Top 10 Most Youngest CEOs In The World 2024

Successful businesses aren't born overnight; they're the result of human ingenuity and strategic decision-making. Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) play a pivotal role in shaping and steering these enterprises toward prosperity. The accomplishments of numerous young CEOs underscore the notion that age is no barrier to success.

This post explores the achievements of the youngest CEOs globally in 2023. Remarkably, individuals as young as 30 are not only managing but thriving in their entrepreneurial ventures. These prodigious leaders possess the requisite skills for their roles, setting an example and propelling their businesses forward in fiercely competitive markets.

In the space of business, age is inconsequential for a CEO. What matters is talent, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The CEOs featured in this list pursued their ambitions, unburdened by societal expectations about age. Aspiring entrepreneurs should take note: there's no perfect time to start; it's better to commence late than never.

As we delve into the stories of the world's youngest CEOs in 2023, from the youngest to the oldest on the list, their journeys inspire a generation to follow their passions and strive for recognition in the competitive world of business.

Top 10 Most Youngest CEOs In The World 2024

• Thakur, 19 years old; (Net worth : NA)
• Ritesh Agarwal, 29 years old; sum of money: $1.1 billion
• Ben Kaufman, 29 years old; sum of money: NA
• Evan Spiegel, 32 years old; sum of money: $2 billion
• Jared Hecht, 35 years old; Sum of money: NA
• David Karp,36years old,sum of money: $200,000,000
• Suhas Gopinath,36years old; sum of money: NA)
• Prag Agrawal, 38 years old; sum of money: $1.6 billion
• Mark Zuckerberg, 38 years old; sum of money: $62.7 billion)
• Matthew J. Meloy, CEO of Targa Resources Corp

1. Advait Thakur

At just 19 years old, Advait Thakur stands as the world's youngest CEO, boasting a remarkable array of accomplishments for his age. Thakur, a proficient software engineer and AI scientist, leads Apex Infosys India, a prominent multinational technology and innovation company specializing in Internet of Things (IoT) services and products.

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His journey began in 2015 when he initiated Apex Business Solutions Digital Agency with a dual purpose—expanding his technological expertise and aiding NGOs in establishing an online presence. Thakur's commitment to technological innovation earned him recognition, landing him a spot on India Today's Young Entrepreneurs Of 2019 and The Startup India's Top 10 Young Entrepreneurs In India 2018 lists.

Further solidifying his impact, Thakur was honored as the Most Influential Youth Marketing Professional Of 2019 at the Global Youth Marketing Forum hosted by Zoom, organized by The Times Company. Notably, at the age of 14, he ventured into web development, creating his first website, www.coolhindustan.com, demonstrating his early passion and aptitude for the digital space.

2. Ritesh Agarwal

At 29 years old, Ritesh Agarwal, the CEO and founder of OYO Rooms, stands out as an Indian billionaire entrepreneur with a net worth of $1.1 billion, making him one of the youngest CEOs globally. His entrepreneurial journey began with Oravel Stays, a platform for affordable hotel bookings, which secured a $100,000 grant as a 2013 Thiel Fellowship winner. Venture Nursery further propelled it by accepting the venture into its accelerator program in September 2012.

OYO Rooms, established in May 2013, rapidly gained traction, generating nearly $1 billion in just five years. Agarwal's strategic acumen became evident as he not only maintained momentum but quadrupled his earnings. By February 2023, he earned the distinction of being the second-youngest Asian billionaire on Forbes' under-30 list.

Celebrity.com forecasts a net worth of $1.1 billion for the 38-year-old billionaire, solidifying Agarwal's position among the world's youngest and most successful CEOs. His trajectory showcases not only financial prowess but also an entrepreneurial spirit that continues to drive OYO Rooms to new heights.

3. Ben Kaufman

At 29 years old, Ben Kaufman, the CEO and founder of CAMP, a national family-oriented retail chain established in 2018, has navigated a dynamic entrepreneurial journey. His initial venture, Mophie, embarked upon when he was just 18, provided valuable lessons on the challenges of product launch and sustainability.

In 2009, Kaufman ventured into the realm of innovation as the founder and CEO of Quirky, a marketplace fostering collaboration among global creatives. Recognizing the difficulties faced by inventors, he aimed to lower entry barriers. Post-Quirky, Kaufman initiated Scroll, evolving into the parent company for design entities like Auxiliary and Thrice.com (known for pool floats) and Homesick Candles (specializing in state-scented candles).

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BuzzFeed's acquisition of Scroll in 2016 led to the establishment of BuzzFeed Product Lab, an internal retail division, with Kaufman spearheading the e-commerce operation. His diverse entrepreneurial endeavors underscore his resilience and commitment to fostering creativity and collaboration in the ever-evolving landscape of product development and retail.

4. Evan Spiegel

At 32 years old, Evan Spiegel, an American businessman and co-founder of Snap Inc., has amassed a substantial fortune, with an estimated net worth of $2 billion. Spiegel, alongside Bobby Murphy and Reggie Brown, initiated the social media startup Snap Inc. during their time as Stanford University students, where he currently serves as the CEO.

Spiegel's journey to becoming one of the world's richest young CEOs commenced in 2011 when he proposed the concept for Snapchat, a messaging service facilitating instant communication. Initially met with skepticism and dismissed as a prank by classmates, the platform has since become a globally recognized social media giant.

