Johann Graf
Johann Graf | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 3, 1946 Austria |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| Known for | Founder and proprietor of Novomatic |
Johann Graf (born 3 January 1946) is an Austrian billionaire entrepreneur, recognized as the founder and proprietor of Novomatic, a prominent gambling corporation based in Austria.
Early life
Graf was raised in Vienna-Döbling by his grandparents after being born in Austria. He pursued an apprenticeship in butchery and achieved the distinction of becoming Austria’s youngest master butcher at the age of 23. Although his family operated a butcher shop and a tavern in Perchtoldsdorf, he opted not to follow their vocational path.
Career
In 1974, Graf partnered with electrical retailer Gerhard Brodnik to establish Brodnik & Graf GmbH, focusing on importing Belgian pinball machines for use in pubs and cafés. By 1980, he initiated production of gaming devices and founded Novomatic Automatenhandels GmbH with initial capital amounting to 50,000 schillings.
Graf’s breakthrough occurred in 1982 with the creation of a Swiss sales branch that quickly secured a dominant 70% share of the Swiss market. By 1990, Novomatic had expanded operations into over 50 countries, developing into one of the largest integrated gaming enterprises globally, employing nearly 30,000 people as of 2021.
On 28 January 2021, Graf allocated 20% ownership in Novomatic’s parent company Novo Invest GmbH—which controls 90% of Novomatic—to senior executives: 10% was transferred to his son Thomas Graf, Chief Technology Officer at Novomatic AG, while managing directors Birgit Wimmer and Ryszard Presch (CEO of Novomatic AG) each received 5%. This transfer marked a strategic step toward leadership succession across generations.
Wealth
Alongside entrepreneurs Dietrich Mateschitz and Karl Wlaschek, Graf ranks among Austria’s most accomplished self-made billionaires. In 2012, he was tied with Mateschitz as Austria’s wealthiest individual with an estimated net worth of US$5.3 billion. By 2015, his wealth increased to $6.6 billion, placing him second among Austrian billionaires and 208th on the Forbes global ranking. In 2024, Forbes positioned him as the third richest person in Austria with an approximate net worth of $7.1 billion.
Personal life
Graf lives in Vienna and is divorced with three children. He is known for owning an extensive collection of about 120 classic automobiles, primarily featuring Jaguars. He generally maintains a discreet public presence.
Awards
- Awarded the title Kommerzialrat
- Designated UNESCO Senator
- Received the honorary title of Professor from the Austrian President in 2003
- Honored as "Man of the Year" by Trend in 2008