Billionaire Profile
Michael Herz
Global Rank
#623

Image: :Lawrence-John: Gilchrist. | CC BY 3.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Michael Herz

CEO, Coffee
GERMANY
Real-Time Net Worth
$6.516B
Estimated based on Coffee stock value as of March 6, 2026
-1.04% (24h)
Age
82
Source
Coffee
Industry
Fashion & Retail
Citizenship
GERMANY

Biography

Michael Herz is a prominent German businessman with an estimated net worth of $4.2 billion as of February 2024. He is best known as the co-owner of Tchibo Holding, a major German retail group and producer of Tchibo products, which is a significant source of his wealth. Herz, along with his brother Wolfgang, controls a substantial stake in Tchibo and Beiersdorf, the parent company of Nivea. Born in 1943, Herz's career has been marked by his leadership within Tchibo, following in his father's footsteps. His career also included investments in other ventures, like the book wholesaler Libri, and the florist Blume 2000. Herz is married and resides in Hamburg, Germany.

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

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Michael Herz was born on September 28, 1943, in Germany. He is part of the Herz family, which built a significant fortune through the coffee and retail businesses.

Rise to Success

After his father's death in 1965, Michael Herz joined Tchibo as head of sales. Tchibo was co-founded by Max Herz and Carl Tchilinghiryan in 1949. He, along with his mother and brother Wolfgang, acquired full ownership of Tchibo in 2003. Michael, along with his brother Wolfgang, acquired their siblings' shares in 2003. The family holding company Maxingvest AG controls 100% of Tchibo and around 47% of the voting shares of Beiersdorf, whose brands include Nivea and Eucerin.

Key Business Strategies

The success of the Herz family is largely attributed to Tchibo. The company expanded its retail offerings to include consumer goods and services. Michael Herz bought and reorganized the book wholesaler Libri and the florist Blume 2000, and he also prevented the break-up of Beiersdorf AG through his efforts.

Philanthropy

While specific amounts are not readily available, Michael Herz is known for supporting various charitable organizations and causes.

Career Milestones

1965

Joined Tchibo

Joined Tchibo as head of sales after the death of his father.

2003

Full Ownership of Tchibo

Acquired full ownership of Tchibo with his mother and brother Wolfgang.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Charity

Various Charitable Organizations

Not Available

Supports various charitable organizations and causes

Controversies & Challenges

2003

Family Feud

Michael and his brother Wolfgang bought out their siblings Daniela and Gunter from the company.