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Billionaire Profile
Martin Knauf
Global Rank
#1947

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Martin Knauf

CEO, Knauf Gips KG
DE
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.9B
As of December 2025
Age
45
Source
building materials
Industry
manufacturing
Citizenship
DE

Biography

Martin Knauf is a German industrialist and heir to the Knauf family, one of the world's leading producers of building materials and systems. His wealth is primarily derived from his stake in Knauf Gips KG, a global giant in the manufacturing of building materials, employing over 35,000 people and generating over $11 billion in annual revenue. Knauf's career has been centered around the family business, and he currently resides in Berlin, Germany. He is known for his involvement in the strategic direction of Knauf Group, which manufactures a wide range of products, including plasterboards, cement boards, and insulating materials.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Martin Bernhard Knauf is part of the Knauf family, who founded the Knauf Group in 1932. The company started when brothers Alfons and Karl Knauf obtained rights to gypsum deposits in Germany. The family has a long history in the building materials industry, with their original gypsum factory still serving as the company's production nucleus.

Rise to Success

The Knauf Group has grown into a multinational powerhouse with over 150 production sites worldwide. The company's product line includes plasterboards, cement boards and insulating materials. Martin Knauf, along with his family, has been instrumental in the company's expansion and success, which employs over 35,000 people around the world.

Key Business Strategies

Knauf's business strategy revolves around the building materials market. Knauf Gips KG is a key player in the building materials market. The company has annual revenue of over $11 billion, with a wide range of products, including plasterboards, cement boards and insulating materials. The company is a key player in the worldwide wallboard market. The company is expanding and continues to introduce innovative products, enabling it to adapt to changing market demands and maintain its competitive edge.

Philanthropy

While specific philanthropy amounts are not readily available, the Knauf family is known for its involvement in various initiatives. The family has a museum. Further details on the family's specific philanthropic efforts would require additional research.