Larry Ellison - Revision history

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	\| nationality = {{flag\|United States}} American		\| nationality = {{flag\|United States}} American
	\| education = University of Illinois (attended); University of Chicago (attended); no degree		\| education = University of Illinois (attended); University of Chicago (attended); no degree
			\| alma_mater = [[University of Illinois]] (dropped out)<br>[[University of Chicago]] (dropped out)
	\| occupation = Business Executive, Investor, Philanthropist		\| occupation = Business Executive, Investor, Philanthropist
	\| known_for = Co-founding Oracle Corporation; Lanai Island ownership		\| known_for = Co-founding Oracle Corporation; Lanai Island ownership

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	'''Lawrence Joseph Ellison''' (born August 17, 1944) is an American business magnate, investor, and philanthropist who co-founded '''Oracle Corporation''' and served as its chief executive officer from 1977 to 2014. He is currently Oracle's executive chairman, chief technology officer, and largest shareholder, owning approximately 41% of the company. Ellison briefly became the wealthiest person in the world in September 2025, with an estimated net worth exceeding '''$393 billion''', driven by Oracle's surging stock price following major artificial intelligence and cloud computing contracts.		'''Lawrence Joseph Ellison''' (born August 17, 1944) is an American business magnate, investor, and philanthropist who co-founded '''Oracle Corporation''' and served as its chief executive officer from 1977 to 2014.<ref name="forbes">{{cite web \|url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/-arry-llison/ \|title=Larry Ellison \|publisher=Forbes \|access-date=December 2025}}</ref> He is currently Oracle's executive chairman, chief technology officer, and largest shareholder, owning approximately 41% of the company. Ellison briefly became the wealthiest person in the world in September 2025, with an estimated net worth exceeding '''$393 billion''', driven by Oracle's surging stock price following major artificial intelligence and cloud computing contracts.<ref name="wealth">{{cite web \|url=https://www.forbes.com/real-time-billionaires/ \|title=Real Time Billionaires \|publisher=Forbes \|access-date=December 2025}}</ref>

	From a $2,000 initial investment in 1977, Ellison built Oracle into one of the world's largest technology companies, pioneering relational database software that became essential to enterprise computing. Known for his aggressive competitive tactics, flamboyant lifestyle, and outspoken personality, Ellison transformed Oracle through strategic acquisitions worth tens of billions of dollars, including PeopleSoft, Siebel Systems, and Sun Microsystems.		From a $2,000 initial investment in 1977, Ellison built Oracle into one of the world's largest technology companies, pioneering relational database software that became essential to enterprise computing. Known for his aggressive competitive tactics, flamboyant lifestyle, and outspoken personality, Ellison transformed Oracle through strategic acquisitions worth tens of billions of dollars, including PeopleSoft, Siebel Systems, and Sun Microsystems.
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	== References ==		== References ==
			{{Reflist}}

	* Wilson, Mike. ''The Difference Between God and Larry Ellison'' (1997)		* Wilson, Mike. ''The Difference Between God and Larry Ellison'' (1997)

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Created comprehensive article: Oracle co-founder, $393B peak wealth September 2025, relational database pioneer, 4 marriages, 98% Lanai island owner, America's Cup winner, children David and Megan in Hollywood, Giving Pledge signatory

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Maintenance script: Created comprehensive CEO article: Oracle co-founder 1977, CEO until 2014, now CTO & Executive Chairman, born Aug 17 1944 (adopted), 6 marriages/relationships: Adda Quinn, Nancy Wheeler Jenkins (met 1976), Barbara Boothe (Oracle receptionist, 2 children David & Megan Ellison), Melanie Craft (novelist, Steve Jobs wedding photographer 2003), Nikita Kahn, Jolin Zhu (current 2023), owns 98% Lanai Hawaii, America's Cup winner 2010/2013, Elon Musk close friend, Tesla board 2018-2022, net worth + (2...

2025-10-31T16:32:21Z

Created comprehensive CEO article: Oracle co-founder 1977, CEO until 2014, now CTO & Executive Chairman, born Aug 17 1944 (adopted), 6 marriages/relationships: Adda Quinn, Nancy Wheeler Jenkins (met 1976), Barbara Boothe (Oracle receptionist, 2 children David & Megan Ellison), Melanie Craft (novelist, Steve Jobs wedding photographer 2003), Nikita Kahn, Jolin Zhu (current 2023), owns 98% Lanai Hawaii, America's Cup winner 2010/2013, Elon Musk close friend, Tesla board 2018-2022, net worth + (2...

