| Name: | Kerry Stokes |
| Net Worth: | $9 billion |
| Source of Wealth: | Seven West Group |
| Born: | September 13, 1940 |
| Age: | |
| Country: | Australia |
| Wife: | Christine Simpson Parker |
| Children: | Ryan Stokes, Bryant Stokes, Raeline Stokes, Russel Stokes |
| Residence: | Perth, Australia |
| Private Jet: | Bombardier Global 7500 (N888GX) |
| Yacht: | Antipodean |
Kerry Stokes is an Australian billionaire businessman, investor, philanthropist, and chairman of Seven Group Holdings. Born on September 13, 1940, in Melbourne, Australia, he built a fortune across property, media, mining services, construction materials, equipment hire, energy, and industrial assets.
Stokes first made his name in property development before expanding into television, newspapers, Caterpillar dealerships, mining services, and listed investment holdings. He is married to Christine Stokes and has four children, including Ryan Stokes, who is now managing director and CEO of Seven Group Holdings.
Kerry Stokes is also known for his philanthropy, support for veterans, cultural donations, and his ownership of the yacht Antipodean.
Kerry Stokes had a difficult childhood and did not begin life with inherited wealth. He left school early and worked in several jobs before moving into sales and then property development.
In his twenties, Stokes became involved in shopping centre and commercial property development. His early success in real estate gave him the capital and confidence to move into larger business opportunities.
That shift from property to media and industrial assets became the foundation of one of Australia’s largest private fortunes.
One of Stokes’ most important business successes is WesTrac, a major Caterpillar dealer. WesTrac supplies heavy equipment, parts, technology, maintenance, and support services to mining, construction, and industrial customers.
WesTrac operates in Western Australia, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory, with a strong position in mining equipment and services. Its customers include major mining companies, contractors, government agencies, and infrastructure operators.
WesTrac became the core industrial asset of Seven Group Holdings. The business has benefited from Australia’s long mining boom, demand for iron ore and other resources, and the need for reliable heavy equipment in remote mining regions.
Seven Group Holdings, often called SGH, is the listed investment and operating company controlled by Kerry Stokes and his family interests. It is now much more than a media company.
SGH’s major businesses include WesTrac, Coates, Boral, a stake in Seven West Media, and energy interests. The group has become one of Australia’s most important diversified industrial companies.
In 2025, SGH reported around A$10.7 billion in annual revenue and after-tax profit of about A$486 million. The company’s largest earnings drivers are now industrial and construction-related businesses rather than television.
A major recent development in the Stokes business empire is SGH’s control of Boral, one of Australia’s largest construction materials companies. Boral produces and supplies concrete, cement, asphalt, quarry products, and other materials used in infrastructure, housing, and commercial construction.
SGH increased its ownership of Boral over several years and moved to full ownership after a takeover process. The Boral investment shifted Seven Group further toward industrials and construction materials, reducing the relative importance of media in the group.
Boral gives SGH significant exposure to Australian housing, infrastructure, roadbuilding, and construction demand.
Coates is another major Seven Group Holdings business. It is one of Australia’s largest equipment hire companies, supplying machinery, tools, pumps, power generation, access equipment, and site services to construction, mining, infrastructure, events, and industrial customers.
Coates adds recurring rental income and broad exposure to the Australian construction and infrastructure cycle. Together with WesTrac and Boral, it forms a major part of SGH’s industrial platform.
Kerry Stokes is still widely associated with Australian media through Seven West Media, but media now represents a smaller part of the broader Stokes-controlled empire.
Seven West Media owns the Seven Network, one of Australia’s largest commercial television networks, as well as The West Australian, regional newspapers, digital platforms, and other media assets.
Stokes first became involved with the Seven Network in the 1980s and eventually built a controlling influence over the business. Seven became one of Australia’s most recognizable television brands, known for news, sport, entertainment, and major broadcast rights.
In recent years, Seven West Media has faced challenges from weak advertising markets, digital competition, and changes in television viewing habits. SGH has remained a major shareholder, although the group’s wealth and earnings are now driven more by WesTrac, Boral, and Coates.
Ryan Stokes, Kerry Stokes’ son, is managing director and CEO of Seven Group Holdings. He has played an increasingly important role in the management and strategy of the family’s listed industrial group.
Under Ryan Stokes, SGH has focused on industrial businesses, operational discipline, acquisitions, and value creation in WesTrac, Coates, Boral, and related assets. This generational transition has helped move the group further away from its old identity as primarily a media company.
Kerry Stokes remains chairman and a major influence, while Ryan Stokes is the key executive shaping SGH’s current direction.
Kerry Stokes is known for significant philanthropy. He has supported veterans, military history, medical research, arts, museums, education, and cultural institutions.
One of his best-known acts of philanthropy has been the purchase and donation of important Australian war medals and military artifacts. Stokes has helped ensure that several historically significant medals and collections remain in Australia, including Victoria Cross medals.
He has also supported the Australian War Memorial, medical causes, Indigenous and community initiatives, and arts organizations. His philanthropy was recognized through national honours, including his appointment as a Companion of the Order of Australia.
