Lachlan Murdoch at a Glance
- Categories: Business > Billionaires, Business
- Net Worth: $2.7 Billion
- Birthdate: Feb 16, 1986 (38 years old)
- Birthplace: Vancouver
- Gender: Male
- Profession: Actor
- Nationality: Canada
What is Lachlan Murdoch’s Net Worth? The Media Mogul’s Fortune and Career
Lachlan Murdoch, a prominent figure in the global media landscape, has cultivated a net worth of $2.7 billion. As the eldest son of media tycoon Rupert Murdoch, Lachlan has carved his own path, holding key leadership positions within the family’s media empire. This article delves into the life, career, and financial success of Lachlan Murdoch, exploring his journey from his early years to his current role as a media executive.
Early Life and Education
Lachlan Keith Murdoch was born on September 8, 1971, in London, England. He is the eldest of Rupert Murdoch’s six children. Raised primarily in New York City, where his father owned the New York Post, Lachlan experienced the media world from a young age. His education included attendance at several prestigious institutions: Aspen Country Day School in Colorado, Trinity School in New York City, and Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. He pursued higher education at Princeton University, graduating in 1994 with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. This solid educational foundation prepared him for the complex world of business and media that lay ahead.
News Corp: A Rapid Ascent and Unexpected Departure
Lachlan Murdoch’s career began under the tutelage of his father. In 1989, at the age of 18, he spent three months training at the Daily Mirror in Australia. He quickly progressed within News Corp, holding various key positions. In the early 1990s, he became the general manager of Queensland Newspapers and later the publisher of The Australian. His responsibilities expanded in 1995 when he was appointed deputy CEO of News Limited, followed by executive director of News Corp in 1996. From 1999 to 2000, he served as senior executive vice president and then deputy COO of News Corp.
During his tenure, Murdoch oversaw significant investments, including a major, though ultimately unsuccessful, venture into the telecommunications company One.Tel. He also led a successful investment in the REA Group, which became a leader in online real estate advertising in Australia. Additionally, he served on the board of Foxtel and chaired Fox television stations. His rapid rise within the company made him a natural successor to his father. However, in the summer of 2005, Lachlan Murdoch made a surprising decision, resigning from News Corp without providing a detailed explanation. This move, which dashed his father’s hopes of succession, left many within the company and the media world perplexed.
His time away from News Corp was relatively brief. He returned to the company in early 2014, assuming the role of non-executive co-chairman of News Corp and 21st Century Fox. The following year, he was promoted to executive chairman of 21st Century Fox. Following the acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney in 2019, Lachlan Murdoch took on the role of chairman and CEO of Fox Corporation. This marked a significant moment, as it solidified his position as a key player in the media industry.

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Private Investments and Business Ventures
Following his departure from News Corp in 2005, Murdoch founded the private investment company Illyria Pty. This venture allowed him to explore a diverse range of investments outside of the traditional media landscape. His portfolio included stakes in the Indian Premier League cricket team Rajasthan Royals, the digital media company Destra, and the online DVD rental company Quickflix. In late 2009, he acquired a 50% stake in NOVA Entertainment, later increasing his ownership to 100%. Through these diverse investments, Murdoch demonstrated his acumen in identifying and capitalizing on various business opportunities.
Lawsuits and Controversies
Lachlan Murdoch, along with his father, has been involved in significant legal battles. In 2021, they faced lawsuits from the voting machine makers Dominion and Smartmatic. These companies sued Fox News Network for allegedly spreading false narratives about election fraud in the 2020 presidential election. Dominion’s lawsuit specifically claimed that Fox News, under Lachlan Murdoch’s direction, connected the company to unsubstantiated fraud claims and provided a platform for defamatory statements. The Fox News Network settled the Dominion case in the spring of 2023, agreeing to pay $787.5 million. The Smartmatic lawsuit is ongoing.
Personal Life and Real Estate Holdings
In 1999, Lachlan Murdoch married Sarah O’Hare, a British-Australian model and actress. The couple has three children: two sons, Kalan and Aidan, and a daughter named Aerin. The Murdoch family maintains a high profile, often appearing in social and business circles. Beyond his professional life, Lachlan Murdoch has also made significant investments in real estate, accumulating a notable portfolio of properties.
- “Berthong” in Elizabeth Bay: The family previously owned a house known as “Berthong” in Sydney, Australia. It was sold to actor Russell Crowe in 2003.
- Bellevue Hill Mansion: In 2009, Murdoch purchased a mansion in Bellevue Hill for $23 million and expanded his holdings with an adjacent property in 2011.
- Aspen Equestrian Property: In 2017, Murdoch and his wife acquired an equestrian property in Aspen, Colorado, for $29 million. The property includes a substantial 13,500-square-foot home.
- Bel-Air Estate (“Chartwell”): In 2019, Lachlan Murdoch made headlines by purchasing a 10-acre estate in Bel-Air, California, for $150 million. This property, known as “Chartwell”, was once used in the opening sequence of the TV show “The Beverly Hillbillies.” At the time of its purchase, it was the most expensive home ever sold in California.
- Adjacent Property Purchase: In August 2020, Murdoch bought a neighboring property for $14 million. The seller was former supermodel Cheryl Tiegs.
These real estate investments highlight Murdoch’s status and his diversified investment strategies.
Conclusion
Lachlan Murdoch has established himself as a powerful and influential figure in the media and investment world. His net worth of $2.7 billion reflects his successful career and shrewd business decisions. From his early training within News Corp to his current leadership role at Fox Corporation, he has consistently demonstrated his capabilities. His private investments and significant real estate holdings further showcase his financial acumen. While controversies and lawsuits have presented challenges, Lachlan Murdoch has navigated the complexities of the media landscape, solidifying his legacy as a key player in the industry.