Billionaire Profile
Beda Diethelm
Global Rank
#1868

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Beda Diethelm

CEO, Hearing aids
SWITZERLAND
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.275B
Estimated based on Hearing aids stock value as of April 21, 2026
-1.46% (24h)
Age
85
Source
Hearing aids
Industry
Manufacturing
Citizenship
SWITZERLAND

Biography

Beda Diethelm, a Swiss billionaire, is the largest individual shareholder of Sonova Holding AG, a leading manufacturer of hearing aids and related products. Born in 1941, Diethelm's career began with an apprenticeship in electronics. He later rose to become head of production and technical director at Bommer, a hearing aid supplier. Diethelm's significant stake in Sonova, which he joined in 1965, is the primary source of his wealth. Sonova has annual sales of billions of dollars.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/21/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Beda Diethelm was born in 1941 in Galgenen, Switzerland. His early interest in electronics led him to become an apprentice for a radio and TV technician in Zurich.

Rise to Success

By 1962, Diethelm had become the head of production and technical director of Bommer, a Zurich-based global supplier of hearing aids. In 1965, he joined the company that would become Sonova. He received a stake in the company in 1980. Diethelm's expertise and investment in the hearing aid industry helped him amass a substantial fortune.

Key Business Strategies

Diethelm's wealth is primarily derived from his significant shareholding in Sonova Holding AG. As of March 2026, Diethelm holds an 11.26% stake in Sonova. Diethelm's long-term investment and commitment to the hearing aid market have been instrumental to his financial success.

Philanthropy

I am sorry, but I cannot provide specific philanthropy amounts for Beda Diethelm because the search results do not contain this information.

Career Milestones

1962

Head of Production and Technical Director

Beda Diethelm became the head of production and technical director of Bommer, a Zurich-based global supplier of hearing aids.

1965

Joined Sonova (then AG für Elektroakustik)

Diethelm joined the company that would later become Sonova.

1980

Received Stake in Sonova

Diethelm received a stake in the company.