Who Is Kerry Packer? Age, Biography and Wiki
Kerry Packer, an influential figure in the Australian media landscape, was born on December 17, 1937. He held significant sway as a publishing, media, and gaming tycoon until his passing on January 27, 2005. With a legacy that continues to impact the industry, Packer is remembered for transforming the media landscape in Australia. Known for his larger-than-life personality and business acumen, he was the son of Sir Frank Packer and took the reins of the family's media empire, which included Channel Nine, one of Australia's largest television networks.
| Occupation | Billionaire |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 17, 1937 |
| Age | 68 Years |
| Birth Place | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | Australia |
| Date of death | 26 December, 2005 |
| Died Place | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
Popularity
Kerry Packer's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While exact height and weight specifics for Kerry Packer were not frequently documented, it is understood that he had a robust physique typical of his larger-than-life persona. As a public figure, Packer's presence was formidable, often characterized by a confident demeanor reflecting his success in business and personal life.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Kerry Packer was married to Roslyn Packer, and together they had three children: James, Gretel, and Bianca. Their family has continued to maintain prominence in the Australian media and business sectors. After his passing, the family has been involved in philanthropic endeavors and has furthered the legacy of the Packer name in various business ventures. While Kerry Packer was not known for public relationships outside his marriage, his family life remained a key aspect of his identity.
His father was Sir Frank Packer, an Australian media proprietor who controlled Australian Consolidated Press and the Nine Network. His mother, Gretel Bullmore, was the daughter of Herbert Bullmore, the Scottish rugby union player. He had an older brother, Clyde Packer.
He took part in various sports at school, including boxing, cricket, and rugby; though he struggled academically, possibly due to undiagnosed dyslexia. On his father's death in 1974, the family estate, valued at $100 million, passed directly to Packer. His father had fallen out with his elder son, Clyde, in 1972.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Kerry Packer's estimated net worth was around $6.5 billion, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in Australia and a significant figure in the global media landscape. His wealth stemmed from his extensive business dealings, particularly in media and gaming, with his ownership of Channel Nine being a major contributor. Despite his passing, his influence on the media industry and ongoing family enterprises continue to generate considerable income.
Kerry Francis Bullmore Packer (17 December 1937 – 26 December 2005) was an Australian media tycoon, and was considered one of Australia's most powerful media proprietors of the twentieth century.
The Packer family company owned a controlling interest in both the Nine Network and the publishing company Australian Consolidated Press, which were later merged to form Publishing and Broadcasting Limited (PBL). Outside Australia, Packer was best known for founding World Series Cricket.
At the time of his death, he was the richest and one of the most influential men in Australia. In 2004, Business Review Weekly magazine estimated Packer's net worth at A$6.5 billion.
Career, Business and Investments
Kerry Packer's career began in earnest when he took over the family business, Consolidated Press Holdings, in the 1970s. He was instrumental in establishing the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and was also known for his investments in sports, notably cricket and rugby. Packer revolutionized television broadcasting in Australia, especially with coverage of international cricket through his World Series Cricket initiative, which earned him respect and influence in sports media. His business strategies often involved high-risk investments, but they paid off, leading to a flourishing media empire that remains strong to this day.
From gambling ventures to media expansions, Packer's portfolio was vast. His legacy includes the establishment of Australian casinos and various startups aimed at innovating the entertainment and gaming sectors.
Packer, through his family company Consolidated Press Holdings, was the major shareholder with a 37% holding in Publishing and Broadcasting Limited (PBL). Until Packer's death PBL owned the Nine television network, and Australian Consolidated Press which produces many of Australia's top-selling magazines.
He was involved in a number of other gambling and tourism ventures, notably Crown Casino in Melbourne. The Nine Network and Australian Consolidated Press businesses have since been divested to PBL Media.
Social Network
Although Kerry Packer passed away in 2005, his legacy continues to resonate across social media platforms via tributes and discussions surrounding his impact on Australian media and business. His family continues to uphold the Packer name and engage with audiences through various ventures, including charitable organizations and family-run businesses.
The Packer media empire included magazines, television networks, telecommunications, petrochemicals, heavy engineering, a 75% stake in the Perisher Blue ski resort, diamond exploration, coal mines and property, a share in the Foxtel cable TV network, and investments in the lucrative casino business in Australia and overseas.
Education
Kerry Packer attended the prestigious St. Joseph's College, Hunters Hill, before furthering his education at the University of Sydney, where he studied commerce and business. His education, combined with his exposure to the family business at a young age, equipped him with the skills necessary for his successful career in media and business.
The Packer family accepted an offer of a state memorial service, which was held on 17 February 2006 at the Sydney Opera House. The granting of this taxpayer-funded honour was criticised by some members of the community, as Packer was notorious for his alleged tax minimisation.
At the memorial service, close friend Alan Jones was Master of Ceremonies. The service featured speeches from his son, James; Russell Crowe on behalf of his daughter, Gretel; the Prime Minister in office at the time, John Howard; and cricket legend Richie Benaud.
Attendees included Tom Cruise (a friend of James Packer) and his then-partner Katie Holmes; Greg Norman; members of the Australian cricket team; and past and present figures from all sides of politics.
