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Billionaire Profile
Clemens Toennies
Global Rank
#3029

Image: Susanne Freitag (susi@fotodesignfreitag.de) | CC BY-SA 3.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Clemens Toennies

CEO, Meat processing
Rheda-Wiedenbrück, Germany
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.23B
Estimated based on Meat processing stock value as of September 10, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
69
Source
Meat processing
Industry
Food & Beverage
Citizenship
Germany

Biography

Clemens Tönnies, a German billionaire, is a prominent figure in the meat processing industry. With a net worth of $1.6 billion, as of 2022, he owns a 45% stake in Tönnies Holding, a major meat processing company. His career began in the family butcher shop, later taking the helm and leading the business to become a leading meat producer. Despite his financial success, Tönnies has faced controversies, including accusations of tax evasion, price-fixing, and racist remarks, which have significantly impacted his public image.

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Data Updated
Sep 10, 2026
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Wealth Over Time

Net Worth History

YearNet Worth
2026$1.23B
2025$1.20B
2024$1.20B
2022$1.60B

Portfolio Holdings

Tönnies Holding

Tönnies Holding

food-beverage
Ownership
45%
Revenue
$6.00B
Rheda-Wiedenbrück, Germany
16,500 employees
Founded 1971

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Clemens Tönnies was born on May 27, 1956, in Rheda, Germany. He grew up in a family of butchers. His father, Klemens Tönnies, was a butcher, and his mother, Maria, was a homemaker. Clemens had six siblings. After the death of his brother, Bernd, Clemens took over the family business.

Rise to Success

Clemens Tönnies took over the family business in 1994. He transformed the company into one of the largest meat processing companies in Europe. Tönnies Holding specializes in pork and beef processing. The company's expansion included strategic acquisitions and modernization of production facilities.

Key Business Strategies

Tönnies' key business strategies focused on industrializing meat production, cost-cutting, and expansion through acquisitions. The company operates across various segments, including pork, beef, convenience foods, sausages, ingredients, logistics, and international services. Tönnies Holding has a strong export presence, with exports accounting for approximately 50% of its production.

Philanthropy

Clemens Tönnies founded the Aktion Kinderträume e.V. in 2004 with Uli Hoeneß, supporting children with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

Career Milestones

1971

Co-founded Tönnies Lebensmittel

Clemens Tönnies co-founded the company with his brother Bernd.

1994

Took over the family business

After the death of his brother Bernd, Clemens took over the family business and continued its expansion.

2001-2020

Chairman of FC Schalke 04

Served as chairman of the supervisory board of FC Schalke 04.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Child welfare

Aktion Kinderträume e.V.

Undisclosed

Founded in 2004, the organization supports children with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

Controversies & Challenges

2012

Tax Evasion Allegations

German tax investigators searched his office due to suspected tax evasion.

2013

Fine for Omission of Shares

Fined for omitting his shares in the Zur Mühlen Group.

2014

Involvement in CumEx Deals

Obtained public funds via CumEx deals.

2016

Price Fixing by Subsidiaries

Tönnies subsidiaries engaged in price fixing, resulting in a fine.

2019

Racist Remarks

Made remarks about electrifying Africa that spurred accusations of racism.

2020

COVID-19 Outbreak

A COVID-19 outbreak at his main plant led to public outcry and his resignation from FC Schalke 04's board.

Billionaires Connected to Clemens Toennies

Peers in Food & Beverage

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Richest in Germany

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Adjacent Global Ranks

Full global ranking →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clemens Toennies's net worth in 2026?
As of 2026, Clemens Toennies's estimated net worth is $1.228 billion, ranking #3029 among the world's billionaires. The estimate is based on publicly available shareholding data and market prices, updated daily.
How did Clemens Toennies make their money?
Clemens Toennies's wealth primarily comes from Meat processing, most notably through Meat processing.
Where is Clemens Toennies from?
Clemens Toennies is from Germany.
How old is Clemens Toennies?
Clemens Toennies is 69 years old.

Sources & References

  1. Clemens Toennies — Forbes profile — Forbes