Françoise Bettencourt Meyers (born 10 July 1953) is a French businesswoman, philanthropist, writer, billionaire heiress, and the richest woman in the world, with an estimated net worth of US$71.1 billion as of November 2024, according to Forbes. She is the only child and heir of Liliane Bettencourt, and the granddaughter of Eugène Schueller, founder of L'Oréal. Following her mother's death in September 2017, her wealth significantly increased due to her family's investments through Téthys Invest and the high valuation of L'Oréal shares.
Early Life and Family
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| Born | Françoise Bettencourt 10 July 1953 |
| Occupations | Businesswoman |
| Title | Vice Chairman of L'Oréal |
| Spouse | Jean-Pierre Meyers |
| Children | 2 |
| Parent(s) | André Bettencourt Liliane Bettencourt |
| Relatives | Eugène Schueller (grandfather) |
Raised as a Catholic, Bettencourt Meyers has authored several Bible commentaries. She married Jean-Pierre Meyers, a business executive and grandson of a rabbi murdered at Auschwitz, converting to Judaism and raising their two children, Jean-Victor and Nicolas, in the Jewish faith. Her marriage sparked controversy due to her grandfather Eugène Schueller's ties to the Nazi regime during World War II.
Business Career and L'Oréal Holdings
Françoise Bettencourt Meyers' wealth and influence are primarily linked to her family's substantial ownership in L'Oréal, the world's largest cosmetics company. She inherited a 33% stake in L'Oréal through her family holding company, Téthys Invest, which manages her investments and wealth. Under her stewardship, the company's valuation soared, driven by global demand for luxury cosmetics and strategic expansions in emerging markets.
L'Oréal, founded by her grandfather Eugène Schueller in 1909, remains a dominant force in the beauty industry with brands including Lancôme, Garnier, Maybelline, and Kiehl's. Despite her significant influence, Bettencourt Meyers maintains a low public profile and rarely engages in direct corporate operations, instead focusing on long-term investment strategies.
Her fortune increased dramatically following her mother’s death in 2017, when her net worth was estimated at $39.5 billion. By 2023, she became the first woman to surpass a $100 billion net worth, with L'Oréal's continued success as a driver of her wealth.
Philanthropy and Cultural Contributions
Bettencourt Meyers has a long history of philanthropy, particularly in the areas of cultural preservation and scientific research. Notably:
- Notre-Dame de Paris Fire Relief: After the 2019 Notre-Dame Cathedral fire, Bettencourt Meyers and L'Oréal pledged €200 million (US$226 million) for its reconstruction, reflecting her commitment to France's cultural heritage.
- Bettencourt Schueller Foundation: The family foundation, established in 1987, supports scientific research, cultural development, and humanitarian projects. The foundation has funded over 500 projects in France and abroad.
Legal Disputes and Public Controversy
Bettencourt Meyers became widely known for her involvement in the Bettencourt Affair in the late 2000s. In 2008, she filed a lawsuit against photographer François-Marie Banier, alleging he had taken advantage of her elderly mother, Liliane Bettencourt, for personal financial gain. The case revealed secret recordings suggesting financial misconduct, ultimately leading to a broader political scandal, the Woerth-Bettencourt Affair, involving alleged campaign financing irregularities tied to French politicians.
The dispute was settled out of court in 2010, with Bettencourt Meyers reconciling with her mother shortly before her passing in 2017.
Inheritance and Legal Disputes
Bettencourt Meyers inherited a significant stake in L'Oréal through her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, who passed away in 2017. The family continues to hold a 33% ownership stake in the company. In 2008, she sued François-Marie Banier for allegedly exploiting her mother financially and sought to have her declared mentally incompetent. The legal battle, fueled by secret recordings, led to the Woerth–Bettencourt scandal. The dispute was settled out of court in December 2010.
Personal Life and Faith
Bettencourt Meyers has a complex family history. Raised Catholic, she converted to Judaism upon marrying Jean-Pierre Meyers, whose grandfather was a Holocaust victim. The couple raised their sons, Jean-Victor and Nicolas, in the Jewish faith. Despite controversies surrounding her grandfather's collaboration with the Vichy regime during World War II, she has maintained a focus on reconciliation and historical awareness through her writings.
Literary Work and Publications
Bettencourt Meyers is also a recognized author with several publications centered around religion, genealogy, and cultural history, including:
- The Greek Gods. Genealogy (Les Dieux grecs. Généalogies)
- A Look at the Bible (Regard sur la Bible) – a five-volume series awarded the Prix des Lauriers Verts in 2009. The volumes include:
- Words and Expressions Originating in the Bible
- From One Testament to the Other: Judaism and Catholicism
- Family Tree of Adam, Eve, and the Tribes of Israel
- Animals, Plants, Measures, Money, and Numbers in the Bible
- Genealogical Aspects of Biblical Figures
Legacy and Influence
As of 2024, Françoise Bettencourt Meyers remains a pivotal figure in the global business landscape, not only as the wealthiest woman but also as a cultural contributor and philanthropist. Her stewardship of the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation and continued influence in L'Oréal ensure her lasting legacy as both a business leader and humanitarian.
References
- Club, I.C. (2024) Françoise Bettencourt Meyers: L’Oréal Heiress first woman to amass $100bn fortune, Françoise Bettencourt Meyers: L’Oréal heiress first woman to amass $100bn fortune | CEO Club VietnamCEO Club Vietnam. Available at: https://ceoclub.com.vn/francoise-bettencourt-meyers-loreal-heiress-first-woman-to-amass-100bn-fortune/ (Accessed: 09 January 2025).
- Francoise Bettencourt Meyers & Family (no date) Forbes. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/profile/francoise-bettencourt-meyers/?list=rtb%2F (Accessed: 09 January 2025).
- Goodreturn (no date) Francoise Bettencourt Meyers & Family: Francoise Bettencourt Meyers & Family Net Worth, biography, age, spouse, children & more, Goodreturn. Available at: https://www.goodreturns.in/francoise-bettencourt-meyers-family-net-worth-and-biography-blnr2626.html (Accessed: 09 January 2025).
- Liang, A. (2023) Françoise Bettencourt Meyers: L’Oréal Heiress first woman to amass $100bn fortune, BBC News. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-67838422 (Accessed: 09 January 2025).
