However, thanks to a series of stock transactions last year, he personally holds 25.1% of the shares of Samsung Everland, which controls Samsung Life, the holding company of Samsung Group giving him effective control of the chaebol, according to analysts.

FORBES: The Korea discount

Before going public in 2014 Cheil merged with the Lee family's de facto holding company, Samsung Everland, and another affiliate, Samsung SDI, to create a leading producer of energy-storage solutions, including batteries for autos and consumer electronics, as well as specialty materials used in the manufacture of TVs, semiconductors and smartphones.

FORBES: #14 Lee Seo-Hyun