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Maintenance script: Created comprehensive CEO article: Oracle co-founder, CTO, executive chairman - full biography with adoptive family background, all marriages including Jolin Zhu, Steve Jobs friendship, PeopleSoft takeover, SAP lawsuit, sailing/America's Cup, Lanai island, net worth +

2025-10-29T21:09:10Z

Created comprehensive CEO article: Oracle co-founder, CTO, executive chairman - full biography with adoptive family background, all marriages including Jolin Zhu, Steve Jobs friendship, PeopleSoft takeover, SAP lawsuit, sailing/America's Cup, Lanai island, net worth +

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← Older revision		Revision as of 07:52, 22 December 2025
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	\| known_for = Co-founding Oracle Corporation; Lanai Island ownership		\| known_for = Co-founding Oracle Corporation; Lanai Island ownership
	\| title = Co-founder, CTO and Executive Chairman, Oracle Corporation		\| title = Co-founder, CTO and Executive Chairman, Oracle Corporation
	\| spouse = Adda Quinn (m. ~~1967–1974~~; div.)<br>Nancy Wheeler Jenkins (m. ~~1977–1978~~; div.)<br>Barbara Boothe (m. ~~1983–1986~~; div.)<br>Melanie Craft (m. ~~2003–2010~~; div.)		\| spouse = Adda Quinn (m. 1967-1974; div.)<br>Nancy Wheeler Jenkins (m. 1977-1978; div.)<br>Barbara Boothe (m. 1983-1986; div.)<br>Melanie Craft (m. 2003-2010; div.)
	\| children = 2 (David, Megan)		\| children = 2 (David, Megan)
	\| networth = $393 billion (September 2025 peak)		\| networth = $393 billion (September 2025 peak)
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	In 1962, Ellison enrolled at the '''University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign''', where he was named "Science Student of the Year" in his second year. However, when his adoptive mother Lillian died in 1964, Ellison dropped out and returned to Chicago. He briefly attended the '''University of Chicago''' in 1966 but again left without completing a degree.		In 1962, Ellison enrolled at the '''University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign''', where he was named "Science Student of the Year" in his second year. However, when his adoptive mother Lillian died in 1964, Ellison dropped out and returned to Chicago. He briefly attended the '''University of Chicago''' in 1966 but again left without completing a degree.

	Though he never earned a formal degree, Ellison's time in university introduced him to computer programming and ~~mathematics—skills~~ that would prove essential to his future success. Like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, Ellison became one of technology's most famous college dropouts.		Though he never earned a formal degree, Ellison's time in university introduced him to computer programming and mathematics - skills that would prove essential to his future success. Like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, Ellison became one of technology's most famous college dropouts.

	=== Move to California ===		=== Move to California ===
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	At Ampex, where he worked beginning in 1973, Ellison met two colleagues who would become his co-founders: programmer '''Ed Oates''' and their supervisor '''Bob Miner'''. The three would eventually found the company that became Oracle.		At Ampex, where he worked beginning in 1973, Ellison met two colleagues who would become his co-founders: programmer '''Ed Oates''' and their supervisor '''Bob Miner'''. The three would eventually found the company that became Oracle.

	During his years at Ampex, Ellison worked on a database project for the CIA codenamed "Oracle"—a name that would later become significant.		During his years at Ampex, Ellison worked on a database project for the CIA codenamed "Oracle" - a name that would later become significant.

	== Founding Oracle ==		== Founding Oracle ==
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	=== Software Development Laboratories ===		=== Software Development Laboratories ===

	In June 1977, Ellison, Miner, and Oates founded '''Software Development Laboratories''' (SDL) with an initial investment of $2,~~000—~~$1,200 from Ellison and $800 from Oates. Ellison owned 60% of the company, Miner owned 30%, and Oates owned 10%.		In June 1977, Ellison, Miner, and Oates founded '''Software Development Laboratories''' (SDL) with an initial investment of $2,000 - $1,200 from Ellison and $800 from Oates. Ellison owned 60% of the company, Miner owned 30%, and Oates owned 10%.

