Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#1947

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Hans-Ueli Rihs & family

CEO, Sonova Holding AG

Real-Time Net Worth

$1.7B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Hearing Aids

Industry

manufacturing

Citizenship

Biography

Hans-Ueli Rihs, a Swiss billionaire, and his family, have significantly impacted the hearing aid industry. Their primary source of wealth stems from their substantial stake in Sonova Holding, the world's largest hearing aid manufacturer. Along with his late brother, Andy Rihs, Hans-Ueli expanded the family business. Their career in the hearing aid sector began when their father, Ernst Rihs, acquired a controlling share in a company in 1965. As of December 5, 2025, Hans-Ueli Rihs & family has a net worth of $1.7 billion, and is ranked #1947 on Forbes' 2025 Billionaires list. The family's achievements in the hearing health sector and their ownership of Swiss Casinos AG, along with involvement in Swiss soccer, underline their diverse business interests.

Wealth Over Time

Portfolio Holdings

Sonova Holding AG

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Family Background

Hans-Ueli Rihs was born on January 3, 1944, in Zurich, Switzerland. He, along with his brother Andy Rihs and business partner Beda Diethelm, played a crucial role in developing the hearing aid company Phonak, later renamed Sonova, into a global leader. Their father, Ernst Rihs, laid the foundation by acquiring shares in AG für Elektroakustik in 1965. Hans-Ueli and Andy took over the company after their father's death in 1980.

Rise to Success

The Rihs brothers, along with Beda Diethelm, transformed the company into Sonova Holding AG, the world's largest hearing aid manufacturer by revenue. They expanded the business and established a significant presence in the audiological care market. Hans-Ueli Rihs, along with his family, remains a substantial shareholder in Sonova, showcasing their continued commitment and influence in the industry.

Key Business Strategies

A key business strategy involved growing Sonova into a global leader in the hearing aid market. This included expanding their range of innovative hearing care solutions and focusing on technological breakthroughs. Sonova's brands include Phonak and Unitron. The family also diversified their investments, with Hans-Ueli owning Swiss Casinos AG and the Swiss soccer team BSC Young Boys.

Philanthropy

The search results did not yield specific information on the Hans-Ueli Rihs family's philanthropic initiatives.

Career Milestones

1965

Family Acquisition of AG für Elektroakustik

Ernst Rihs acquired a majority shareholding in AG für Elektroakustik, which was later renamed Phonak AG.

1980

Taking Over the Company

Hans-Ueli Rihs and his brother Andy took over the company after their father's death.

1985

Renaming to Phonak

The company was renamed Phonak.

2007

Renaming to Sonova

The group was renamed Sonova.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Unknown

$XB

No specific information about the family's philanthropic activities was found in the search results.