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Billionaire Profile
Beda Diethelm
Global Rank
#1789

Image: Unsplash Contributor | Unsplash License | via Unsplash

Beda Diethelm

CEO, Hearing aids
SWITZERLAND
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.297B
Estimated based on Hearing aids stock value as of March 6, 2026
-0.35% (24h)
Age
85
Source
Hearing aids
Industry
Manufacturing
Citizenship
SWITZERLAND

Biography

Beda Diethelm is a Swiss entrepreneur and the largest individual shareholder of Sonova Holding AG, a leading manufacturer in the hearing aid industry. With a net worth of $2.4 billion as of February 1, 2026, Diethelm's wealth stems primarily from his significant stake in Sonova. He joined what would become Sonova in 1965 and received a stake in the company in 1980. His career began with an apprenticeship in electronics, ultimately leading him to a position as a technical director for a hearing aid supplier before joining Sonova. Diethelm's contributions to Sonova and his early involvement have been instrumental in the company's success, solidifying his position in the healthcare industry.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Beda Diethelm was born in 1941 in the small Swiss village of Galgenen. He developed an early interest in electronics, starting as an apprentice for a radio and TV technician in Zurich.

Rise to Success

Diethelm's career began in the hearing aid industry. By 1962, he had become the head of production and technical director of Bommer, a Zurich-based global supplier of hearing aids. In 1965, Diethelm joined the company that would become Sonova. He received a stake in the company in 1980. Sonova, based in Stafa, Switzerland, is a major player in the hearing aid market, and Diethelm's long-term involvement and investment in Sonova have contributed to his financial success and status as a billionaire.

Key Business Strategies

Diethelm's strategy involved a long-term investment in Sonova, becoming the largest individual shareholder with a 10% stake. This significant shareholding in a publicly traded company provided a consistent source of wealth. Sonova's continued growth in the hearing aid market has further increased the value of Diethelm's shares.

Philanthropy

There is no readily available information about specific philanthropic initiatives or amounts associated with Beda Diethelm.

Career Milestones

1962

Technical Director

Head of Production and Technical Director of Bommer, a global supplier of hearing aids.

1965

Joined Sonova

Joined the company that would become Sonova.

1980

Shareholder of Sonova

Received a stake in the company.

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