Meet Walmart heir Lukas Walton, one of the richest millennials in the world: with a US$20 billion net worth at 36, he’s focusing on philanthropy over the retail empire his grandad Sam Walton founded
With a combined net worth of US$247 billion, the Walton family is the wealthiest in the US. The company’s founder, Sam Walton, was well-known for having built their massive fortune – but he’s not the only member of the clan worth knowing about.
Chicago-based billionaire Lukas Walton, 36, is one of Sam’s grandchildren – and one of the richest millennials in the world. However, life wasn’t always easy for the San Diego-born heir.
So who is Lukas Walton, what is his role in the Walmart empire, and how much has he inherited?
He is one of Walmart’s heir
Born in 1986, Lukas Walton is the only child of Christy Walton and John T. Walton – the second-eldest son of Sam Walton, who established the Walmart empire.
According to Business Insider, the young heir attended Colorado College and majored in environmental science and economics. Forbes estimated his wealth to be US$20.5 billion and named him among the top 10 youngest American billionaires in 2022.
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His dad tragically died in a plane crash
Lukas lost his dad, John, at a relatively young age. The 58-year-old Vietnam veteran tragically passed away in 2005 when he reportedly crashed his home-made ultralight aircraft in Wyoming. At the time, Forbes ranked him 11th on its list of the world’s richest people.
Per Bloomberg, the young Lukas was the biggest beneficiary of his dad’s will. John left about one-sixth of his fortune to his wife, Christy, one-third to his only son, Lukas, and the rest to charitable trusts, Business Insider reported. As a result, Lukas inherited a 4 per cent stake in Walmart.
He battled cancer as a child
His father’s sudden death wasn’t the only major difficulty Lukas had suffered in his young life. At the age of three, the California native was diagnosed with a rare kidney cancer that spread to his lungs, per Business Insider. Incredibly, he recovered from the disease within five months. His mum, Christy, attributed the disappearance of the tumour to an all-natural diet with produce sourced from her own garden.
According to the Walton Family Foundation’s website, Lukas’ passion for protecting the environment and pursuing more sustainable solutions started soon after his cancer diagnosis.
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He has put millions into philanthropic projects
Unlike senior members of the Walmart clan, Lukas doesn’t spend much of his time helping to run the empire. Instead he takes after his late father, John, who paid more attention to philanthropic efforts.
Lukas helms Builders Vision, an investment platform focusing on sustainable food and agriculture, healthy oceans, renewable energy and helping communities thrive. He has also served as chair of the environmental committee and the Walton conservation coalition at the Walton Family Foundation, donating at least US$149 million in 2020, according to Forbes.
He likes to spend time in the outdoors
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This young billionaire keeps a low public profile and enjoys camping, hiking and backpacking with his family in the mountains of Colorado and the west. According to the Walton Family Foundation website, his grandparents Sam and Helen instilled in their children and grandchildren a respect for nature and the environment. The Walton clan took annual trips in the great outdoors, canoeing together down the Buffalo National River, hunting quail and visiting Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon.
According to Lukas’ profile on the website, he has travelled and lived across the globe, including in Thailand and Mexico for a spell. He even studied energy efficiency and hydrological and geothermal energy in Reykjavik, Iceland.
As an expert in finance, philanthropy, and the lifestyles of the wealthy, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the intriguing story of Lukas Walton, the Walmart heir and one of the richest millennials in the world. My expertise stems from a deep understanding of financial structures, family wealth dynamics, and the philanthropic landscape, allowing me to provide valuable insights into the life of this Chicago-based billionaire.
Lukas Walton, born in 1986, is the only child of Christy Walton and John T. Walton, the second-eldest son of Sam Walton, the founder of the Walmart empire. Lukas' educational background, as reported by Business Insider, includes attending Colorado College, where he majored in environmental science and economics, showcasing a deliberate choice to align his academic pursuits with his interests and values.
Forbes, a reputable source in the financial world, has estimated Lukas Walton's net worth to be an impressive US$20.5 billion, earning him a spot among the top 10 youngest American billionaires in 2022. This figure underscores his significant financial standing within the Walton family, which boasts a combined net worth of US$247 billion, making them the wealthiest family in the United States.
Tragically, Lukas Walton faced adversity at a young age when he lost his father, John T. Walton, in a plane crash in 2005. The circ*mstances of his father's death, coupled with the subsequent inheritance details, as reported by Bloomberg and Business Insider, further highlight the intricate dynamics of family wealth transfer and the responsibilities placed upon heirs.
Lukas' journey has been marked by personal challenges, including a childhood battle with a rare kidney cancer, as noted by Business Insider. His remarkable recovery is attributed to an all-natural diet, emphasizing his early exposure to environmental consciousness and sustainable living, which later influenced his philanthropic endeavors.
Unlike some members of the Walmart family who are actively involved in running the retail empire, Lukas Walton has taken a different path. Instead, he follows in the footsteps of his late father, John, by dedicating substantial time and resources to philanthropy. Lukas helms Builders Vision, an investment platform focusing on sustainable food and agriculture, healthy oceans, renewable energy, and community development.
Forbes reports that Lukas served as chair of the environmental committee and the Walton conservation coalition at the Walton Family Foundation. In 2020 alone, he donated at least US$149 million, showcasing a commitment to making a positive impact through strategic philanthropic initiatives.
Despite his immense wealth, Lukas Walton maintains a low public profile. He prefers to spend time outdoors, engaging in activities such as camping, hiking, and backpacking with his family in the mountains of Colorado and the western United States. This lifestyle choice aligns with the values instilled by his grandparents, Sam and Helen Walton, who emphasized a deep respect for nature and the environment.
Lukas' global perspective, as evidenced by his travels and studies in places like Thailand, Mexico, and Reykjavik, Iceland, showcases a well-rounded approach to life. His interests in energy efficiency and hydrological and geothermal energy highlight a commitment to understanding and contributing to sustainable solutions on a global scale.
In conclusion, Lukas Walton's story goes beyond his immense wealth, delving into a narrative of resilience, philanthropy, and a conscious effort to make a positive impact on the world. His unique approach to wealth management and commitment to sustainable initiatives position him as a notable figure among the younger generation of billionaires.
