Howard Schultz and George Soros are known for their billion-dollar fortunes achieved in two different areas of life. Schultz has achieved incredible success running Starbucks coffee shops around the world, while Soros earned his wealth assisting in making international investments. However, despite the huge amounts of money made by the two men, no sources have confirmed that they are relatives, business partners, or close friends.
Profile Bio
| Detail | Howard Schultz | George Soros |
|---|---|---|
| Born | 19 July 1953 | 12 August 1930 |
| Age in 2026 | 73 | 96 |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York | Budapest, Hungary |
| Nationality | American | Hungarian-American |
| Profession | Businessman and author | Investor and philanthropist |
| Known for | Starbucks | Soros Fund Management |
| Education | Northern Michigan University | London School of Economics |
| Wife | Sheri Kersch Schultz | Tamiko Bolton |
| Children | 2 | 5 |
| Estimated net worth | $3 billion–$3.5 billion | $8.6 billion |
| Reported height | 5 ft 9 in | 5 ft 11 in |
| Foundation | Schultz Family Foundation | Open Society Foundations |
Early Lives
Howard Schultz grew up in Brooklyn’s Bayview public-housing complex. His parents were Fred and Elaine Schultz, and his siblings are Michael and Ronnie. After his father lost income because of a workplace injury, Schultz developed a lasting interest in employee benefits and financial security.
George Soros, born György Schwartz, grew up in a Jewish family in Budapest. His parents were Tivadar and Erzsébet Soros, and his older brother was Paul Soros. George survived the Nazi occupation using a false identity before moving to London in 1947.
Education
Schultz earned a communications degree from Northern Michigan University in 1975. A sales role at Hammarplast introduced him to Starbucks, then a small Seattle coffee retailer. Starbucks hired him as director of retail operations and marketing in 1982.
Soros attended the London School of Economics, where philosopher Karl Popper influenced his ideas about freedom and open societies. He moved to New York in 1956 and entered finance.
Starbucks Career
A trip to Milan introduced Schultz to Italy’s espresso bars. Starbucks’ original owners did not support his café vision, so he founded Il Giornale in 1985. His company acquired Starbucks in 1987 and kept its name.
Schultz served as CEO from 1987 to 2000 and from 2008 to 2017, returning briefly in 2022. Starbucks expanded internationally and offered eligible workers healthcare, stock awards and tuition support, although its labour policies also attracted criticism.
Soros in Finance
Soros established the investment business that became Soros Fund Management. Its Quantum Fund produced strong long-term returns. His theory of reflexivity argues that investors’ beliefs and actions can change the markets they are attempting to understand.
During Britain’s 1992 currency crisis, Soros bet against the pound before the country left the European Exchange Rate Mechanism. The trade reportedly earned about $1 billion.
Wealth
Schultz earned most of his fortune through Starbucks shares and private investments. Estimates place his net worth between $3 billion and $3.5 billion. Starbucks remains a public company owned by many shareholders.
Forbes estimated Soros’s net worth at $8.6 billion in September 2026. He transferred billions to philanthropy, so foundation assets are not his personal wealth. Soros remains wealthier than Schultz.
Family
Howard married Sheri Kersch Schultz in 1982. Their children are sports journalist Jordan Schultz and Addison Schultz. Howard and Sheri jointly support philanthropic programmes.
George Soros married Tamiko Bolton in 2013 after two earlier marriages. His children are Robert, Andrea, Jonathan, Alexander and Gregory. Alex Soros chairs the Open Society Foundations board.
Philanthropy
The Schultz Family Foundation was established in 1996. It supports youth mental health, employment, veteran transitions and economic opportunities for people without four-year degrees.
Soros began formal charitable work in 1979. The Open Society Foundations support education, justice, public health, democratic institutions and human rights internationally. The two foundations follow different missions.
Political Influence
Schultz supported Barack Obama before identifying as an independent. In 2019, he considered a centrist presidential campaign but decided not to run.
Soros has funded Democratic candidates and progressive causes for decades. His donations invite legitimate scrutiny, but unsupported claims about secret control often repeat antisemitic conspiracy theories.
Real Connection
There is no documented family relationship or major business partnership between Howard Schultz and George Soros. Both are wealthy Jewish-American philanthropists involved in public debates, but their careers and foundations developed independently.
Schultz is a retail leader; Soros is an investor and international philanthropist. Presenting them as partners would be misleading.
Lifestyle and Appearance
Schultz is associated with Seattle and has grey hair and an average build. Soros is associated with New York and has white-grey hair and a slender build. Both maintain relatively private lifestyles.
Unofficial sources place Schultz near 5 feet 9 inches and Soros near 5 feet 11 inches. Because neither measurement appears in a strong primary source, publishers should label both as reported estimates rather than established facts.
Social Media
Schultz uses @HowardSchultz. Soros uses @georgesoros, while his essays appear on GeorgeSoros.com. Readers should verify unofficial profiles using their names.
Fun Facts
- Schultz’s Starbucks vision was inspired by Milan’s espresso bars.
- He expanded Starbucks but did not found the original 1971 business.
- Schultz previously owned the Seattle SuperSonics basketball team.
- Soros’s birth surname was Schwartz.
- Karl Popper’s ideas inspired the “Open Society” name.
- Soros has written several books about finance and politics.
Final Thoughts
Howard Schultz and George Soros represent different forms of influence. Schultz changed global coffee culture and brought workplace benefits into discussions about corporate responsibility. Soros influenced modern investing and created an international philanthropic network. They share wealth and public visibility, but the available evidence shows comparison—not a private, family or business connection.
Must Read: Dave Calhoun and Gautam Adani: Careers, Wealth and Leadership
FAQs
Are Howard Schultz and George Soros related?
No. There is no credible evidence that Howard Schultz and George Soros share a family relationship. Their names are mainly linked through comparisons of their wealth, philanthropy and political influence.
Did Howard Schultz and George Soros work together?
No major business partnership or long-term professional collaboration between them has been publicly documented. Their careers developed independently in retail and finance.
Who is richer, Howard Schultz or George Soros?
George Soros is richer based on current estimates. His net worth was approximately $8.6 billion, compared with an estimated $3 billion to $3.5 billion for Howard Schultz.
How did Howard Schultz make his money?
Schultz built his wealth through Starbucks shares, executive leadership and private investments. He transformed Starbucks from a regional coffee retailer into a global consumer brand.
How did George Soros build his fortune?
Soros earned his fortune through hedge-fund management and global investments. His best-known deal was a successful 1992 trade against the British pound.
