James Ratcliffe

Former chemical engineer James Ratcliffe is the founder, chairman and majority owner of chemical powerhouse Ineos Group.The London-based conglomerate produces everything from synthetic oils and plastics to solvents used to make insulin and antibiotics. It has also become one of the largest players in the U.K. shale sector after entering the market in 2014. Its "Dragon Ships" -- behemoth 600 foot gas carriers -- were the first to transport U.S. shale gas into Europe. Ratcliffe mortgaged his house in 1992 to lead the buyout of a BP chemicals business; 6 years later, he bought a plant from that firm to form Ineos.