Early Life
Kirsten Elisbet Rausing was born in Lund, Sweden, on June 6, 1952. She is the eldest child of Gad Rausing, a Swedish businessman, and Birgit Mayne, a Swedish landscape painter. Kirsten is the granddaughter of Ruben Rausing, the founder of Tetra Pak, which revolutionized liquid food packaging.
Rise to Success
Rausing's career has been deeply intertwined with Tetra Laval, the packaging giant. She sits on the board of the holding company Tetra Laval, alongside her brothers Jörn and Finn Rausing. Kirsten Rausing's father, Gad Rausing, purchased his brother's share in Tetra Pak in 1995, making Kirsten and her siblings the sole owners of the company. In 2020, she was listed as the 150th richest individual in the world by Forbes.
Key Business Strategies
Rausing's leadership at Tetra Laval has emphasized sustainability, ensuring the company continues to develop environmentally friendly packaging solutions. She holds a 20% stake in International Flavors & Fragrances with her brothers. She is also involved in the equestrian industry, owning Lanwades Stud in Newmarket, UK, which is a respected thoroughbred breeding establishment.
Philanthropy
Kirsten Rausing founded the Alborada Trust, a charitable organization that supports medical research, veterinary care, education, animal welfare, and disaster relief. Through the Rausing Trust, she has supported initiatives in education, medical research, and cultural preservation, funding scholarships, research into diseases, and the preservation of historical landmarks.