Earning the title of the youngest billionaire in 2015, Spiegel's entrepreneurial success defied early doubts, with Snapchat evolving into a prominent player in the social media landscape. With an estimated net worth of $2 billion, as reported by celebritynetworth.com, Spiegel stands as a testament to the potential for innovation and perseverance to yield substantial rewards in the dynamic world of technology and social media.

5. Jared Hecht

Jared Hecht, at 35 years old, is the CEO of Fundera, an online marketplace facilitating connections between small business owners and top lenders. Notably, he co-founded GroupMe, a group chat service, which gained recognition through its acquisition by Skype in August 2011 and subsequently by Microsoft.

Beyond his role at Fundera, Hecht contributes as an investor and advisor to various startups, including TransferWise, SmartThings, and Codecademy. Graduating from Columbia University in 2009 with a degree in political science, he has maintained his ties to the institution, currently serving on the advisory board of the Columbia University Entrepreneurship Organization. During his time as a student, Hecht held the positions of executive director and publisher for the student-written guidebook Inside New York, showcasing his early involvement in entrepreneurship and leadership. The financial specifics of his wealth remain undisclosed, emphasizing Hecht's focus on fostering business connections and contributing to the startup ecosystem.

6. David Karp

At 36 years old, American internet entrepreneur David Karp has amassed a considerable fortune, estimated at $200 million. Best known as the co-founder of the widely used blogging platform Tumblr, Karp, along with Macro Arment, propelled the platform to rapid success, boasting 75,000 users within its first two weeks and currently hosting over 100 million active blogs.

Karp's journey began as a businessman and software developer, initially involved in animation before transitioning to software consulting during his teenage years. Displaying a penchant for entrepreneurship, he chose to drop out of high school and pursued homeschooling for three years with parental consent.

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As one of the youngest CEOs globally, Karp's net worth reached $200 million, underscoring the substantial impact of his contributions to the internet and technology landscape. His entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with early career decisions, has solidified Karp's position as a notable figure in the digital space.

7. Suhas Gopinath

Suhas Gopinath, at 36 years old, stands as the chairman, CEO, and founder of Global Inc., a multinational information technology company. His remarkable journey began at the age of 14 when, through books and self-study, he crafted his first website, www.coolhindustan.com. By 2000, at the tender age of 17, he established Globals Inc., taking on the role of CEO three years later and becoming the youngest CEO ever, completing this feat before turning 18.

Gopinath's talents and achievements have garnered him various accolades, including the Young Achiever Award and the Rajyotsava Award. Despite his young age, he pursued education at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government, further enhancing his knowledge and skills.

Suhas Gopinath, at 36, remains one of the world's youngest CEOs, a testament to his early entrepreneurial success and continued impact in the realm of information technology. His story exemplifies the potential for exceptional achievement at a young age.

8. Prag Agrawal

At 38 years old, Prag Agrawal, a software engineer from India, currently serves as the CEO of Twitter Inc. Previously holding the position of CTO at Twitter, Agrawal has left a lasting impact through significant contributions such as expanding the Twitter Ads systems for future development and enhancing the relevancy of the home timeline.

Notably, Agrawal has played a key role in Twitter's exploration of decentralized technologies, including Blockchain, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). As the youngest CEO of a Fortune 500 company at the age of 38, he receives a substantial compensation package, comprising a yearly benefit package and a salary exceeding $1 million.

Agrawal's professional journey includes intern researcher roles at Yahoo! Research and Microsoft Research before joining Twitter. His leadership and technological expertise underscore his role in steering Twitter into new frontiers, making him a notable figure in the world of software engineering and social media.

9. Mark Zuckerberg

At 38 years old, he remains a prominent figure among the world's youngest CEOs. A media mogul, internet entrepreneur, and philanthropist, he co-founded Facebook and currently oversees Meta Platforms as its chairman, CEO, and majority shareholder. Zuckerberg's entrepreneurial journey began in 2004 at Harvard University, where he, along with roommates, launched Facebook, rapidly expanding its reach to one billion users by 2012. In a pivotal move, he listed the company in May 2012. Notably, at 23, Zuckerberg became the youngest self-made millionaire in 2007. Forbes reports his net worth at $62.7 billion, solidifying his position among the highest-earning CEOs.

10. Matthew J. Meloy

Matthew J. Meloy, as the CEO of Targa Resources Corp., concludes our list of the world's top 10 youngest CEOs. Targa Resources, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Houston, Texas, stands as a significant provider of natural gas and natural gas liquids through its infrastructure.

While not exclusively, a considerable portion of Targa Resources' operations is concentrated along the Gulf Coast, with a notable presence in Louisiana and Texas. Matthew J. Meloy's leadership in guiding Targa Resources, a key player in the energy sector, underscores the diverse range of industries represented by the world's youngest CEOs.

In conclusion, the world's top 10 youngest CEOs in 2024 showcase a diverse array of talents and industries. From tech entrepreneurs like Mark Zuckerberg and Prag Agrawal to innovators in energy like Matthew J. Meloy, these leaders defy age norms, achieving remarkable success in their respective fields. Their stories highlight the transformative power of entrepreneurship and dedication, from Evan Spiegel's pioneering role in social media to Suhas Gopinath's trailblazing journey in information technology. Each CEO's unique path emphasizes the potential for early achievements, innovation, and resilience in shaping a global impact across technology, social media, and energy sectors.