Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon, dethroned Microsoft Co-Founder Bill Gates as the wealthiest person in the world when markets opened Thursday, Forbes reports.
Mr. Bezos had a net worth of $90.6 billion at market open, $500 million more than Mr. Gates. Mr. Gates last lost the title of world's richest person for two days a year ago when Spanish businessman Amancio Ortega surpassed him in earnings.
Mr. Bezos, who also owns aerospace company Blue Origin and The Washington Post, is the seventh individual designated as the world's richest person since Forbes started tracking billionaires in 1987. He represents the third American to hold the ranking, joining Mr. Gates and Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett.
Mr. Bezos' Amazon is eyeing several opportunities in the healthcare sector. The online marketplace company reportedly has a secret healthcare team exploring new technology opportunities in healthcare, including both hardware and software projects.