Billionaire Profile
Horst Wortmann & family
Global Rank
#2235

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Horst Wortmann & family

CEO, Footwear
GERMANY
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.877B
Estimated based on Footwear stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
84
Source
Footwear
Industry
Fashion & Retail
Citizenship
GERMANY

Biography

Horst Wortmann, born in 1942, is a German billionaire and the founder of Wortmann Schuh-Holding KG, one of Europe's largest footwear manufacturers. Wortmann established the company in 1967, which today produces over 50 million pairs of shoes annually and operates globally under the Tamaris brand. Wortmann, now 84, has transitioned operational leadership to his nephew, Jens Beining, while focusing on the strategic direction of the company. His net worth is estimated at $1.79 billion as of March 11, 2026, a testament to his successful career in the footwear industry. His company, Deichmann SE, generated revenue of $8.7 billion in fiscal year 2024.

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

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Horst Wortmann was born in Detmold, Germany, in 1942. Details about his early life and education are limited in the search results.

Rise to Success

In 1967, Horst Wortmann founded Wortmann KG in Detmold, Germany. The company has grown to become a major player in the European footwear market. Wortmann's strategic vision and business acumen enabled the company's expansion.

Key Business Strategies

A key element of Wortmann's strategy was the establishment of the Tamaris brand, which became one of the strongest shoe brands in Europe. The Wortmann Group acquired shares in NOVI Footwear (Far East) Pte Ltd. in Hong Kong/Singapore in 1993, to secure production and expand in the Asian market. Wortmann focused on the strategic direction, and in 2016, he passed operational management to his nephew, Jens Beining. Wortmann's portfolio includes brands like Tamaris, Marco Tozzi, Caprice, and Jana.

Philanthropy

Wortmann is also the chairman of the Wortmann Foundation, founded in 2013. The Wortmann Foundation supports a variety of projects. The exact amounts of Wortmann's philanthropic contributions are not explicitly detailed in the provided search results.

Career Milestones

1967

Founded Wortmann KG

Horst Wortmann established Wortmann KG in Detmold, Germany, marking the beginning of his footwear empire.

1993

Acquired Shares in NOVI Footwear

The Wortmann group acquired shares in NOVI Footwear (Far East) Pte Ltd. in Hong Kong/Singapore to grow in the Asian market.

2016

Transitioned Operational Management

Horst Wortmann passed operational management of Wortmann Group to his nephew, Jens Beining.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Philanthropy

Wortmann Foundation

Undisclosed

Founded in 2013, Wortmann is the chairman of the Wortmann Foundation