Stewart Kenny is best known as the co-founder of Paddy Power, one of the leading betting companies in Ireland and the United Kingdom. As of 2025, Stewart Kenny’s net worth is estimated to be $10 million, largely stemming from his involvement in building Paddy Power into a betting giant. While he is no longer an executive within the company, Kenny’s legacy and wealth continue to generate interest, especially considering his vocal stance against certain practices within the gambling industry in recent years.
Who is Stewart Kenny?
Stewart Kenny is an Irish entrepreneur and business executive with deep roots in Ireland’s gambling industry. Although details about his early life and upbringing are relatively private, Kenny became a prominent figure in Ireland’s corporate landscape due to his crucial role in the founding and development of Paddy Power, a brand that has grown to become one of Europe’s most recognized bookmakers.
Paddy Power was formed in 1988 following the merger of three Irish bookmakers: Kenny O’Reilly, David Power, and John Corcoran. Stewart Kenny played a pivotal role in this merger, and together, they grew the brand from a domestic bookmaker into a multinational powerhouse.
Paddy Power’s Success and Kenny’s Contribution
Stewart Kenny was instrumental in revolutionizing the gambling industry in Ireland. Paddy Power, under his guidance, became well-known for its bold marketing strategies, irreverent advertising, and expansion into retail betting shops across Ireland and the UK. The brand also made significant moves into online betting and mobile platforms, ensuring its growth through the 2000s and 2010s.
Kenny served as both CEO and Chairman of Paddy Power, where he helped shape its business model and corporate culture. During his tenure, Paddy Power was listed on the Irish and London Stock Exchanges and recorded remarkable financial growth. His leadership is often credited with laying the foundation for the company’s merger with Betfair in 2016, creating Flutter Entertainment, one of the largest gambling groups in the world today.
Stewart Kenny’s Net Worth
While Stewart Kenny’s current net worth is estimated to be around $10 million as of 2025, it’s important to note that much of his wealth was built during the early and mid-years of Paddy Power’s success. As a co-founder, Kenny benefited from the company’s growth and early profitability.
Unlike some entrepreneurs who hold onto large equity stakes, Kenny is believed to have divested much of his direct ownership before Paddy Power’s merger with Betfair. Despite stepping away from the corporate front line, his wealth has been sustained through strategic investments and his share in Paddy Power’s initial success.
Kenny’s Stance on Gambling and Addiction
In a surprising turn, Stewart Kenny has become an outspoken critic of certain aspects of the gambling industry, particularly its impact on vulnerable individuals. After leaving Paddy Power’s board, Kenny publicly expressed concerns about the rise of gambling addiction and the lack of regulatory oversight.
Kenny has consistently called for tougher regulations in the betting and gaming industry, especially regarding online gambling and advertising. His advocacy has been featured in multiple media outlets, where he has emphasized the moral responsibility of gambling operators to protect customers from harmful practices. This stance has garnered him respect from gambling reform advocates and the general public.
Personal Life and Low Profile
Unlike many high-profile business figures, Stewart Kenny is known for maintaining a private lifestyle. Now in his early 70s, Kenny avoids the limelight and seldom makes public appearances unless tied to his work on gambling reform. Information regarding his family, including whether he is married or has children, is kept away from public records, aligning with his discreet personal philosophy.
Despite stepping back from the corporate and public scenes, Kenny continues to reside in Ireland and remains actively involved in charitable and social causes, especially those linked to mental health and responsible gambling.
Legacy and Future Influence
Stewart Kenny’s legacy is complex yet significant. On one hand, he is celebrated as a pioneering entrepreneur who helped build one of Ireland’s most successful companies. On the other hand, he is respected as someone who, despite personal success in the gambling world, has used his voice to advocate for responsible gaming and tighter industry regulations.
While he no longer holds a leadership role at Paddy Power or its parent company Flutter Entertainment, Kenny’s influence on both the corporate and ethical dimensions of the gambling industry continues to be felt. His dual perspective—one of business success and social responsibility—makes him a unique figure in Irish business history.
Conclusion
Stewart Kenny’s estimated $10 million net worth reflects a career built on entrepreneurial foresight and leadership. However, his story is more than just about financial success. His advocacy for responsible gambling and public calls for reform set him apart from many of his contemporaries. As the gambling industry continues to evolve, Kenny remains a respected voice, championing balance between business growth and consumer protection.
