Larry Ellison : The Visionary Behind Oracle’s Success

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Larry Ellison is the co-founder and former CEO of Oracle Corporation, a leading enterprise software company. Known for his vision and innovation, Ellison is a prominent figure in the tech industry.

Biography

Attribute Details
Full Name Lawrence Joseph Ellison
Date of Birth August 17, 1944
Nationality American
Occupation Businessman, Entrepreneur
Known For Co-founding Oracle Corporation
Positions Held Chief Executive Officer (1977-2014), Chief Technology Officer, Executive Chairman at Oracle Corporation
Net Worth (September 2024) $182 billion (Bloomberg Billionaires Index), $206.6 billion (Forbes)
Ranking (September 2024) Fifth-wealthiest person in the world (Bloomberg), Third-wealthiest person in the world (Forbes)
Notable Ownership 98% of Lānaʻi, the sixth-largest island in the Hawaiian Islands

Early Life

Larry Ellison was born on August 17, 1944, in New York City to an unwed Jewish mother. When he was just nine months old, he contracted pneumonia, and his mother decided to send him to Chicago to be raised by her aunt and uncle, Lillian and Louis Ellison, who adopted him. Growing up in a middle-class neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago, Larry demonstrated an early aptitude for science and mathematics. Despite his adoptive father’s stern demeanor, Larry’s adoptive mother, Lillian, provided him with a nurturing environment. His early life was marked by frequent moves and a sense of not fully belonging, but he would later use these experiences to fuel his drive and ambition in the world of technology and business.

Family

Relation Name Information
Mother Florence Spellman Florence gave birth to Larry out of wedlock and later gave him up for adoption when he was nine months old.
Father Unidentified Larry Ellison’s biological father is unknown.
Adoptive Mother Lillian Ellison Lillian adopted Larry and raised him in Chicago. She was his biological aunt.
Adoptive Father Louis Ellison Louis was married to Lillian and co-raised Larry after his adoption.
Siblings None Larry Ellison does not have any known biological or adoptive siblings.

Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements

Measurement Value
Height 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm)
Weight 185 lbs (84 kg)
Chest Unknown
Waist Unknown
Biceps Unknown
Shoe Size Unknown

Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend

As of now, Larry Ellison is not publicly known to be in a relationship.

Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle Corporation, has had several relationships and marriages in the past. Here is a detailed table of his past relationships:

Name Relationship Type Details
Adda Quinn Wife Married in 1967, divorced in 1974.
Nancy Wheeler Jenkins Wife Married in 1977, divorced in 1978. This marriage lasted for about a year.
Barbara Boothe Wife Married in 1983, divorced in 1986. They have two children together, David and Megan.
Melanie Craft Wife Married on December 18, 2003, and divorced in 2010. Melanie is a romance novelist.

Additional Information

Throughout his career and personal life, Larry Ellison has been known to have relationships with several notable women, though many of these relationships were not formalized into marriage. Despite his multiple marriages and divorces, Ellison has maintained a prominent status in the tech industry and continues to be one of the wealthiest individuals in the world.

Career, Achievements And Controversies

Larry Ellison is best known as the co-founder, executive chairman, and chief technology officer (CTO) of Oracle Corporation, one of the world’s largest and most influential software companies. His fame primarily stems from his role in building Oracle into a global tech giant.

Larry Ellison’s career began with various tech-related jobs, including a stint at the electronics company Ampex, where he worked on a database project for the CIA, code-named “Oracle.” In 1977, Ellison co-founded Software Development Laboratories (SDL) with Bob Miner and Ed Oates. SDL was later renamed Oracle Corporation after its flagship product, the Oracle Database.

Popular Works

  • Oracle Database: Ellison’s early work on the Oracle Database revolutionized the way companies managed and utilized data. The Oracle Database became a cornerstone of modern enterprise software.
  • Oracle Applications: Under Ellison’s leadership, Oracle expanded its product line to include enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), and other business applications.
  • Cloud Computing: Ellison has been a vocal advocate for cloud computing, positioning Oracle as a key player in the cloud infrastructure and applications market.
  • Forbes Billionaires List: Larry Ellison has consistently ranked among the wealthiest individuals in the world, frequently appearing in the top 10 of Forbes’ Billionaires List.
  • Golden Plate Award: In 1997, Ellison received the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement.
  • Technology Hall of Fame: Ellison was inducted into the Bay Area Business Hall of Fame in 1998 for his contributions to the technology industry.

Despite his many achievements, Larry Ellison has been involved in several controversies throughout his career:

  • Hostile Takeovers: Ellison’s aggressive business tactics, including attempts at hostile takeovers of competitors such as PeopleSoft and Siebel Systems, have drawn criticism and led to legal battles.
  • Personal Spending: Ellison’s lavish lifestyle, including the purchase of luxury properties, yachts, and even an entire Hawaiian island, has often been a subject of public scrutiny and debate.
  • Legal Issues: Oracle has faced various legal challenges under Ellison’s leadership, including antitrust lawsuits and intellectual property disputes.
  • Management Style: Ellison’s management style has been described as autocratic and demanding, leading to high employee turnover and internal conflicts within Oracle.

Despite these controversies, Larry Ellison’s impact on the technology industry and his role in building Oracle into a global powerhouse are undeniable. His entrepreneurial spirit and visionary leadership continue to shape the future of enterprise software and cloud computing.

FAQ

Who is Larry Ellison?
Larry Ellison is an American business magnate, co-founder, and former CEO of Oracle Corporation, one of the largest software companies in the world. He is also known for his significant contributions to the technology industry and his role as an investor, philanthropist, and public figure.
When and where was Larry Ellison born?
Larry Ellison was born on August 17, 1944, in New York City, New York, USA.
What is Oracle Corporation?
Oracle Corporation is a multinational computer technology company headquartered in Austin, Texas. The company specializes in developing and marketing database software and technology, cloud engineered systems, and enterprise software products.
What is Larry Ellison’s net worth?
As of October 2023, Larry Ellison’s net worth is estimated to be over $100 billion, making him one of the richest individuals in the world.
What are some notable achievements of Larry Ellison?
Some of Larry Ellison’s notable achievements include co-founding Oracle Corporation in 1977, leading the company to become a global leader in database management systems, and being a key figure in the development of the SQL (Structured Query Language) standard for relational databases. Additionally, he has made significant investments in real estate, sailing, and philanthropy.
What philanthropic efforts is Larry Ellison involved in?
Larry Ellison has pledged to donate a substantial portion of his wealth to philanthropic causes. He has supported medical research, education, and wildlife conservation, among other causes. He is also a signatory of The Giving Pledge, a commitment by some of the world’s wealthiest individuals to give away the majority of their wealth to address society’s most pressing issues.
Does Larry Ellison have any interests outside of technology?
Yes, Larry Ellison has a range of interests outside of technology, including yachting, aviation, and real estate. He is an accomplished sailor and has won the prestigious America’s Cup. He also owns several luxury properties around the world and has a keen interest in architecture and design.
Is Larry Ellison still involved with Oracle Corporation?
While Larry Ellison stepped down as CEO of Oracle Corporation in 2014, he continues to play a significant role in the company as the Executive Chairman and Chief Technology Officer (CTO). He remains actively involved in strategic decisions and the overall direction of the company.

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