Kerry Stokes’ net worth has risen significantly in recent years due to the performance of Seven Group Holdings and its industrial assets.
The 2025 Financial Review Rich List estimated his fortune at approximately A$12.69 billion (US$ 9 billion), making him one of Australia’s richest people. Older Forbes estimates were much lower, but they are less current and do not fully reflect the more recent rise in SGH’s value.
His wealth is mainly tied to Seven Group Holdings, Australian Capital Equity, WesTrac, Boral, Coates, Seven West Media, property, and other private investments.
Kerry Stokes is linked to the yacht Antipodean. The yacht was built by Oceanfast in Australia in 1987 and designed by the legendary yacht designer Jon Bannenberg.
Antipodean is approximately 36 meters long and can accommodate 8 guests with a crew of around 7. She is powered by MTU engines and has a top speed of about 24 knots.
The yacht is known for her distinctive Bannenberg design, including large round windows and a classic 1980s Oceanfast profile. In 2014, Antipodean made headlines after being attacked and robbed by pirates off Papua New Guinea.
Kerry Stokes is married to Christine Stokes. He has four children and several grandchildren. Despite his public business profile, he has generally kept his private life relatively low-key.
Stokes is known as a tough, disciplined business figure with a strong interest in Australian history, media, veterans’ affairs, and national institutions.
Kerry Stokes is one of Australia’s most successful and influential business figures. From early property development to media ownership and industrial expansion, he built a diversified empire now centered on Seven Group Holdings.
While many people still associate him with the Seven Network, most of his wealth today comes from industrial assets such as WesTrac, Boral, and Coates. With a net worth estimated at about A$12.69 billion, major philanthropic contributions, and a long business legacy, Stokes remains one of the defining Australian entrepreneurs of his generation.
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Stokes lives with his wife Christine Stokes in a large house in Dalkeith, near Perth, Western Australia. The house is situated on Swan River, which opens up to the Indian Ocean. In 2009 the value of the house was estimated at US$ 20 million. He also owns a home in Broome, in Western Australia.
Perth is the capital city of Western Australia and is the fourth most populous city in Australia, with a population of over 2 million people as of my last training data in September 2021. Known for its stunning landscapes, beautiful coastline, and vibrant arts scene, Perth offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
Perth sits where the Swan River meets the southwest coast, and its suburbs lie along sandy beaches, with the lush Kings Park offering sweeping views of the city and river. The city’s sunny and dry climate, coupled with its beautiful beaches like Cottesloe and Scarborough, make it a fantastic destination for outdoor activities.
Beyond its natural beauty, Perth is also a bustling hub of business and commerce, particularly for industries related to natural resources, given Western Australia’s significant mining sector. The city’s central business district is home to many resource companies as well as burgeoning tech and innovation sectors.
Culturally, Perth boasts a vibrant arts scene with galleries, museums, and theaters. Key attractions include the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Western Australian Museum, and the Perth Cultural Centre. The city also hosts the Perth International Arts Festival annually.
Perth is also renowned for its culinary scene, with a great array of restaurants, cafes, and bars. From the bustling foodie hub in Northbridge to the refined dining options in the city center, there’s something to suit every taste.
Finally, Perth is the gateway to exploring Western Australia’s diverse regions, from exploring the wineries in Margaret River, swimming with dolphins in Rockingham, to the unique landscapes of the Pinnacles in Nambung National Park.
He is the owner of the yacht Antipodean.
The Antipodean yacht is a luxurious vessel built by Oceanfast and designed by John Bannenberg in 1987.
The yacht can host 8 guests and a crew of 7, reaching top speeds of 24 knots due to two MTU engines.
He was the owner of a Bombardier Global Express with registration N888GX. The business jet was built in 2007.
A Bombardier Global Express has a value of around US$ 20 million. The aircraft can accommodate 14 passengers. The jet is registered to a company named Remorex (Pty) Ltd, which is part of Stokes’ group of companies.
In 2020 the aircraft was replaced with a brand new Bombardier 7500 private jet.
The Bombardier Global 7500 is a long-range business jet produced by Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier Aerospace. It was first introduced in 2018 and is designed for high-end, luxurious travel. The Global 7500 has a maximum range of 7,700 nautical miles, making it one of the longest-range business jets on the market. It can accommodate up to 19 passengers and is equipped with a spacious, state-of-the-art cabin that features a variety of seating options, including lie-flat beds and private suites. The Global 7500 also has advanced technology, such as high-speed internet connectivity and a customizable cabin management system. The aircraft is well-regarded for its performance, comfort, and cutting-edge features, and is a popular choice for private and corporate aviation customers who demand the very best in luxury and performance. The price of a Bombardier Global 7500 aircraft can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the year of manufacture, the configuration of the aircraft, and the level of customization. As a rough estimate, the price of a new Bombardier Global 7500 is typically around $75 million to $90 million.
He sold his former aircraft to Dick Honan, Chairman of Manildra and owner of the yacht Oceana 1. Dick Honan’s private jet has registration VH-VSK.
Stokes used to own a Canadair Challenger 600 with registration N888KS.
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SuperYachtFan Yacht Owners Database Q2-2026
