Billionaire Profile
Maja Oeri
Global Rank
#1392

Image: Author: Karel Frederik Holle (1894, 1904/1911, 1931), Stokhof, W.A.L. editor (1980-1987) Journal: Pacific Linguistics | CC BY-SA 4.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Maja Oeri

CEO, Pharmaceuticals
SWITZERLAND
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.975B
Estimated based on Pharmaceuticals stock value as of March 6, 2026
-1.68% (24h)
Age
71
Source
Pharmaceuticals
Industry
Healthcare
Citizenship
SWITZERLAND

Biography

Maja Oeri, a Swiss businesswoman and philanthropist, has built a significant fortune rooted in the pharmaceutical industry. As a descendant of the founder of Roche, she is a key figure in the family's continued involvement with the company. Her net worth is estimated at $2.4 billion as of early 2026. Oeri is also known for her dedication to the arts, serving as a trustee for several prominent art institutions. Her career has been marked by a strategic withdrawal of her stake in Roche, which solidified her status as a billionaire.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Maja Oeri was born in Basel, Switzerland, in 1955. She is a descendant of Fritz Hoffmann-La Roche, the founder of the pharmaceutical giant Roche. Her family's long history with Roche has significantly influenced her life and career.

Rise to Success

Oeri's wealth stems from her involvement with Roche, a company that has been a global leader in pharmaceuticals for over a century. Her decision to withdraw her 5% stake in Roche in 2011, contributed to her joining the ranks of billionaires. This move, while not indicating any family conflicts, decreased the family's controlling stake in the company.

Key Business Strategies

Oeri's business strategy includes maintaining a significant stake in Roche while also focusing on philanthropic endeavors. This strategic balance allows her to maintain her wealth while contributing to the arts. She is a controlling shareholder of Roche.

Philanthropy

Maja Oeri is deeply involved in the art world. She is the president of the Emanuel Hoffmann Foundation, which supports contemporary art. She is also a trustee of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. In 1999, she and her husband established the Laurenz Foundation in memory of their son, supporting the fine arts.

Career Milestones

1978

Exhibition Participation

Participated in the exhibition "Paris-Berlin" at the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris

1983

Commission Membership

Became a member of the commission of the Basler Kunstverein

1988

Art Commission Membership

Joined the art commission of the Öffentlichen Kunstsammlung in the Kunstmuseum Basel

1995

Emanuel Hoffmann Foundation President

Took over the presidency of the Emanuel Hoffmann Foundation

1999

Laurenz Foundation Founder

Co-founded the Laurenz Foundation with her husband, supporting the fine arts

2000

Tate Modern Council

Became the first non-British member of the Tate Modern's council

2003

Honorary Doctorate

Received an honorary doctorate from the University of Basel

2011

Stake Withdrawal

Withdrew her 5% stake in Roche, leading to her debut as a billionaire

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Arts

Emanuel Hoffmann Foundation

Undisclosed

Supports contemporary art, manages a significant art collection, and funds the Schaulager museum

Arts

Laurenz Foundation

Undisclosed

Supports fine arts, established in memory of her son

Arts

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Undisclosed

Serves as a trustee on the board