Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#1830

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Jean-Pierre Cayard & family

CEO, La Martiniquaise

Real-Time Net Worth

$2.1B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Spirits

Industry

food-beverage

Citizenship

Biography

Jean-Pierre Cayard, born in 1942, is a French billionaire and the driving force behind La Martiniquaise, one of France's largest spirits groups. He inherited the company from his father and transformed it into a global player with a diverse portfolio of international brands. Cayard's career spans several decades, during which he significantly expanded La Martiniquaise, now a leading company in the global spirits market. His leadership has been instrumental in the success of brands like Porto Cruz, Label 5, and Poliakov. With a net worth of $2.1 billion as of December 5, 2025, Cayard is a prominent figure in the industry.

Wealth Over Time

Portfolio Holdings

La Martiniquaise

Not available. employees

Founded 1934

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Jean-Pierre Cayard was born on November 28, 1942, in Bourg-Saint-Maurice, France. His father, Jean Cayard, founded the spirits manufacturer La Martiniquaise in 1934. Cayard grew up in a wealthy family and attended prestigious schools.

Rise to Success

Cayard joined La Martiniquaise in 1970. He became the CEO in 1989. Under his leadership, the company grew significantly, becoming the second-largest spirits group in France. He transformed La Martiniquaise from a regional producer into a global player in the spirits industry. Key brands like Porto Cruz, Label 5, and Poliakov became immensely successful under his guidance.

Key Business Strategies

Cayard focused on expanding La Martiniquaise's portfolio through acquisitions and strategic partnerships. The company has a global presence, with production sites in numerous countries and sales in over 100 countries. Family ownership has allowed for a long-term perspective.

Philanthropy

Jean-Pierre Cayard is known for his philanthropy. Details of specific amounts are not readily available through a general search. However, sources indicate that he has donated millions of euros to various charities and organizations.

Career Milestones

1970

Joined La Martiniquaise

Began his career at La Martiniquaise, the family business.

1989

CEO of La Martiniquaise

Became CEO, driving the company's expansion.

2001

Porto Cruz becomes No. 1

Porto Cruz becomes the world's top Port brand.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Charity

Various Charities

Millions of Euros

Donations to various charities and organizations.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""FORBES World's Billionaires List!? I do not want to see my name there. If I am part of that list, please take my name out. That is all I have to say to you. Let me get back to work now.""

Leadership Principles

Long-term vision

Family ownership allows for strategic decisions without being solely motivated by the stock exchange.

Controversies & Challenges

2021

EU subsidies

La Martiniquaise, under Jean-Pierre Cayard, indirectly received approximately 20 million euros annually from EU agricultural subsidies between 2014 and 2021.