David Thomson Net Worth: Canada's Richest, Thomson Reuters & Art Collection.

David Kenneth Roy Thomson, 3rd Baron Thomson of Fleet, stands as one of Canada's most influential and private figures—a business magnate, media executive, and renowned art collector. Born on June 12, 1957, in Toronto, Ontario, he recently marked his 67th birthday.

As of June 2025, his formidable net worth is estimated at approximately $50 billion USD, cementing his position among the world's wealthiest individuals.

This substantial fortune places him at the pinnacle of traditional Canadian wealth, representing a lineage distinct from newer titans like Changpeng Zhao, who, through the cryptocurrency giant Binance, has also risen to become one of Canada's richest men.

A Canadian national, Thomson is primarily recognized for his pivotal role as the Chairman of Thomson Reuters, the global information and media giant.

Beyond his corporate leadership, he is celebrated for curating a world-class art collection, which is widely considered among the finest private holdings globally, notably featuring an extensive collection of works by John Constable.

Despite his immense wealth and significant public roles, Thomson maintains a remarkably low public profile, a hallmark of his approach to life and business.

His educational background reflects a blend of prestigious Canadian and British institutions. Thomson attended Upper Canada College and the Hall School in Toronto before pursuing higher education at Selwyn College, Cambridge, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History in 1978, later upgraded to a Master of Arts (Cantab).

This academic foundation in history is often cited as influencing his deep appreciation for art and his strategic long-term vision in business.

How Much is David Thomson Worth in 2025?

It’s hard to imagine just how vast David Thomson’s fortune really is. As of mid-2025, he’s sitting on an estimated $50 billion USD. That puts him squarely at the top of Canada’s richest list and comfortably among the world’s wealthiest billionaires.

Most of his fortune comes from his family’s stake in Thomson Reuters, a global powerhouse in media and information services.

When his father, Kenneth Thomson, passed away back in 2006, David inherited not just wealth but responsibility—becoming the new chairman of Thomson Corporation and later of the merged Thomson Reuters. The family’s holding company, Woodbridge, still controls the majority stake.

Early Life in Toronto

Born into one of Canada’s most powerful families, David grew up in Toronto’s elite circles. He was the eldest child, with siblings Taylor and Peter, and was sent to top-tier schools like Upper Canada College and The Hall School.

After finishing school in Canada, he crossed the Atlantic to study at Selwyn College, Cambridge, where he earned a degree in History. It was during these years that he developed a deep interest in art—a passion that would later rival his business ambitions.

From Retail Floors to Corporate Boardrooms

David didn’t immediately leap into the family’s top ranks. He cut his teeth as a junior associate at McLeod Young Weir before moving into family-owned businesses. One of his early gigs was managing a Bay store in Etobicoke and serving as president of Zellers, the now-defunct Canadian retail chain.

Wanting a bit more independence from the family business, David started Osmington Incorporated, a real estate investment firm. The company made headlines in 2010 when it sold off $336 million in assets to the Canada Pension Plan.

These days, Osmington has fingers in a lot of pies—from FarmersEdge in precision agriculture to True North Sports & Entertainment, the parent company of the Winnipeg Jets.

And yes, he’s even bringing Shake Shack to Canada, with plans for 35 locations.

Running Thomson Reuters: Business, Family, and Frustration

After his father’s death, David became the chairman of Thomson Corporation and led the major 2008 merger with Reuters Group to form what we now know as Thomson Reuters. It’s one of the largest information services companies in the world, and under David’s leadership, it’s expanded into countless sectors.

But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. After selling a controlling stake in its financial division back in 2018, David voiced his frustration with the company’s direction. Rumors in 2025 suggest he’s thinking about stepping back from the family business entirely to focus more on his art and real estate ventures.

An Eye for Art: Masterpieces and Milestones

Beyond his formidable business acumen, David Thomson is renowned as one of the world's most dedicated—and notably private—art collectors. His truly staggering collection spans centuries and movements, featuring masterpieces by luminaries such as Rembrandt, J.M.W. Turner, Edvard Munch, and Egon Schiele.

He also holds the distinction of owning the largest private collection of works by John Constable anywhere in the world. His discerning eye and significant resources have led to some landmark acquisitions over the decades.

