Kathy Britton, though perhaps not as publicly visible as other billionaires, stands as a formidable force in the homebuilding industry, particularly in Texas, as the executive chair of Perry Homes. Founded by her father, Bob Perry, in 1967, Perry Homes has become synonymous with quality housing across regions like Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas-Fort Worth. Under Britton’s leadership, the company made a significant expansion into the Florida residential market last year, marking its first venture outside of Texas.
Recently, Britton was recognized on the Forbes World Billionaires List, with an estimated net worth of $2.6 billion, ranking her among the wealthiest individuals globally. Her journey from taking over Perry Homes after her father’s passing in 2013 to stepping down as CEO in 2022 illustrates her strategic focus on long-term business direction while entrusting Todd Chachere as the current CEO. Educated at Baylor University and the University of Houston, Britton’s influence extends beyond real estate; she founded the Perry Homes Foundation and serves on multiple boards, contributing to educational and community initiatives.
Bob Perry, who transitioned from a schoolteacher to a pioneering homebuilder, left a lasting legacy with Perry Homes, renowned for its substantial contributions to conservative political causes. Despite being privately held, Perry Homes ranks as the 19th largest homebuilder in the U.S., as per the National Association of Homebuilders’ 2024 report, with a revenue of nearly $2.4 billion in 2023. The company prides itself on being the largest U.S. homebuilder solely owned by a woman, highlighting the gradual but notable increase in female representation in an industry still dominated by men.
