Billionaire Profile
B
Global Rank
#932

Image: Hunter, George Leland, 1867-1927 Detroit Museum of Art | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Bernard Fraisse & family

CEO, Pharmaceuticals
FRANCE
Real-Time Net Worth
$4.579B
Estimated based on Pharmaceuticals stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
69
Source
Pharmaceuticals
Industry
Healthcare
Citizenship
FRANCE

Biography

Bernard Fraisse, a French billionaire, is the founder, chairman, and 100% owner of Fareva, a leading contract manufacturing organization (CMO) in the pharmaceutical industry. Born in August 1956, Fraisse holds a degree in mechanical engineering, which laid the foundation for his success. His career began as a chemical salesman before he founded Fareva in 1985. Fareva has since grown to become a global leader, manufacturing products for major brands in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and household goods. Fraisse is known for his commitment to maintaining Fareva as a family-owned, independent enterprise, and his focus on providing high-quality industrial services.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Bernard Fraisse was born in France in August 1956. He earned a degree in mechanical engineering. Fraisse's upbringing in the Ardèche region instilled in him a strong work ethic and ambition.

Rise to Success

Fraisse began his career as a chemical salesman, which gave him insight into the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. In 1981, at the age of 25, he founded Rhône Chimie Industrie (RCI), a small packaging unit. In 1985, he founded Fareva. Fareva grew to become the largest contract manufacturing organization (CMO) in France and one of the top five globally. The company's revenues reached $1.4 billion in 2015. Fraisse expanded Fareva's activities to include household products, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical production.

Key Business Strategies

Fraisse's strategy has been to focus on client relationships and international development. He expanded Fareva's operations, acquiring production sites in Europe, the United States, and other countries. Fraisse has maintained Fareva as a family-owned and independent company, rejecting private equity investments.

Philanthropy

Bernard Fraisse's philanthropy is rooted in his commitment to his native Ardèche region and his dedication to creating a positive corporate culture.

Career Milestones

1981

Founded RCI

Founded Rhône Chimie Industrie (RCI), a small packaging unit.

1985

Founded Fareva

Established Fareva, a French pharmaceutical company.

2005

Fareva Renamed

Changed the company's name to Fareva, which means "inspire to dream".

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Regional Development

Commitment to Ardèche Region

Unknown

Fraisse is committed to his native Ardèche region in France.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Positive Corporate Culture

Unknown

Dedicated to creating a positive corporate culture.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""Inspire to dream""

Leadership Principles

Customer Focus

Fareva's strategy is based on service/customer relationship. The goal is to improve the service provided for clients.

International Development

The future of Fareva is in international development and partnership with clients.

Preserving Human Values

Fareva focuses on preserving the human values that make the company strong.