These include the 1984 purchase of Turner's Seascape: Folkestone for £7.3 million, followed by Rembrandt's Christ Presented to the People in 1985 for £561,000.

In 2002, he made headlines with the acquisition of Rubens' Massacre of the Innocents for a remarkable $76.7 million. More recently, in 2016, he secured Lawren Harris's Mountain Forms for C$11.2 million, underscoring his deep appreciation for Canadian art.

Thomson's commitment to art extends significantly to Indigenous and Canadian works, exemplified by notable purchases like a striking C$1.8 million face mask.

His contributions to the Art Gallery of Ontario top $276 million, and he’s also established a $20 million endowment. His art ventures extend to the Archive of Modern Conflict and AMC Books, which help preserve global photography and publish unique works.

Real Estate, Jets, and Yachts: A Peek Behind the Curtain

Though David Thomson isn’t one to broadcast his personal life, whispers from insiders and property records suggest he lives a life steeped in quiet luxury.

His Toronto home in Rosedale is said to be a sprawling estate, worth at least $25 million USD, complete with a discreet underground gallery housing his massive art collection—think Rembrandt, Turner, and Constable masterpieces tucked away beneath the surface.

David Thomson House. 200 Roxborough Drive Toronto

Across the pond, David reportedly splits his time between Toronto and a grand townhouse in London, which insiders estimate at £20 million.

Perfectly placed near top auction houses and art galleries, it’s no surprise he’d choose a spot that makes collecting just a little more convenient.

When it comes to travel, Thomson is believed to favor comfort and privacy over showiness. Rumor has it he’s the quiet owner of a Gulfstream G650 jet, valued at around $65 million USD, perfect for quick business trips or slipping away to check out an art sale overseas.

And while he’s not one to flaunt a flashy lifestyle, there’s talk of a superyacht worth upwards of $100 million USD—complete with a private gallery and luxe suites. The yacht’s name? Well, that’s anyone’s guess.

Rumor has it he’s the quiet owner of a Gulfstream G650 jet similar to the one pictured.

Between his prime real estate, rumored private jet, and whisper-worthy yacht, David’s assets paint the picture of a man who enjoys life’s finer things, but on his own terms. He’s not out to impress the world; he lets his collection—and his quiet presence—do the talking.

Personal Life: Privacy, Family, and the Occasional Drama

David’s personal life has its fair share of twists. He has seven kids from four relationships—including with Mary Lou La Prairie, Laurie Ludwick, actress Kelly Rowan, and his current partner, Severine Nackers. His sprawling estate in Toronto’s Rosedale neighborhood even includes an underground gallery to house his priceless art collection.

Sotheby’s art expert Severine Nackers

He doesn’t court attention, but his family has occasionally found itself in the headlines. In 2017, his eldest daughter Thyra filed a lawsuit over the family trusts—though it was quietly settled.

David rarely gives interviews, but in one rare chat with The New York Times back in 2006, he summed up his views on wealth and life:

"When you try to live a more balanced life, traditional businessmen think that you are not a real man. But who is not the real man? You have not taken a weekend with your wife, you have no spare time that you use constructively, you do not have any hobbies, you do not know how to spell Mozart. And here you are telling me that I am weak?"

David Thomson in 2025: Quietly on Top Among Canada's Elite

In 2025, while Changpeng Zhao (CZ) stands as Canada's wealthiest individual, David Thomson remains an eminent figure among the nation's financial elite, holding a substantial net worth of $50 billion USD alongside his family.

True to his established persona, Thomson maintains a remarkably private existence, far removed from the public spotlight that often accompanies such immense wealth.

He notably shuns ostentation, preferring instead the solace of his world-class art collection, the company of his family, and a life lived with considerable discretion.

Despite his low public profile, Thomson's influence is extensive, quietly shaping landscapes across media, real estate, art, and philanthropy.

His strategic leadership, particularly within Thomson Reuters, underscores his significant impact on global information and business. While his endeavors resonate widely, you'll rarely find him publicly discussing his achievements, a testament to his consistent preference for a life of quiet influence over public fanfare.

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