Celebrities You Didn’t Realise Were CEOs
In the world of glitz and glamour, it's easy to assume that celebrities are primarily known for their talents—be it acting, singing, or sports. However, a surprising number of famous faces have ventured beyond the spotlight to take on the role of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs). These celebrities have embraced business ventures, using their influence, wealth, and entrepreneurial spirit to run successful companies. What’s even more intriguing is that many of us might not realise that some of our favourite stars are also leading major businesses. Here’s a look at some celebrities who are also CEOs.
1. Jessica Alba – Honest Company
Jessica Alba is a well-known actress, having starred in films such as Fantastic Four and Sin City, but she is also a savvy businesswoman. In 2011, she co-founded The Honest Company alongside Christopher Gavigan and Brian Lee, which focuses on creating eco-friendly and non-toxic household products. Alba's move into the entrepreneurial world was inspired by her own experiences as a mother, seeking safer products for her family. What began as a simple idea to create a brand that mothers could trust has blossomed into a successful company valued at billions of dollars. Alba serves as the CEO of the company, and her leadership has helped it become a significant player in the wellness and consumer goods space. Honest company employs over 187 full time staff and in 2023 Honest Company posted a revenue (sales) of over $344 million.
2. Rihanna – Fenty Beauty
Rihanna is one of the most influential pop stars of her generation, but her impact extends far beyond music. In 2017, she launched Fenty Beauty, a cosmetics line that set a new standard for diversity in beauty products. The brand was praised for its wide range of foundation shades, catering to all skin tones, particularly those often overlooked by other brands. Rihanna's role as the CEO of Fenty Beauty allowed her to bring her vision of inclusivity to life, and the line became an instant success. Her partnership with LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) further bolstered the brand's influence, making Fenty Beauty one of the most profitable cosmetic brands in recent history.
Bernard Arnault, the chairman and chief executive officer of LVMH, stated that Fenty Beauty's sales approached 500 million euros (approximately $573 million) by the conclusion of 2018. According to Forbes, within 15 months of its launch in 2018, Fenty Beauty generated revenues totaling US$570 million. The overall valuation of the brand stands at US$2.8 billion, with 50% ownership attributed to its CEO, Rihanna.
3. Ashton Kutcher – A-Grade Investments
Ashton Kutcher is not only known for his acting career, particularly his roles in That ‘70s Show and Two and a Half Men, but also for his keen eye for business. In addition to his investments in tech companies such as Skype and Uber, Kutcher co-founded the venture capital firm A-Grade Investments alongside Guy Oseary and Ron Burkle. As a partner, he has helped fund startups that have gone on to achieve massive success, including Airbnb, Spotify, and Thrive Market. Kutcher’s deep interest in technology and business ventures has made him a force to be reckoned with in the world of startups, and he continues to support and mentor young entrepreneurs. Assets under management is reported to be $145 million.
4. Jay-Z – Roc Nation
Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, is often regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time. However, his business acumen has allowed him to transition from music mogul to a full-fledged CEO. In 2008, Jay-Z founded Roc Nation, a full-service entertainment agency that represents musicians, athletes, and other high-profile individuals. With its broad range of services, including music production, talent management, and sports representation, Roc Nation has grown into a multi-million-pound business. Jay-Z’s strategic leadership has made Roc Nation one of the most successful companies in the entertainment industry. Furthermore, his investments in companies like Tidal and his various other ventures have solidified his status as a billionaire.
Jay-Z Roc Nation valuation: $140 million
5. Kylie Jenner – Kylie Cosmetics
Kylie Jenner is another celebrity who has achieved success in the business world through her beauty brand, Kylie Cosmetics. As a member of the Kardashian-Jenner family, Kylie was already well-known thanks to the family’s reality TV show, Keeping Up with the Kardashians. However, she took her fame a step further by launching her cosmetics line in 2015. The company initially started with a lip kit, which quickly became a viral sensation. Jenner’s hands-on involvement in product development and marketing contributed to her becoming a self-made billionaire, according to Forbes. While there has been some controversy surrounding the valuation of her business, Kylie Cosmetics remains a significant player in the beauty industry, with Jenner continuing to lead as CEO.
On April 8, 2020, Forbes recognized Jenner once more as the youngest "self-made" billionaire globally, noting her net worth had risen to $1.2 billion. However, in May, Forbes issued a statement alleging that Jenner had falsified tax documents to present herself as a billionaire. The publication further claimed that she had misrepresented revenue figures for Kylie Cosmetics, referencing documents released by Coty Inc., which had acquired a majority stake in the brand. The article from Forbes ultimately determined that Kylie Cosmetics was considerably smaller and less profitable than earlier assessments indicated.
6. George Foreman – George Foreman Grill
George Foreman, the legendary former boxer, is perhaps best known for his role as the face of the George Foreman Grill. While most people may associate him with his boxing career, Foreman has achieved remarkable success as an entrepreneur. The George Foreman Grill, which was released in the 1990s, became a massive hit in the kitchen appliance market, selling over 100 million units worldwide. Foreman not only lent his name to the product but also served as the CEO and spokesperson, which helped elevate the brand to household-name status. His foray into business has made him one of the wealthiest athletes in history, and the grill remains a beloved product to this day.
The global acclaim of the George Foreman grill has led to sales exceeding 100 million units since its initial introduction, a remarkable achievement accomplished in just over 15 years. While Foreman has not disclosed the exact amount he has received from this endorsement, Salton, Inc. compensated him with $138 million in 1999 to acquire the rights to utilize his name. Prior to this agreement, he was receiving approximately 40 percent of the profits from each grill sold, which amounted to earnings of $4.5 million per month at its peak. Consequently, it is estimated that his total earnings from the endorsement have surpassed $200 million, a figure significantly greater than his income as a professional boxer.
7. Will Smith – Westbrook Inc.
Will Smith, known for his roles in films like Men in Black and The Pursuit of Happyness, has made a significant mark in the business world as well. In 2020, he and his long-time business partner, Jada Pinkett Smith, co-founded Westbrook Inc., a media company that focuses on producing and distributing content across a variety of platforms. Westbrook Inc. produces the popular Facebook Watch series Red Table Talk, which has garnered millions of viewers worldwide. Smith’s ventures extend beyond media, with successful investments in companies like the fitness brand Sweat, and his business acumen has positioned him as a key player in Hollywood’s evolving entertainment landscape.
In 2022, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith's Westbrook Inc. finalized an agreement to sell a minority interest to a media venture led by former Disney executives Tom Staggs and Kevin Mayer. Mayer and Staggs are being backed by the private-equity powerhouse Blackstone Group. Last year, their venture gained significant attention by acquiring Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine in a deal valued at $900 million, followed by a $3 billion acquisition of Moonbug Entertainment, the children’s television company responsible for “CoComelon” and “Blippi.”
