How Did David Thomson Make His Money?

David Thomson’s Profile Summary

Company	Thomson Reuters Corporation
Position	Chairman of Thomson Reuters
Source of wealth	Media, Investments
Also known as	Media mogul
Age	68
Education	University of Cambridge
Citizenship	Canada
Residence	Toronto, Canada
Family	Divorced, three children
Website, Social Media	https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en.html

David Thomson’s biography

David Thomson, the 3rd Baron Thomson of Fleet, is a Canadian billionaire businessman and the chairman of Thomson Reuters, a global leader in news and information services. He was born on June 12, 1957, in Toronto, Canada, to Kenneth Thomson and Marilyn Lavis. David is the grandson of Roy Thomson, the founder of Thomson Corporation, which began as a newspaper empire in Ontario and grew into one of the largest media conglomerates in the world.

David Thomson studied at Selwyn House School in Montreal and later graduated from Harvard University with a degree in History. After completing his education, he worked at McLeod Young Weir, a Canadian investment bank, before joining the family business.

Following his father's death in 2006, David Thomson became the head of the Thomson family empire. He assumed the role of chairman of Thomson Corporation, which later merged with Reuters in 2008, creating Thomson Reuters, a dominant player in financial data services, legal information, and news media.

In addition to Thomson Reuters, the family owns Woodbridge, a private investment company that manages the family's assets, including stakes in Bell Canada, Globe and Mail, and commercial real estate.

The Thomson family is known for their low-profile lifestyle despite being one of the wealthiest families in Canada. David Thomson has a passion for art collecting and is regarded as one of the world’s most influential collectors, particularly of Canadian and British art.

Through the Thomson Foundation, the family supports various philanthropic initiatives, including education, healthcare, and the arts. They have made significant contributions to hospitals, universities, and museums across Canada.

How did David Thomson make money?
David Thomson's wealth primarily comes from his family's business empire, which began with his grandfather Roy Thomson. Roy built a media empire starting with radio stations and newspapers in Canada and later expanded into the UK. He established The Thomson Corporation, which became a major force in global media.

In 2008, the family merged The Thomson Corporation with Reuters Group to form Thomson Reuters, a leading provider of financial data, news, and information services. The Thomson family holds their stake in the company through Woodbridge, a private investment firm that owns around 66% of Thomson Reuters.

Under David Thomson’s leadership, the company has expanded its digital offerings and focused on providing financial and legal information to businesses and governments. Thomson Reuters generates billions in annual revenue through its subscription-based model, with clients in finance, law, and corporate sectors.

In addition to media, the Thomson family has significant investments in real estate, particularly in Canada and the US. David Thomson is known for his discreet approach to business and his extensive art collection. His wealth is diversified across media, real estate, and other assets, but the core of his fortune remains tied to Thomson Reuters.
What is David Thomson net worth?

As of 2025, David Thomson’s net worth is estimated to be $10.8 B.

What is David Thomson also known as?

David Thomson is best known as the chairman of Thomson Reuters and the leader of one of Canada’s wealthiest families. His influence spans media, real estate, and art investments.

Prominent achievements of David Thomson

David Thomson led the transformation of Thomson Reuters into a global information services leader. He has expanded the family’s business interests into digital media and other sectors while preserving its dominance in financial and legal information services.

What are David Thomson’s key insights?

David Thomson believes in long-term value creation through strategic investments in media and technology. He focuses on maintaining the family’s legacy while adapting to changing market demands.

David Thomson’s personal life

David Thomson was married to Laurie Ludwick, with whom he has three children. His family remains actively involved in managing their business empire through Woodbridge. His younger brother, Peter Thomson, is also a key figure in the family’s businesses.

Useful insights

Leading with purpose and integrity

To achieve long-lasting success, leading with integrity and purpose is crucial. Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, demonstrates how strong leadership can propel you forward in your career or business.

Define your purpose and align it with your goals

Mary Barra emphasizes the importance of having a clear purpose. Identify your core values and ensure that your actions align with these values. This will give you the clarity and motivation needed to succeed, especially in challenging times.
Adapt to innovation and stay flexible

Barra's success is tied to her ability to guide GM through a transition toward electric vehicles. Always be open to innovation and stay flexible when markets or industries change. Adaptability is a key trait for anyone aiming to succeed.
Empower those around you

Successful leaders know how to empower their teams. By trusting and supporting the people around you, you create a culture of accountability and innovation. Help others succeed, and you’ll find that success naturally follows you as well.