Billionaire Profile
Francoise Bettencourt Meyers & family
Global Rank
#20

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Francoise Bettencourt Meyers & family

CEO, L'Oréal
FR
Real-Time Net Worth
$97.6B
As of December 2025
Age
72
Source
L'Oréal
Industry
fashion-retail
Citizenship
FR

Biography

Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, born in 1953, is a French entrepreneur, philanthropist, and writer, and is the wealthiest woman in the world, with a net worth of $97.6 billion as of December 2024. As the only child of Liliane Bettencourt, the heiress to the L'Oréal fortune, Francoise inherited a significant stake in the company and has grown her wealth through strategic investments via her family holding company, Téthys Invest, and the increasing valuation of L'Oréal shares. Her career includes leadership roles within L'Oréal, and she is the chairwoman of the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation, supporting scientific research, cultural projects, and humanitarian causes. Bettencourt Meyers' influence extends beyond business, reflecting her commitment to philanthropy and intellectual pursuits, including writing books on Greek mythology and Jewish-Christian relations.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Françoise Bettencourt Meyers was born on July 10, 1953, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France. She is the only child of Liliane Bettencourt, the heiress to the L'Oréal fortune, and André Bettencourt, a French politician. Growing up in a privileged environment, she was raised in a strict Catholic household and attended Marymount International School. Bettencourt Meyers developed a deep interest in literature, philosophy, and music, which reflected her reflective nature.

Rise to Success

Françoise Bettencourt Meyers inherited a significant stake in L'Oréal after her mother's death in September 2017. She is the granddaughter of Eugène Schueller, the founder of L'Oréal. Her inheritance, combined with her family's strategic investments through Téthys Invest and the rising value of L'Oréal shares, has propelled her to become the wealthiest woman in the world. She has also served on L'Oréal's board of directors.

Key Business Strategies

Bettencourt Meyers and her family hold a substantial stake in L'Oréal. Her wealth has grown due to the company's strong performance, supported by global demand in the prestige beauty segment. Her focus on long-term investments and innovation has contributed to her financial success. She is the chairwoman of the family holding company, Téthys Invest.

Philanthropy

Françoise Bettencourt Meyers is actively involved in philanthropy. She is the chairwoman of the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation, which supports scientific research, cultural projects, and humanitarian causes. The foundation has donated millions towards medical research, education, and the arts.

Career Milestones

1997

Appointed to L'Oréal's Board of Directors

Joined the board of directors of L'Oréal, contributing to the company's strategic decisions.

2012

Became Chairwoman of Tethys Invest

Took on the role of chairwoman of the family's holding company, Téthys Invest.

2017

Inherited the family's stake in L'Oréal

Inherited the family's significant stake in L'Oréal following her mother's passing, solidifying her position as a major shareholder.

2025

Retired from L'Oréal's board

Announced her retirement from the L'Oréal board of directors.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Scientific Research, Culture, Humanitarian

Bettencourt Schueller Foundation

$XB

Supports scientific research, cultural projects, and humanitarian causes.

Hearing research and accessibility

Fondation Pour l'Audition

$XB

An organization focused on hearing research and accessibility for people with hearing loss.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"“Again, I know that I'm privileged but, as you can see, I don't live in a mansion. We are not big art collectors and, as you can see, I don't wear jewelry.”"

Controversies & Challenges

2007-2016

Banier-Bettencourt Affair

Legal dispute involving gifts given by her mother to François-Marie Banier and accusations of exploiting her mother's weakness.