31) Jeffrey Katzenberg (up arrow)
Age: 48
Residence: Beverly Hills
Source of Wealth: Entertainment
Net Worth: $750 million
Last Year’s Rank: Not on list
Background: Son of a stockbroker, Katzenberg grew up on New York’s Park Avenue, only blocks away from childhood friend Michael Eisner. Worked for New York Mayor John Lindsey when Barry Diller hired him as personal assistant. Joined Paramount in 1974 and quickly moved through the ranks to become president at age 31. Tapped by Eisner in 1984 to head Disney’s studio division. Driving force behind “The Lion King.” Left Disney in a huff in 1994 when he wasn’t tapped to succeed Disney President Frank Wells. Started DreamWorks SKG with friends Steven Spielberg and David Geffen in 1995.
Money Track: Katzenberg made $100 million in salary and bonuses at Disney, but claims the company owes him 2 percent in perpetuity from profits on any project done during his tenure. Sued for $250 million; the case is now in arbitration. (Disney has reportedly paid him around $100 million as part of a preliminary settlement.) Put up $33 million as his share of DreamWorks. Though the studio struggled initially, it’s been rolling out a string of hits. “Saving Private Ryan” has pulled in $215.9 million and “Prince of Egypt” $101.2 million.
Buzz: A workaholic who makes dozens of business calls a day and schedules as many as three breakfast meetings each morning. Said to have wanted some people to work Christmas Day at DreamWorks. Eisner claims he was offended when Katzenberg lobbied heavily to succeed Wells only days after the Disney executive was killed in a helicopter crash. But Katzenberg garnered sympathy when Eisner acknowledged calling him a “little midget.” Success of DreamWorks’ “The Prince of Egypt,” which he shepherded through production, raised his standing. Katzenberg has no title in his current job. “He’s K,” said a DreamWorks employee. “That’s his title.”
