James Leininger

A one-time emergency room doctor, James Leininger founded healthcare company Kinetic Concepts in 1976 in a one-bedroom apartment. It began by selling specialized hospital beds but now thrives on sales of wound care devices. Revenues in 2010 hit $2 billion. In July a consortium of private equity firms led by Apax Partners said it would pay $6.3 billion to acquire the company. "Dr. Jim" was the largest individual shareholder and sold all of his shares in the company at the end of last year. Leininger was one of Texas Governor Rick Perry's most generous financial supporters in Perry's bid for the Republican presidential nomination. He is also a proponent of school choice and home schooling; he and his wife have given $100 million to improve education and provide scholarships. Leininger also founded the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a conservative research organization. The father of four children and grandfather of five enjoys fishing, bow hunting, scuba diving, hiking. Bachelor of Arts / Science, Indiana University; Medical Doctor, Indiana University