Charles Butt
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Charles Clarence Butt (born February 3, 1938) is an American heir and billionaire. He inherited his family's San Antonio–based H-E-B supermarket chain in 1971. The privately held company has more than 400 stores and $38.9 billion in sales, according to Forbes.[1]
In late 2019, Butt and his family had a net worth of over US$10 billion, according to Forbes. Butt was listed #230 on Forbes billionaire list in 2025.[2]
Early life
Charles Clarence Butt was born on February 3, 1938, the son of Howard Edward Butt Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Holdsworth, and the grandson of Florence Butt, who founded H-E-B in 1905.[3]
Butt graduated from University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School with a bachelor's degree.[4] He earned an MBA from Harvard Business School.[5]
Career
Butt became chairman, CEO, and president of the H-E-B Grocery Company in 1971.[6][3][7]
In late 2019, Butt and his family had a net worth of over US$10 billion, according to Forbes.[3]
Awards and recognition
In November 2001, the Mexican government awarded Butt the Aguila Azteca medal for his philanthropic involvement and business dealings in Mexico.[8]
In 2013, AdvisoryCloud ranked Butt as the No. 5 CEO on its Top Chief Executive List.[9]
Philanthropy
Butt pledged $50 million to the Raising Texas Teachers scholarship fund to support the training of Texas public school teachers.[10][11]
In January 2017, he pledged $100 million to Texas public education and created The Holdsworth Center, named after his mother Mary Elizabeth Butt (née Holdsworth).[12][13]
In September 2017, Butt donated $5 million to J. J. Watt's Houston Hurricane Harvey relief fund.[14][15]
In May 2018, Butt pledges to The Giving Pledge and writes in his release that he intends to help children and teachers.[16]
In June 2022, the Butt family and H-E-B donated $10 million to help build a new elementary school in Uvalde, Texas after the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School.[17]
In March 2024, Butt donated $500,000 to the State of Texas Agricultural Relief (STAR) Fund to aid Texas farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural businesses affected by the wildfires there.[18]
Personal life
In 2024, Butt donated about 75 pieces from his personal art collection to museums in Texas.[19]
Butt frequently donates to political campaigns, primarily those of Republicans but has donated to various Democratic campaigns as well.[20]
References
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- ↑ "H-E-B Official Website - History Template:Webarchive" HEB.com. Retrieved on April 23, 2010.
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