Billionaire Profile
Maja Oeri
Global Rank
#1478

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
$2.879B
Estimated based on Pharmaceuticals stock value as of April 20, 2026
-0.07% (24h)
Age
71
Source
Pharmaceuticals
Industry
Healthcare
Citizenship
SWITZERLAND

Biography

Maja Oeri, a Swiss businesswoman and philanthropist, is a prominent figure in the world of art and pharmaceuticals. Born in Basel, Switzerland, in 1955, she is a descendant of Fritz Hoffmann-La Roche, the founder of the pharmaceutical giant Roche. Her estimated net worth is $3.1 billion as of 2024. Oeri's wealth stems primarily from her family's holdings in Roche, where she holds a significant stake. Her career has also been defined by her passion for art, serving as vice chair of the board at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. She has also contributed to the art world through the Laurenz Foundation, which supports contemporary art in Basel, and as president of the Emanuel Hoffmann Foundation. Oeri's achievements include her substantial contributions to the arts and her role as a key shareholder in Roche, a leading global healthcare company.

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

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Maja Oeri was born in Basel, Switzerland, in 1955. She grew up in Basel and was influenced by her family's legacy in the pharmaceutical industry. Her grandmother, Maja Sacher, brought her into the Emanuel-Hoffmann-Stiftung (EHS) at a young age, where she began to develop her interest in art.

Rise to Success

Oeri's rise to prominence is closely tied to her family's involvement with Roche, a global healthcare company. In 2011, she made a significant move by withdrawing her stake in the company from the family pool, which diminished the family's majority control. This decision allowed her to join the ranks of billionaires.

Key Business Strategies

Oeri's business strategy has involved managing her stake in Roche while also actively participating in the art world. She has focused on supporting the arts through various foundations and institutions, including the Laurenz Foundation and the Emanuel Hoffmann Foundation. The Schaulager, a unique preservation space for artwork, reflects her impact on the art world.

Philanthropy

Maja Oeri is deeply involved in philanthropy, primarily focusing on the arts. She co-founded the Laurenz Foundation in 1999 to support contemporary art in Basel. She also serves as the vice chair of the board at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Through these initiatives, she has significantly contributed to the preservation and promotion of art.

Career Milestones

1978

Early Career

Worked in the exhibition "Paris-Berlin" at Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris.

1983

Commission Member

Became a member of the commission of the Basel Art Association.

1991

President of Emanuel Hoffmann Foundation

Took over the presidency of the Emanuel Hoffmann Foundation.

1999

Co-founded Laurenz Foundation

Co-founded the Laurenz Foundation to support fine arts.

2000

Tate Modern Board

Became the first non-British member of the London Tate Modern's advisory board.

2011

Shareholder Decision

Withdrew her shares from the family's pool, diminishing the family's majority control of Roche.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Arts and Culture

Laurenz Foundation

Undisclosed

Supports contemporary art in Basel.

Arts and Culture

Emanuel Hoffmann Foundation

Undisclosed

Supports contemporary art.

Arts and Culture

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Undisclosed

Vice Chair on the board.