Cincinnati's Wealthiest Resident: Carl Lindner III

According to Forbes real-time billionaire tracking and historical rankings, the richest person in Cincinnati, Ohio is Carl H. Lindner III (often styled Carl Lindner III).

Profile

• Role: Co-Chief Executive Officer & Co-Chairman, American Financial Group (AFG) (NYSE: AFG).
• Net Worth: Estimated $2.7–3.5 billion (fluctuates with AFG stock; Forbes 2024: ~$3.1B).
• Family Dynasty: Son of Carl Lindner Jr. (1919–2011), who built the Lindner empire from a dairy farm into a financial/insurance/convenience-store conglomerate (United Dairy Farmers, Chiquita, Great American Insurance). Carl III and siblings (S. Craig Lindner, Martha Lindner, Courtney O'Neil, Carl Lindner IV) hold controlling interest via Lindner Family Holdings.
• Education: University of Cincinnati (did not graduate); honorary doctorate 2011.
• Civic Leadership: Major philanthropist (Lindner Family Foundation)—UC Lindner College of Business, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati Zoo, arts institutions. Minority owner, Cincinnati Reds (since 2006).

American Financial Group (AFG) Snapshot

• Founded 1872 as German Mutual Fire Insurance; Lindner family control since 1970s.
• Specialty property/casualty insurer: niche markets (equine, trucking, aviation, agribusiness, executive liability).
• Annuity subsidiary: Great American Life Insurance.
• Market cap: ~$11B; 7,000+ employees; HQ: Great American Tower, 301 E Fourth St, Cincinnati.

Other Notable Cincinnati-Area Billionaires (Forbes)

• B. Brett Finlay (Cintas founder, Scott's Crossing, KY – metro adjacent) – ~$3B.
• John & David Mehas (Tasti-Brands, snack foods) – ~$1B+.
• James J. Gardner (Gardner Inc., logistics) – ~$1B.

Note: Many ultra-wealthy Cincinnatians (e.g., Procter & Gamble heirs, Kroger descendants) hold wealth via trusts/family offices not fully captured in public filings. Lindner III is the most visible, actively managed, locally headquartered billionaire.