Billionaire Profile
Michael Pieper
Global Rank
#843

Image: Michael Schmalenstroer | CC BY 2.5 | via Wikimedia Commons

Michael Pieper

CEO, Kitchen appliances
SWITZERLAND
Real-Time Net Worth
$4.985B
Estimated based on Kitchen appliances stock value as of March 6, 2026
-0.27% (24h)
Age
79
Source
Kitchen appliances
Industry
Manufacturing
Citizenship
SWITZERLAND

Biography

Michael Pieper (born 1946) is a Swiss billionaire businessman known for his ownership of the Artemis Group, a holding company that controls the Franke Group, a global leader in kitchen systems and appliances. His source of wealth stems from his involvement with Franke Group, which was acquired by his father in 1975. Michael Pieper took over the company in 1989 and expanded it globally. He is also involved in real estate, Swiss industrial companies, and teak plantations in Central America. With a net worth of $5.4 billion as of 2024, Pieper is a prominent figure in the manufacturing industry and a well-known Swiss billionaire. He is currently ranked #762 in the world.

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

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Michael Pieper was born in 1946. He studied economics at the University of St. Gallen, where he also completed an MBA.

Rise to Success

Pieper's career is marked by his strategic leadership and investment acumen. He is the owner of the Artemis Group, which controls the Franke Group. Franke was founded in 1911 and acquired by Pieper's father, Will Pieper, in 1975. Michael Pieper took over as CEO of Franke in 1989, expanding its global presence and transforming it into a multinational giant in kitchen systems. Under his leadership, the company ventured into eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. He stepped down as CEO of the Franke Group in 2012.

Key Business Strategies

Pieper's business strategies include strategic acquisitions and diversification. Artemis Group holds investments in precision cutting technology, Swiss real estate, and teak plantations. Pieper also joined the startup fund Wingman Ventures in 2019 and invested in biotech startups like Tomorrowlabs GmbH in 2020.

Philanthropy

Information on the specific philanthropy amounts is unavailable in the search results.

Career Milestones

1989

CEO of Franke Group

Took over as CEO, expanding its global presence.

2012

Stepped down as CEO of Franke Group

Transitioned from CEO role.

2013

President and CEO of Artemis Group

Leads the broader Artemis Group.

2019

Joined Wingman Ventures

Joined startup fund.

2020

Invested in Tomorrowlabs GmbH

Acquired a 10% stake in the biotech startup.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Philanthropy

Unknown

Unknown

Specific philanthropy information not available