	The company's first project was a database for Precision Instrument Company. From the beginning, Ellison served as salesman and visionary while Miner focused on technical ~~development—a~~ division of labor that would continue for decades.		The company's first project was a database for Precision Instrument Company. From the beginning, Ellison served as salesman and visionary while Miner focused on technical development - a division of labor that would continue for decades.

	=== The Relational Database Revolution ===		=== The Relational Database Revolution ===
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	=== Oracle Database ===		=== Oracle Database ===

	In 1979, SDL released '''Oracle''' Version ~~2—calling~~ it Version 2 because Ellison believed customers would be reluctant to purchase a Version 1 product. (There was no Version 1.) The software allowed organizations to store, access, and manipulate data in unprecedented ways.		In 1979, SDL released '''Oracle''' Version 2 - calling it Version 2 because Ellison believed customers would be reluctant to purchase a Version 1 product. (There was no Version 1.) The software allowed organizations to store, access, and manipulate data in unprecedented ways.

	Oracle quickly gained traction with government and corporate customers who needed to manage growing amounts of data. The company renamed itself '''Relational Software Inc.''' and then, in 1982, '''Oracle Corporation''', after its flagship product.		Oracle quickly gained traction with government and corporate customers who needed to manage growing amounts of data. The company renamed itself '''Relational Software Inc.''' and then, in 1982, '''Oracle Corporation''', after its flagship product.
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	=== Growth and Near-Collapse ===		=== Growth and Near-Collapse ===

	The late 1980s saw explosive growth at Oracle, with revenues reaching $1 billion by 1990. However, Ellison's aggressive sales ~~culture—which~~ rewarded revenue growth at all ~~costs—created~~ problems. Sales representatives booked revenue prematurely, extended favorable terms to questionable customers, and overstated demand.		The late 1980s saw explosive growth at Oracle, with revenues reaching $1 billion by 1990. However, Ellison's aggressive sales culture - which rewarded revenue growth at all costs - created problems. Sales representatives booked revenue prematurely, extended favorable terms to questionable customers, and overstated demand.

	In 1990, Oracle nearly collapsed when these accounting practices came to light. The company restated its earnings, its stock price plummeted, and shareholders filed lawsuits. Ellison was forced to bring in new management and implement reforms. Oracle settled a securities fraud lawsuit for $24 million without admitting wrongdoing.		In 1990, Oracle nearly collapsed when these accounting practices came to light. The company restated its earnings, its stock price plummeted, and shareholders filed lawsuits. Ellison was forced to bring in new management and implement reforms. Oracle settled a securities fraud lawsuit for $24 million without admitting wrongdoing.
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	=== Artificial Intelligence Opportunity ===		=== Artificial Intelligence Opportunity ===

	Oracle's stock price surged dramatically in ~~2024–2025~~ as the company won major contracts related to artificial intelligence infrastructure. The company's data centers and cloud services became essential for training and deploying AI models.		Oracle's stock price surged dramatically in 2024-2025 as the company won major contracts related to artificial intelligence infrastructure. The company's data centers and cloud services became essential for training and deploying AI models.

	In September 2025, this AI-driven growth briefly made Ellison the wealthiest person in the world, with an estimated net worth exceeding $393 billion. He became only the second person in history (after Elon Musk) to accumulate a fortune exceeding $400 billion.		In September 2025, this AI-driven growth briefly made Ellison the wealthiest person in the world, with an estimated net worth exceeding $393 billion. He became only the second person in history (after Elon Musk) to accumulate a fortune exceeding $400 billion.
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	Ellison has been married four times:		Ellison has been married four times:

	'''Adda Quinn''' (~~1967–1974~~): Ellison met Quinn at a Berkeley employment agency when he was 22. They married in 1967 and lived modestly, renting a one-room apartment and later purchasing a small house in Oakland. Quinn, a San Jose schoolteacher, divorced Ellison in 1974, reportedly worn out by his lack of direction and mounting debts. According to biographer Mike Wilson, it was during a marriage counselor session while divorcing Quinn that Ellison decided to become a millionaire.		'''Adda Quinn''' (1967-1974): Ellison met Quinn at a Berkeley employment agency when he was 22. They married in 1967 and lived modestly, renting a one-room apartment and later purchasing a small house in Oakland. Quinn, a San Jose schoolteacher, divorced Ellison in 1974, reportedly worn out by his lack of direction and mounting debts. According to biographer Mike Wilson, it was during a marriage counselor session while divorcing Quinn that Ellison decided to become a millionaire.

