Chaleo Yoovidhya

Rank: 12
Net Worth: $1.6 bil

Developed energy drinks in Thailand. Then, 17 years ago, teamed up with Austrian Dietrich Mateschitz and began marketing Red Bull drink worldwide. Today the $1.6 billion brand (2003 sales) is sold in more than 100 countries. U.S. sales, which account for one-third of revenues, jumped 41% over last year. Both founders have 49% stakes in Red Bull; Chaleo's son Chalerm has the remaining 2%. Also owns a stake in a private hospital in Thailand that mostly caters to foreign patients.