Anschutz

Billionaire oilman Phil Anschutz is the owner of the San Francisco Examiner, but if you’re a reporter, don’t expect him to return your calls.

Forbes — a financial publication which has a conservative, pro-business philosophy Anschutz would probably like — did a major profile of the Denver billionaire, but he wouldn’t sit down for an interview. Writes Christopher Helman:

Why the anonymity? Not because he’s a paranoid, germo phobic recluse like Howard Hughes. Anschutz isn’t hiding from anyone; he makes his lieutenants available to reporters. 

… Anschutz’s spokesman defends his allergic reaction to publicity: If the guy gave one interview, the requests would never let up. His associates cite the boss’ midwestern roots. Growing up in Kansas, he was taught to embrace humility and privacy and to shun self-aggrandizement. He buys off the rack from Joseph A. Bank and wears a Timex; he buys used cars and was once seen driving to a black-tie event in a rented Ford Taurus. 

“He has no ego,” says Tim Leiweke, chief executive of Anschutz Entertainment Group. “He is the anti-Donald Trump.”