Overview

Peter Thum is an American entrepreneur and businessman recognized as a pioneer in social enterprise. He is best known for founding Ethos Water, a bottled water company with a social mission to provide clean water to children in developing countries. Ethos Water was later acquired by Starbucks. Following the acquisition, Thum served as a Vice President at Starbucks and a Director of the Starbucks Foundation. Beyond Ethos Water, Peter Thum founded Giving Water in 2008, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing water, sanitation, and hygiene education to children in need. In 2009, he co-founded Fonderie 47, a brand that transforms assault rifles from African conflict zones into high-end jewelry and accessories, aiming to reduce the number of these weapons in circulation. Continuing his commitment to social change, Thum launched Liberty United in 2013. He has also served on various boards, including The Starbucks Foundation, The Center for Human Rights at Claremont McKenna College, and The Fund for Global Human Rights.

What Is Peter Thum Net Worth

Peter Thum, an American entrepreneur and businessman, has an estimated net worth of $10 million as of 2023. His financial standing is primarily attributed to his successful entrepreneurial ventures, most notably the creation and subsequent sale of Ethos Water to Starbucks.

Breakdown of Peter Thum Net Worth

Peter Thum’s $10 million net worth is primarily derived from his entrepreneurial endeavors. A significant portion of his wealth comes from the establishment and sale of Ethos Water to Starbucks. In 2005, Starbucks acquired Ethos Water for $8 million. Thum’s leadership as president of Ethos Water through its acquisition played a crucial role in this financial success.

Beyond Ethos Water, Thum has founded other ventures such as Fonderie 47 and Liberty United, contributing to his overall financial portfolio. While the exact financial specifics of these ventures aren’t publicly detailed, they reflect Thum’s commitment to social impact and innovative business models, further solidifying his entrepreneurial reputation and contributing to his income. As CEO of Liberty United and co-founder of Fonderie 47, Thum intertwines business with social impact. Fonderie 47, established in 2009, transforms assault rifles into jewelry, watches, and accessories. Thum’s work with Fonderie 47 has led to the removal of over 50,000 assault rifles from African conflict zones.

Career Highlights and Philanthropic Ventures

Peter Thum’s career is marked by a blend of business acumen and social responsibility. In 2001, while consulting in South Africa for McKinsey & Company, Thum witnessed the lack of access to clean water, inspiring him to create Ethos Water. He led Ethos as president through its acquisition by Starbucks in 2005. From 2005 to 2008, he managed Ethos and other businesses as a vice president of Starbucks and guided its philanthropy as a Director of the Starbucks Foundation.

In 2008, Thum founded Giving Water, a non-profit organization focused on providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education to children in need. Since its inception, Giving Water has supported programs for over 6,000 school children in Kenya, demonstrating Thum’s commitment to addressing global water issues.

He has served on the boards of The Starbucks Foundation, The Center for Human Rights at Claremont McKenna College, and The Fund for Global Human Rights. Thum has also been featured in advertising campaigns by UBS and Cross Pen Company, highlighting his innovative approach to social entrepreneurship. His work has earned him recognition, including the Disruptive Innovation Award at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2012.

Peter Thum is married to actress Cara Buono, whose net worth is also estimated to be around $10 million as of October 2024. Cara Buono was born on March 1, 1971, and raised in The Bronx, New York City. She is best known for her roles in “Mad Men,” “Stranger Things,” and “The Sopranos”. Buono and Thum married in 2008 and have one daughter.

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