Bertil Hult Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts

Discover insights on Bertil Hult net worth, relationships, age/birthdate & birthday, plus his personal life and contributions to global education.

Bertil Hult Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts
Bertil Hult Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Bertil Hult Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Bertil Hult is a Swedish entrepreneur best known as the founder of EF Education First, a global education company that reshaped language learning and cultural immersion on a worldwide scale.

Introduction

Bertil Eric Hult, born February 10, 1941, is a Swedish businessman and pioneer in international education. He founded EF Education First in 1965, building it into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise that spans language schools, cultural exchanges, and academic programs globally. Today, he is recognized not only for his entrepreneurial success but also for his philanthropic efforts and influence in education. Hult has been married to Lisbeth Hult since 1974 and together they have four sons. His estimated net worth varies between reputable sources but consistently reflects multi-billion-dollar valuations rooted in his ownership of EF Education First.

Quick Facts (Table Summary)

Category Details
Full Name Bertil Eric Hult
Age/Birthdate February 10, 1941
Birthday February 10
Nationality Swedish
Profession Entrepreneur, Business Owner
Estimated Net Worth ~$2.6–4+ Billion (varies by source)
Relationship Status Married to Lisbeth Hult
Children Four sons
Known For Founding EF Education First; patron of Hult International Business School

Net worth estimates vary across reputable publications and financial trackers. 

A Vision Born from Personal Challenge

What distinguishes Bertil Hult’s journey isn’t just financial success — it’s a deeply personal one. Born and raised in Stockholm, he struggled academically because of dyslexia, a condition that fueled his belief in immersive learning rather than rote classroom study. After leaving school early and spending time working in London, Hult realized that immersion — living the language — was the most effective path to fluency. This insight would become the philosophical heart of his life’s work.

Defining moments in Bertil Hult’s journey include:

  • Embracing language immersion after struggling with dyslexia.

  • Starting EF Education First in a university dormitory basement in Sweden. 

  • Relocating the company’s headquarters to Lucerne, Switzerland, broadening international reach. 

The Core Pillars of Wealth

The foundation of Bertil Hult’s wealth lies in his continuing connection to the global education industry.

The core pillars of Bertil Hult’s wealth include:

  • EF Education First: The private company he founded and still owns through family holdings. 

  • Hult International Business School: A business school named in his honor, expanding his influence in elite education. 

  • Investments and Assets: Including notable luxury assets associated with his public profile. 

Net Worth Estimates (comparison across sources):

Source Estimate
Forbes ~$2.6B (through family holdings)
CelebrityNetWorth ~$4B
Historical Media (older) Up to ~$5B

These figures reflect how private ownership of a global company can lead to differences in public net worth reporting. The majority of his wealth is tied to EF Education First, a business that the Hult family continues to run. 

Bertil Hult Relationships & Personal Life

Bertil Hult’s long partnership with his wife Lisbeth Hult anchors his personal narrative. The couple married in 1974 and raised four sons together. Two of his sons — Philip and Edward (Eddie) Hult — play active leadership roles within EF’s global operations. 

Key insights into Bertil Hult’s relationships and personal life:

  • Married to Lisbeth Hult since 1974. 

  • Four sons, several of whom occupy top leadership roles at EF. 

  • The Hult family’s home base is in Lucerne, Switzerland. 

Despite the public nature of his business life, Hult’s personal life has remained relatively private, with the emphasis generally on family continuity and the success of the next generation at EF.

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond boardrooms, Hult has cultivated a life that reflects both entrepreneurial achievement and personal passions.

Beyond career success, Bertil Hult leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

  • Competitive sailing, with yachts such as the famous Erica XII

  • Philanthropy and educational support tied to dyslexia awareness and global learning initiatives.

Hult’s affinity for sailing even led to victories in major races and social connections with high-profile figures — acts that mirror his risk tolerance in business. 

Understanding Bertil Hult’s Public Image & Legacy

Bertil Hult’s story defies the clichés of traditional academic achievement. Instead, it champions innovation, resilience, and global cultural perspective — qualities that ripple through EF’s global footprint.

He is seen not just as a businessman but as an advocate for experiential learning and cultural exchange. His legacy includes:

  • Transforming language education on a global scale.

  • Establishing institutions that continue to influence thousands of students and professionals worldwide.

  • Philanthropic contributions that advance educational access and support for learning differences.

Hult’s career offers a blueprint in how personal struggle can fuel industry-wide impact — and how a private company can shape global culture without standard public market scrutiny.

Conclusion

From dyslexia-fueled insights to pioneering language immersion education, Bertil Hult has crafted a narrative where purpose and prosperity intersect. His estimated net worth reflects not just financial success but decades of sustained global impact through EF Education First and affiliated institutions. His birthdate of February 10, 1941 and celebration of his birthday are landmarks in a life dedicated to opening educational doors worldwide. The story of his personal life, family continuity, and ongoing influence underscores his role as a visionary, leader, and global educator.