Anthony Pratt

Business Activities

In 1991, Anthony entered United States to expand his company there, during which he acquired many corrugated companies which are still a major part of Pratt. Since then, company’s earnings and sales have increased manifolds, and has more than 3000 employers at its box plans and mills all over the US. Pratt Industries is known as Visy in USA, and the number of their American employees is more than those employed at any other Australian business. Pratt Industries entered in the US with only US$100 million, and now the revenue is worth US$1 billion.

Anthony is a part of the National Board of Muhammad Ali Center, Louisville, Kentucky, and also takes parts in several charity organizations all over the US and Australia. He is also the member of Climate Group, an environmental group established by Tony Blair, the British PM. Global Green USA of Mikhail Gorbachev, and Captain Planet Foundation of Ted Turner, have also awarded Pratt for his efforts. Considering the importance of recycling for the environment, Pratt committed to invest over US$1 billion in the global initiative made by former US President Bill Clinton.

He has also made investments in 4 clean energy plants across the globe. The Foreign Policy Association of New York awarded Corporate & Social Responsibility Award to Pratt in 2009. 70% of customers in Australia are involved in the food & beverage sectors, considering which Pratt shows keen interest in food security, water and sustainable agriculture issues. Monash University awarded him an honorary Ph.D. for his ‘outstanding career of achievement and service to philanthropy, business and commerce.’

From an Economics graduate to an Australian billionaire, Anthony Pratt has become a leader in the packaging industry through his immense knowledge, efforts and hard work.

Philanthropy and Political Funding

Philanthropy

In 1978, the Pratt family established the Pratt Foundation, one of Australia's largest private sources of philanthropy. Anthony Pratt has pledged to donate an unprecedented $1 billion to charity through the foundation before his death. The foundation supports a wide range of causes, including environmental initiatives, medical research, education, and the arts. Notably, it has funded the environmental group The Wilderness Society.

Beyond the foundation, Pratt has made substantial personal donations. In 2022, he contributed $2 million to the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky, to honor Ali's legacy and support the center's programs.

Political Funding

Pratt is also known for his political contributions in Australia. In the 2020-21 financial year, he was Australia's largest political donor, with Pratt Holdings donating $1.29 million to state and federal Liberal Party branches. In the subsequent financial year, his donations were more evenly distributed; Pratt Holdings contributed $1,010,500 to the Labor Party in January and March of 2023.This pattern of donations indicates Pratt's strategic approach to political funding, supporting both major parties in Australia.

Relationship with Politicians and Royalty

Anthony Pratt, an Australian billionaire and chairman of Visy Industries and Pratt Industries, has cultivated extensive relationships with political figures and royalty, both in Australia and internationally.

Political Engagements:

• Australia: Pratt is recognized as one of Australia's most significant political donors. In the 2020-21 financial year, his company, Pratt Holdings, contributed approximately $1.29 million to the Liberal Party. His donations have spanned across major political parties, including the Labor Party, reflecting a bipartisan approach to political engagement.
• United States: Pratt has established connections with U.S. political figures, notably former President Donald Trump. He became a member of Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in 2017 and has interacted with Trump on multiple occasions. In 2019, Trump, along with then-Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, attended the opening of Pratt's paper mill in Ohio, highlighting Pratt's influence and connections within U.S. political circles.

Royal Connections:

Pratt's interactions extend to royalty. In 2023, he was awarded the honorary title of Kentucky Colonel by Governor Andy Beshear, acknowledging his substantial investment in a new recycled paper mill in Henderson, Kentucky.

Additionally, reports have surfaced regarding Pratt's interactions with the British royal family. Secret tapes revealed that a palace aide advised him to cease direct donations to Prince Charles's charities, suggesting that such contributions could be perceived as attempts to gain influence.

Personal Life

Pratt completed his Bachelor of Economics honors degree in 1983 from Monash University, after which he joined McKinsey & Co, a consulting firm. After that, he became the joint general manager in the Visy Board of Visy. In 1988, he joined Pratt Industries as a Deputy Chairman, and took over as the company’s CEO and Chairman after his father’s death in 2009.

Anthony Pratt says about his Business growth