Billionaire Profile
Reinhold Wuerth & family
Global Rank
#74

Image: Hans Holbein the Younger | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Reinhold Wuerth & family

CEO, Fasteners
GERMANY
Real-Time Net Worth
$29.667B
Estimated based on Fasteners stock value as of March 6, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
90
Source
Fasteners
Industry
Manufacturing
Citizenship
GERMANY

Biography

Reinhold Würth is a German entrepreneur and art collector, known for transforming a small family business into the global leader in assembly and fastening materials, the Würth Group. Born on April 20, 1935, Würth took over his father's screw wholesaling business at the age of 19, and through strategic vision and dedication, he expanded it to over 400 companies operating in more than 80 countries. His wealth source is Fasteners. Würth is also a renowned art collector, with a collection of over 18,000 artworks. He retired from active management in 1994 but remains Honorary Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Würth Group's family trusts. His net worth is estimated to be 43.4 billion USD.

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

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Reinhold Würth was born on April 20, 1935, in Öhringen, Germany. His father, Adolf Würth, founded a screw wholesale business in 1945. At the age of 14, Reinhold began working in the family business as an apprentice. When his father died in 1954, Reinhold, at only 19 years old, took over the small wholesale screw business.

Rise to Success

Under Reinhold's leadership, the company transformed from a two-man operation into a global enterprise. He focused on customer service and direct sales, traveling to construction sites and mechanical shops to deliver goods. He expanded the product line from screws to tools, adhesives, and safety gear, serving diverse industries like construction and manufacturing. Würth expanded internationally, opening the first foreign sales subsidiary in the Netherlands in 1962. By 2020, the Würth Group had over 400 companies operating in more than 80 countries.

Key Business Strategies

Würth's success stems from several key strategies. He expanded operations internationally and diversified the product range. His leadership style emphasizes employee empowerment and a focus on excellence. The company established four family foundations to ensure long-term stability.

Philanthropy

Reinhold and his wife, Carmen Würth, established the Würth Foundation in 1987 to support projects in art and culture, research, science, education, and integration.

Career Milestones

1949

Joined the family business

Began his commercial training at his father's screw business at the age of 14.

1954

Took over the family business

Assumed leadership of the company at age 19 after his father's death.

1962

International Expansion

Opened the first foreign sales subsidiary in the Netherlands.

1987

Würth Foundation established

Founded the Würth Foundation with his wife Carmen to support various causes.

1994

Retired from management

Stepped down from operational management but remained Chairman of the Advisory Board.

2006

Chairman of the Supervisory Board

Became Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Würth Group.

2024

Honorary Chairman

Became Honorary Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Würth Group.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Various

Würth Foundation

Undisclosed

Supports projects in art and culture, research, science, education, and integration.

Education

Künzelsau College of Applied Sciences

Undisclosed

The University of Heilbronn's Künzelsau College of Applied Sciences was renamed the Reinhold Würth University.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Everything has its time: the time of becoming, the time of being and the time of passing away. My objective is to keep the company youthful, in a state of becoming."

"I have never considered my job to be a burden. I always saw it as more of a hobby, something I enjoy and cherish."

Leadership Principles

Employee Empowerment

Empowering employees to take ownership and responsibility.

Excellence

Striving for the highest standards in all aspects of the business.

Sustainability

Focusing on long-term stability and responsible practices.

Controversies & Challenges

2008

Tax Evasion Allegations

Accused of tax evasion, settled by repaying taxes and paying a fine.