to make spaceflight more accessible. In 2013, he purchased The Washington Post, revitalizing the publication through a digital-first strategy. He has also invested in numerous tech and biotech ventures through Bezos Expeditions, his personal investment firm.
Net Worth and Influence:
Bezos has consistently ranked among the richest people in the world, becoming the world’s richest man for several years. His influence spans technology, media, space exploration, and global philanthropy. He launched the Bezos Earth Fund in 2020, pledging $10 billion to fight climate change.
Personal Life:
Bezos was married to MacKenzie Scott from 1993 to 2019; they have four children. He is currently in a relationship with Lauren Sánchez. He is known for his long-term vision, customer obsession, and disruptive innovations.
