Billionaire Profile
Karin Sartorius-Herbst
Global Rank
#1557

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Karin Sartorius-Herbst

CEO, Sartorius AG
DE
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.5B
As of December 2025
Age
83
Source
Biopharmaceuticals
Industry
healthcare
Citizenship
DE

Biography

Karin Sartorius-Herbst, at 83, is a prominent figure in the biopharmaceutical industry, with a net worth of $2.5 billion. She inherited her wealth through her stake in Sartorius AG, a company founded by her great-grandfather and a leader in pharmaceutical and laboratory equipment. Her career has been marked by her involvement in the family business, contributing to its growth and expansion while also pursuing philanthropic endeavors. She is known for her roles in various charitable entities, reflecting her commitment to social responsibility.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Karin Sartorius-Herbst was born into an entrepreneurial family in Germany, with a history deeply intertwined with Sartorius AG. Her great-grandfather, Florenz Sartorius, established a precision mechanics workshop in Göttingen in 1870. This workshop specialized in producing analytical balances and eventually evolved into a leading global life science company.

Rise to Success

After studying economics at the University of Göttingen, Karin Sartorius-Herbst joined the family business and worked closely with her father. Although she never held an official leadership position, she was significantly involved in various areas of the company, contributing to the development and expansion of Sartorius AG. Following her father's death in 1998, she inherited a share of the company.

Key Business Strategies

During her time in the company, Karin Sartorius-Herbst supported key strategic decisions, including the company's initial public offering in the 1990s. This move helped secure the company's growth and financial footing. She also played a role in the company's strategic focus on biotechnology, establishing Sartorius AG as a leading player in the field.

Philanthropy

Karin Sartorius-Herbst is actively involved in philanthropy and is the founder of the Sartorius-Herbst-Stiftung. The foundation supports various causes, including healthcare, animal and nature conservation, and cultural initiatives, primarily in the region of Southern Lower Saxony, where she is rooted.

Career Milestones

1990

Sartorius AG IPO

Supported the company's IPO, aiding in its growth and financial stability.

1998

Inheritance

Inherited a stake in Sartorius AG after her father's death.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Philanthropy

Sartorius-Herbst-Stiftung

Unknown

Supports healthcare, animal and nature conservation, and culture.