Lukas Tyler Walton (born September 19, 1986) is an American billionaire heir and philanthropist. He is the grandson of Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart, the multinational retail corporation.
Early Life and Career
Born | September 19, 1986 San Diego, California, U.S. |
Education | Journeys School |
Occupations | Heir |
Spouse | Samantha Walton |
Parent(s) | John T. Walton Christy Walton |
Relatives | Sam Walton (grandfather) Helen Walton (grandmother) |
Lukas Tyler Walton is the only child of John T. Walton (1946–2005) and Christy Walton. He was raised in National City, California, and later in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. His father, John T. Walton, a decorated Vietnam War veteran and pilot, died in a plane crash in 2005, after which Lukas and his mother relocated to Jackson, Wyoming.
At the age of three, Walton was diagnosed with a rare form of kidney cancer. His mother, Christy, has credited his recovery to a combination of plant-based remedies from their garden and conventional medical treatment.
Walton earned a bachelor's degree in environmentally sustainable business from Colorado College, graduating in 2010. Following his education, he worked at True North Venture Partners, a firm specializing in sustainable investments and clean technologies.
Career and Business Ventures
After completing his studies, Lukas Walton began working at True North Venture Partners, a private equity firm specializing in sustainable investments and clean technologies. His professional endeavors have consistently aligned with social impact and environmental conservation, focusing on businesses and projects that emphasize sustainability and long-term positive change.
Health and Early Challenges
At the age of three, Lukas was diagnosed with a rare form of kidney cancer. His mother, Christy Walton, credited his recovery to a plant-based remedy derived from their garden, alongside conventional medical treatment. This experience with serious illness during his early childhood had a profound impact on his later philanthropic interests, particularly in the areas of healthcare and sustainable living.
Philanthropy and Wealth
Following his father's death, Walton inherited a significant portion of the Walmart fortune, becoming one of the heirs to the Walton family wealth. He is actively involved in philanthropy and has donated to causes such as sustainable agriculture, climate change initiatives, and medical research. Lukas is known for his low-profile lifestyle despite his billionaire status, often focusing on impact-driven investments rather than public appearances.
Personal Life
Walton maintains a private life and prefers to stay out of the public spotlight. His personal experiences, particularly his childhood health struggles, have greatly influenced his approach to philanthropy, focusing on healthcare advancements and environmental sustainability.
References
- Agarwal, U. (2022a) Lukas Walton Biography: Success story of walmart director, VyapaarJagat.com. Available at: https://www.vyapaarjagat.com/international/lukas-walton/ (Accessed: 10 January 2025).
- Agarwal, U. (2022b) Lukas Walton Biography: Success story of walmart director, VyapaarJagat.com. Available at: https://www.vyapaarjagat.com/international/lukas-walton/ (Accessed: 10 January 2025).
- Bailey, L. (no date) Lukas Walton - Grizzly Bulls billionaire index, Grizzly Bulls. Available at: https://grizzlybulls.com/billionaires/lukas-walton (Accessed: 10 January 2025).
- McKay, S. (2021) Lukas Walton starts builders vision to fund businesses tackling environmental, social challenges, Arkansas Democrat Gazette. Available at: https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2021/nov/07/walton-venture-puts-capital-in-change/ (Accessed: 10 January 2025).