George Soros hands over his $25 billion empire to one of his sons — and yes, it's a bit like 'Succession'
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- George Soros has handed control of his foundation and investment fund to his 37-year-old son Alex.
- Alex Soros told The Wall Street Journal he was "more political" than his father.
- His elevation has some parallels with HBO's "Succession" and the battle for the Roy empire.
George Soros, 92, has handed the reins of his $25 billion empire to his 37-year-old son in a decision that has surprised some.
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Alex Soros said he was now chairman of Soros's Open Society Foundations and planned to continue supporting the same causes as his father.
Open Society Foundations has donated billions to George Soros's favorite causes such as voting and abortion rights.
Alex is also the only Soros on the investment committee of Soros Fund Management, which has assets worth $25 billion, per the Journal.
There are some parallels between the Soros succession and the Roy siblings' battle for control of Waystar Royco in HBO's "Succession."
Rather than Alex, many had expected his older half-brother Jonathan Soros, 52, would take over.
Similar to "Succession's" Kendall Roy, Jonathan was put in a position of authority under his father. But while his father was more impulsive, Jonathan was more contemplative – which resulted in them falling out over two senior hires, according to the Journal.
Jonathan parted ways with his father's investment firm in 2011.
Alex, on the other hand, was more like Roman Roy. Previously disengaged with his father's causes, he had something of a playboy reputation, with the New York Post in 2016 detailing his lavish parties and shoulder-brushing with models and NBA stars.
However, Alex would go on to win his father's respect, according to the Journal. "He's earned it," George Soros told the newspaper.
The decision comes despite the 92-year-old adding: "I didn't want the foundation to be taken over by one of my children, as a matter of principle."
Alex might be seen as a left-leaning equivalent of Roman Roy from "Succession." Describing himself to the Journal as "more political" than his father, Alex has been to the Biden White House 17 times since April 2022, according to White House visitor logs.
In "Succession," Roman was portrayed as more sympathetic to his father Logan's political leanings, forming close ties with a right-wing presidential candidate, much to his siblings' unease.
Like Kendall and Roman, Jonathan and Alex are "friendly, but not close," two people who know both told the Journal.
Representatives for George Soros didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider, made outside normal working hours.