Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, the heiress of the L’Oréal fortune, has solidified her position as the world’s wealthiest woman for the fourth consecutive year. With an estimated fortune of $99.5 billion, largely stemming from her ownership stake in L’Oréal Group, Bettencourt Meyers has seen her wealth soar due to a 20% increase in the company’s share price. She is now just half a billion dollars away from joining the elite $100 billion club, making her the biggest gainer on Forbes’ World’s Billionaires list this year.
As the granddaughter of L’Oréal founder Eugène Schueller, Bettencourt Meyers has seen her fortune multiply since her debut on the list in 2018. The company’s share price has risen by 150% since then, solidifying her status as the richest woman in the world. L’Oréal, a powerhouse in the cosmetics and beauty industry, boasts $44 billion in revenue from a portfolio of brands that includes Maybelline, Kiehl’s, and Lancôme. The company continues to expand its reach through strategic acquisitions, such as the recent purchase of Australian beauty brand Aesop.
Despite her immense wealth and high-profile position at L’Oréal, Bettencourt Meyers maintains a low profile. Described as more academic and inconspicuous than a socialite, she spends her days playing the piano and has authored two books. However, her rise to the top has not been without drama. In 2007, she filed a criminal complaint against a family friend, François-Marie Banier, accusing him of manipulating her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, out of over $1 billion. The trial ended with Banier receiving a prison sentence and Bettencourt Meyers assuming legal guardianship of her mother after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Continuing to expand her fortune, Bettencourt Meyers chairs the family holding company, Téthys Invest, and is involved in various philanthropic efforts, including backing projects like the French private hospital operator Elsan. She also presides over the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation, which supports advancements in the sciences and arts in France. Despite her immense wealth, Bettencourt Meyers remains grounded and focused on ensuring the legacy of the L’Oréal empire while also making a positive impact in her community.
