Introduction
Tom Ward is a billionaire entrepreneur who has made a name for himself in the oil and gas industry, as well as in the retail sector. He is known for his sharp business acumen and his ability to spot lucrative opportunities. In this blog post, we will explore the life and career of Tom Ward, from his early days in the oil and gas industry to his current position as a Walmart billionaire.
Early Life and Career
Tom Ward was born in Oklahoma City in 1959. He attended the University of Oklahoma, where he earned a degree in petroleum engineering. After graduation, he began his career in the oil and gas industry, working for several companies before co-founding Chesapeake Energy in 1989. Ward served as the company’s President and COO until 2006, helping to grow the company into one of the largest natural gas producers in the United States.
Chesapeake Energy and Mach Resources
In 2006, Tom Ward left Chesapeake Energy and founded a new company, SandRidge Energy. He served as the company’s CEO until 2013, when he was ousted by the board of directors. In 2017, Ward founded Mach Resources, a privately held oil and gas company based in Oklahoma City. Mach Resources has acquired several oil and gas assets in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Wyoming, and has become one of the largest producers in the region.
Walmart Billionaire
In addition to his success in the oil and gas industry, Tom Ward has also made a name for himself in the retail sector. In 2016, he became a billionaire when he sold his company, Tapstone Energy, to the Walmart family for $2.3 billion. The deal included a 3% stake in Walmart, which has since grown in value to over $5 billion. Ward is now one of the wealthiest people in Oklahoma, and is known for his philanthropic efforts in the state.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Tom Ward is married to Emily Hohler, a British journalist and author. The couple has three children and splits their time between Oklahoma and London. Ward is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare. He has donated millions of dollars to the University of Oklahoma, where he serves on the board of regents, and to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, which conducts groundbreaking research on diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s.
Tom Ward in the Media
Tom Ward has been the subject of several interviews and profiles in the media. He has been featured in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and Bloomberg, among other publications. He has also appeared on CNBC and Fox Business News to discuss his business ventures and the state of the oil and gas industry. In addition, Ward made a cameo appearance on the popular British crime drama, Silent Witness, in 2013.
Conclusion
Tom Ward is a self-made billionaire who has achieved success in both the oil and gas industry and the retail sector. He is known for his sharp business acumen and his ability to spot lucrative opportunities. Ward is also a generous philanthropist who has donated millions of dollars to causes he cares about. His story is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders around the world.