	'''Nancy Wheeler Jenkins''' (~~1977–1978~~): Ellison's second marriage lasted barely a year. Jenkins notably gave up any financial claims to Oracle just before the company began its explosive ~~growth—a~~ decision she likely came to regret.		'''Nancy Wheeler Jenkins''' (1977-1978): Ellison's second marriage lasted barely a year. Jenkins notably gave up any financial claims to Oracle just before the company began its explosive growth - a decision she likely came to regret.

	'''Barbara Boothe''' (~~1983–1986~~): Ellison met Boothe when she worked as a receptionist at Relational Software (later Oracle). They married in 1983 and had two children: '''David''' (born 1966) and '''Megan''' (born 1986). By the time they divorced in 1986, Ellison's stake in Oracle was worth approximately $90 million. Boothe received a significant settlement.		'''Barbara Boothe''' (1983-1986): Ellison met Boothe when she worked as a receptionist at Relational Software (later Oracle). They married in 1983 and had two children: '''David''' (born 1966) and '''Megan''' (born 1986). By the time they divorced in 1986, Ellison's stake in Oracle was worth approximately $90 million. Boothe received a significant settlement.

	'''Melanie Craft''' (~~2003–2010~~): Ellison married romance novelist Craft in December 2003 at his Woodside estate. His close friend '''Steve Jobs''' served as the official wedding photographer. They divorced in 2010 without children.		'''Melanie Craft''' (2003-2010): Ellison married romance novelist Craft in December 2003 at his Woodside estate. His close friend '''Steve Jobs''' served as the official wedding photographer. They divorced in 2010 without children.

	Since his fourth divorce, Ellison has been linked romantically with several women, including model Nikita Kahn, but has not remarried.		Since his fourth divorce, Ellison has been linked romantically with several women, including model Nikita Kahn, but has not remarried.
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	'''Database Pioneer''': Oracle's relational database software became essential infrastructure for enterprise computing worldwide. Nearly every major corporation uses Oracle databases or products descended from them.		'''Database Pioneer''': Oracle's relational database software became essential infrastructure for enterprise computing worldwide. Nearly every major corporation uses Oracle databases or products descended from them.

	'''Consolidation Model''': Ellison's acquisition-driven growth ~~strategy—buying~~ competitors and integrating their ~~products—became~~ a template for enterprise software companies.		'''Consolidation Model''': Ellison's acquisition-driven growth strategy - buying competitors and integrating their products - became a template for enterprise software companies.

	'''Competitive Intensity''': Known for aggressive, sometimes ruthless competition, Ellison helped establish the combative culture that characterizes much of the technology industry.		'''Competitive Intensity''': Known for aggressive, sometimes ruthless competition, Ellison helped establish the combative culture that characterizes much of the technology industry.
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	Ellison remains a polarizing figure. Admirers praise his vision, determination, and ability to build one of technology's most enduring companies from nothing. Critics point to his aggressive tactics, conflicts of interest, near-destruction of Oracle through reckless growth, and sometimes abrasive personality.		Ellison remains a polarizing figure. Admirers praise his vision, determination, and ability to build one of technology's most enduring companies from nothing. Critics point to his aggressive tactics, conflicts of interest, near-destruction of Oracle through reckless growth, and sometimes abrasive personality.

	His flamboyant ~~lifestyle—the~~ yachts, jets, islands, and ~~mansions—has~~ invited both fascination and criticism. Some view him as embodying the American dream of success through talent and hard work; others see him as emblematic of excessive wealth concentration.		His flamboyant lifestyle - the yachts, jets, islands, and mansions - has invited both fascination and criticism. Some view him as embodying the American dream of success through talent and hard work; others see him as emblematic of excessive wealth concentration.

	== See Also ==		== See Also ==