Born in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1941, Bertil Hult is a Swedish billionaire and the founder of EF Education First, the global language school and educational travel company. His entrepreneurial journey began with a profound personal challenge: he struggled severely with dyslexia as a high school student in Sweden, finding traditional classroom learning frustrating and ineffective.

His defining realization came during a summer job in London, where he found himself effortlessly picking up English just by living the language in an immersive environment, rather than studying it academically. This moment convinced him that cultural immersion was the superior way to learn. He dropped out of Lund University after one year and, at the age of 23 in 1965, he founded EF Education First in the basement of his university dormitory, driven by the belief that a true education helps people explore the world and understand themselves.

Bertil Hult founded EF Education First as a language study and travel abroad organization, initially focusing on sending Swedish high school students to England to learn English. His business model was radical: build educational programs around his core belief in immersion learning, effectively transforming language education from a purely academic pursuit into a life-changing travel experience.

Under his leadership as CEO (until 2002) and Chairman (until 2008), EF grew into a massive, multi-billion dollar corporation with a presence in over 50 countries, employing over 40,000 people. EF’s influence became structural, pioneering online language schools and international exchange experiences. The company is also affiliated with the Hult International Business School (named in his honor) and runs the Hult Prize ($1 million award for social enterprise). Hult secured his fortune by maintaining wholly private ownership of EF within his family, ensuring the long-term, mission-driven continuity of the business model.

Bertil Hult’s philanthropy is deeply personal, driven by his experiences with dyslexia and a commitment to combating drug abuse. He is a founding member and trustee of the Mentor Foundation, a non-governmental organization focused on supporting research and initiatives in drug prevention globally.

His giving also targets dyslexia education, sponsoring the Bertil Hult Prize for Swedish schools that excel in supporting dyslexic students. The Hult Prize competition, which awards $1 million for social enterprise, has funded numerous startups globally. His dedication to immersion learning has structurally broken down barriers of language, culture, and geography for millions of students worldwide.

Bertil Hult maintains the highly disciplined, adventurous style of a Swedish entrepreneur and yachtsman. His attire is consistently professional, favoring tailored European business wear but often reflecting a sophisticated, relaxed aesthetic suitable for life near the sea and in Switzerland. His aesthetic is one of quiet, established wealth and cultural engagement.

Residing in Lucerne, Switzerland, his luxury is the immense security of his multi-billion dollar private company and the freedom to indulge in competitive sailing. His boat, Erica XII, famously hosted Swedish Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel on their honeymoon. His life is defined by a commitment to pushing boundaries—whether in global education, sailing, or social enterprise.