Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, born on July 10, 1953, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, is the richest woman in the world, with an estimated net worth of $100 billion as of December 2023.
Her wealth primarily comes from her stake in L’Oréal, the world’s largest cosmetics maker.
In this article, we will explore her life, her relationship with her mother and how she built her fortune.
Early life and family
Françoise is the only child of Liliane Bettencourt and granddaughter of Eugène Schueller, the founder of L’Oréal.
She was raised as a strict Catholic and has written several Bible commentaries.
Françoise has two adult sons, Jean-Victor and Nicolas, with her husband, Jean-Pierre Meyers, who is the CEO of French spirits producer Tethys SAS and serves on the board of Nestle.
Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, the heiress of L'Oreal, has become the first woman in the world to possess 100 billion USD.
According to Bloomberg Billionaire's Index, as of December 28th, she currently holds the title of the richest woman on the planet.
Ranked as the 12th… pic.twitter.com/ELLg4S1jFT
— Mai Xuan Hieu (@MaiXuanHieu5) December 29, 2023
Inheritance and early career
After her mother’s death in 2017, Françoise became the heiress of L’Oréal and inherited a one-third stake in the company.
She joined the board of directors and eventually became the vice-chairperson.
Under her leadership, the company saw a significant increase in sales, reaching about $41 billion in 2022.
Françoise Bettencourt wealth accumulation
Françoise’s net worth has grown significantly over the years. In 2017, her net worth was about $39.5 billion, making her among the top 20 richest people in the world.
By 2023, her net worth had increased to $86.4 billion and later reached a record high of $100 billion on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
Relationship with her mother
Françoise had a fraught relationship with her mother, Liliane Bettencourt.
She filed a criminal complaint against her and eventually became the reigning heiress of L’Oréal after her mother’s death.
Despite their conflicts, Françoise and her mother were both named France’s richest person at different points.
Philanthropy and personal life
Françoise is not only a successful businesswoman but also a philanthropist and writer.
She has been involved in various charitable endeavors and has written several Bible commentaries.
Conclusion
Françoise’s’ wealth primarily comes from her stake in L’Oréal, the world’s largest cosmetics maker.
Her net worth has grown significantly over the years, making her the richest woman in the world.
Despite her fraught relationship with her mother, Françoise has continued to build her fortune and make a lasting impact on the cosmetics industry.
FAQ
How did Françoise Bettencourt Meyers become rich?
Françoise inherited a one-third stake in L’Oréal from her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, after her death in 2017.
She and her family control about a third of L’Oréal, the world’s biggest cosmetics maker.
Her wealth has grown significantly over the years, reaching a record high of $100 billion on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
What is Françoise Bettencourt Meyers’ relationship with her mother?
Françoise had a fraught relationship with her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, and even filed a criminal complaint against her.
After her mother’s death, Françoise became the reigning heiress of L’Oréal.
How much of L’Oréal does Françoise Bettencourt Meyers own?
Françoise and her family own around 33% of L’Oréal stock.
How did Françoise Bettencourt Meyers’ wealth change in 2023?
Françoise’s net worth increased by $28.6 billion in 2023, bringing her closer to the top 10 richest people in the world.
What is the combined net worth of the 500 richest people?
The combined net worth of the 500 richest people surged during the year.
How did Françoise Bettencourt Meyers’ wealth change in 2022?
Françoise’s wealth rose by around 39% year to date in 2022.
What is the market capitalization of L’Oréal?
L’Oréal’s market capitalization reached over $250 billion in 2022.
What is the relationship between Françoise Bettencourt Meyers and her husband, Jean-Pierre Meyers?
Françoise Bettencourt Meyers is married to Jean-Pierre Meyers, the CEO of French spirits producer Tethys SAS and a board member of Nestle.
What is the net worth of Françoise Bettencourt Meyers as of December 2023?
As of December 2023, Françoise Bettencourt Meyers’ net worth is estimated to be $100 billion, making her the richest woman in the world.