Early Life
Kerry Matthew Stokes AC, originally named John Patrick Alford, was born on September 13, 1940, in Melbourne, Victoria. Raised in a challenging environment, he was adopted by Matthew and Irene Stokes after being given up by his unmarried mother, Marie Jean Alford. Growing up in Camp Pell, a slum housing area, Stokes faced numerous adversities. He dropped out of school at the age of 14, embarking on a tumultuous journey filled with various jobs and experiences that shaped his resilience and determination.
Career Beginnings
Stokes began his career installing television antennas in Perth before transitioning into property development during the 1960s and 1970s. Alongside partners Jack Bendat and Kevin Merifield, he developed shopping centers in Perth and regional Western Australia. His entrepreneurial spirit led to the establishment of Australian Capital Equity, a private company that serves as a holding entity for Stokes’ diverse interests in property, construction, mining, and petroleum exploration.
Media Ventures
Stokes’s foray into the media industry began with the Golden West Network, a regional television network in Western Australia. He acquired various local television and radio stations, ultimately securing a strategic 19% stake in the Seven Network in 1996, which has since increased to approximately 43%. Under his leadership, Seven has become a dominant media force in Australia, with significant investments in broadcast television, magazine publishing, and online ventures, including Yahoo!7.
Major Achievements
Stokes has been instrumental in shaping the Australian media landscape, having held the broadcasting rights for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. His company has also garnered awards for outstanding television coverage. Beyond media, Stokes has made substantial contributions to the arts and philanthropy, serving as chairman of the National Gallery of Australia and making multimillion-dollar donations to various causes.
Personal Life
Kerry Stokes has had four marriages, with notable relationships including his first wife, Dorothy “Dot” Ebert, and his fourth wife, Christine Simpson, a newsreader. He has three children and three grandchildren. Despite his success, Stokes’s personal life has not been without challenges and controversies, including his estrangement from his first family and debates over his pandemic-related exemptions.
Recognitions and Awards
Stokes’s contributions to Australian society have been recognized through various awards and honors. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 1995 and later a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in 2006. In 2012, he was named Western Australia’s Australian of the Year, highlighting his philanthropic efforts.
Net Worth and Legacy
As of May 2023, Stokes was reported to be the twelfth-richest Australian, with an estimated net worth of A$7.45 billion. He has consistently appeared in the Financial Review Rich List since its inception in 1984, illustrating his enduring impact on the Australian business landscape.
Conclusion
Kerry Stokes’s journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a prominent figure in Australian media and business exemplifies resilience and ambition. His legacy is marked by significant contributions to various industries, a commitment to philanthropy, and a profound influence on the community.
