List of 100 Richest Poles 2025. Forbes

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The 2025 list of the wealthiest Poles has been released by „Forbes” magazine. As noted by the list’s authors, it marks the first time it comprises solely billionaires. Michał Sołowow has retained his status as the top individual.

„Forbes” magazine highlights that in the future, the ranking will expand to feature not only zloty billionaires but also those who are billionaires in dollars.

Read more: This is how many Poles earned more than 10 thousand zlotys >>>

The wealthiest list is evolving into a billionaires’ list

„For the first time in its two-decade history, the List of 100 Richest Poles has transitioned into a list of billionaires. This aligns with the original concept of the American 'Forbes’ list, although it pertains to dollar billionaires rather than zloty billionaires. The consistent expansion of Polish enterprises has made it clear that we would eventually reach this milestone,” states „Forbes”.

„Forbes” has appraised the collective wealth of the top hundred Poles at nearly PLN 315 billion. „Over the past year, their fortunes grew by almost 11 percent, significantly outpacing Polish GDP, which only saw a rise of 'merely’ 3.2 percent during that period,” elaborates „Forbes”.

„Michał Sołowow, Jerzy Starak, and Tomasz Biernacki have distanced themselves from the rest, forming an elite group that will likely remain unreachable for other entrepreneurs for quite some time. Each is valued at over PLN 20 billion – with Michał Sołowow approaching PLN 30 billion – while no one else has yet surpassed the PLN 10 billion threshold,” it states.

Wealthiest Poles 2025 – Forbes

1. Michał Sołowow, PLN 28.11 billion

Michał Sołowow continues to lead the list of the wealthiest Poles. The monthly publication estimates his wealth at PLN 28.11 billion, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 3.2 percent.

„Michał Sołowow is entering the new year with a record valuation, resulting in part from the increasing value of his energy assets. This is a consequence of the transformation the group has undergone over the past six years. Alongside the prevailing production sector in synthetic rubbers (Synthos) and interior design materials (Cersanit, Barlinek), the billionaire is actively expanding investments in emission-free energy sources, with a primary focus on nuclear energy,” outlines „Forbes”.

„Forbes” notes that „three years ago Synthos executed the largest acquisition in its history, purchasing a facility in Schkopau, Germany, from the American company Trinseo for $480 million”. This move positioned it as the second-largest producer of synthetic rubber globally.

„Currently, however, Solowow’s key initiative is the development of small modular reactors BWRX-300,” the magazine remarks.

2. Jerzy Starak, PLN 24.87 billion

Jerzy Starak secured second place in the ranking, with „Forbes” estimating his fortune at PLN 24.87 billion, marking a substantial increase of 27.7 percent.

„Forbes” highlights that „his Polpharma is performing increasingly well.”

„Over the past three years, it has expanded its business by one-third, but more significantly, it has become significantly more profitable – increasing its operating profit from half a billion to one and a half zlotys. Moreover, the hidden gem in Jerzy Starak’s pharmaceutical empire is Polpharma Biologics, a younger sibling to the generic pharmaceuticals manufacturer. This company focuses on developing and producing biosimilar medications, which are alternatives to biological drugs whose patents have expired,” it states.

3. Tomasz Biernacki, PLN 22.28 billion

Tomasz Biernacki ranks third, with assets amounting to PLN 22.28 billion, representing a decrease of 5.7%.

„A year back, there was a point where it seemed that due to Dino’s exceptionally high valuation, Tomasz Biernacki might claim the title of the wealthiest Pole. The company’s stock prices had surged to new heights, but ultimately, they faltered. Following a significant correction, Dino shares attempted to regain their record valuation during the New Year’s surge. Nonetheless, the company hasn’t managed to exceed PLN 50 billion in capitalization for two years,” „Forbes” explains.

4. Sebastian Kulczyk, PLN 9.38 billion

Fourth place is held

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