Familiar Hoosiers on Billionaire List
Four Hoosiers are again included on a global list of the richest people on the planet. The annual World’s Billionaires rankings by Forbes has close to 200 newcomers. Cook Group Chief Executive Officer Carl Cook has the top net worth among Indiana billionaires.
All Hoosiers on the list increased their ranking from 2015, aside from Cook, who came in at 298th in the world with $4.8 billion. Last year, he placed 216th. Cook has been the head of the medical device company since the death of his father, Cook Group co-founder Bill Cook, in 2011.
Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group Inc. (NYSE: SPG) co-founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Board Herb Simon is next-richest in the state at $2.8 billion. He also owns the Indiana Pacers. Simon is 612th on the world list, up slightly from 628th in 2015.
A former northwest Indiana billboard and hotel magnate is 722nd this year. Dean White’s net worth is estimated to be $2.4 billion. His ranking on the list has climbed from 737th last year.
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay is 771st overall with a net worth of $2.3 billion. He was ranked 1105th in the world last year.
Editor’s Note: A previous version incorrectly identified Dean White as founder of White Lodging Services.