James Rothschild, a member of the Rothschild banking family of England, was born on April 18, 1955, in Paris, France. He was the youngest child of Victor Rothschild and Teresa Rothschild, Victor’s second wife. Rothschild spent his early years in Cambridge and attended King's College School, followed by The Leys School, both located in Cambridge. In 1976, he graduated from City University in London, where he studied economics, history, and archaeology.
During his teenage years, Rothschild developed a strong interest in motorsports. At the age of 13, he purchased a scrambler motorcycle and began amateur racing. His racing proficiency earned him recognition, including winning events such as the Peter Collins Memorial Trophy Race, which bolstered his reputation in the amateur racing community.
Before transitioning into the financial sector, Rothschild worked as a circulation manager for The New Review, a literary magazine that has since ceased publication. This role marked one of his early forays into professional life outside the family enterprise.
James Rothschild eventually joined the family’s banking business, N M Rothschild & Sons. In 1990, he was appointed Chief Executive of Rothschild Asset Management, the firm’s division focused on investment services. His leadership and vision led to another promotion in 1993, when he became Chairman of the firm. His role involved overseeing key financial operations and maintaining the Rothschild family's longstanding presence in the global banking industry.
In 1981, Rothschild married Anita Patience Guinness, a member of the well-known Guinness brewing family. Together, they had three children. Beyond finance, he maintained a personal interest in rural life and agriculture, spending a significant amount of time at his inherited estate, Rushbrooke, located near Bury St. Edmunds in Suffolk, England.
James Rothschild died in July 1996 at the age of 41. He was found deceased at Hotel Le Bristol in Paris shortly after attending a business meeting. His death was ruled a suicide. The news came as a shock to both the financial community and those who knew him personally.
| Net Worth 2021: | 1.5 billion |
