Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, the 70-year-old heiress to the L’Oréal beauty empire, has achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the world’s richest woman and joining the exclusive men-only billionaire club, as reported by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
Meyers’ fortune surpassed the $100 billion mark on Thursday, driven by the record-high performance of L’Oréal S.A. stock. Although her net worth slightly decreased to $99.9 billion at the close of the trading day, she now stands alongside renowned billionaires such as Warren Buffett, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos.
Profile of Françoise Bettencourt Meyers
Françoise Bettencourt Meyers and her family hold a controlling stake of 35% in the prestigious brand L’Oréal, a company established by her grandfather in 1909. Since then, the family has nurtured and expanded the brand, transforming it into a beauty products empire valued at over $240 billion.
Born on July 10, 1953, Bettencourt Meyers inherited billions of dollars and numerous assets, including global mansions, following the death of her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, in 2017. Her mother’s passing concluded a protracted family dispute over inheritance, making her the sole proprietor of all family assets.
Complex relationship with Liliane Bettencourt
Bettencourt Meyers has been known for her complex relationship with her mother, Liliane. The public release of her butler’s recordings led to an investigation into President Nicolas Sarkozy’s 2007 election bid and allegations of influence-peddling against former Labor Minister Eric Woerth.
Subsequently, a contentious court battle ensued when Bettencourt questioned her mother’s ability to manage the family’s wealth. Liliane was accused of misappropriating approximately $1.3 billion for gifts to a friend. This saga has been portrayed in the Netflix documentary “The Billionaire, The Butler, and The Boyfriend.”
Philanthropy and business ventures
Apart from her role as vice-chair of the L’Oréal board, overseeing subsidiaries like Maybelline, Kiehl’s, and NYX, Bettencourt Meyers is a prolific author. She has published works on Greek mythology and Jewish-Christian relationships. Engaging in philanthropy, she directs funds towards science and social development. Her two sons, Jean-Victor Meyers, 37, and Nicolas Meyers, 35, also serve as directors.
A glimpse into Bettencourt Meyers’ lifestyle
Described as a reclusive billionaire, Bettencourt Meyers devotes hours daily to playing the piano. Her vast wealth is evident in her real estate holdings, including million-dollar mansions worldwide. She possesses a collection of luxury automobiles, featuring a Bentley Continental GT, Jaguar F-Type, Ferrari, and Porsche 911 Cabriolet.
The inclusion of Françoise Bettencourt Meyers in the billionaire elite underscores her influential role in the beauty industry and her significant contributions to various fields.
