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Billionaire Profile
Udo Schütz
Global Rank
#1172

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Udo Schütz

CEO, Schütz-Werke
DE
Real-Time Net Worth
$3.3B
As of December 2025
Age
88
Source
packaging
Industry
manufacturing
Citizenship
DE

Biography

Udo Schütz, born in 1937, is a prominent German entrepreneur and former racing driver. He is the founder of Schütz-Werke, a leading industrial packaging company. His career spans from successful racing in the 1960s to building a global manufacturing empire. Schütz's wealth stems from his packaging business, with a net worth of $3.3 billion. His commitment to innovation is evident in his development of the Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC), earning him the Rudolf Diesel Medal for sustainable innovations. He has also been involved in yachting, with his yacht "Container" winning the Admiral's Cup in 1993.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Udo Schütz was born on January 11, 1937, in Selters, Germany. Schütz started his career as a race car driver in the early 1960s, quickly gaining recognition for his skills and determination.

Rise to Success

Schütz transitioned from a successful racing career to become a prominent entrepreneur. He founded Schütz-Werke in 1958, a German industrial packaging company. Under his leadership, the company has expanded globally, establishing plants in the U.S., Brazil, Japan, China, and Indonesia. Schütz-Werke has grown to employ approximately 7,000 people.

Key Business Strategies

Schütz's key to business success lies in his innovative approach and commitment to sustainability. His development of the Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) in the mid-1970s revolutionized industrial packaging. Furthermore, the company has a global return and reconditioning program, SCHÜTZ TICKET SERVICE, which promotes environmental sustainability.

Philanthropy

Schütz has given 25.5% of the company's shares to the family's charitable foundation Else Schütz Stiftung.

Career Milestones

1958

Founded Schütz-Werke

Founded a German industrial packaging company.

1966

Won German Sports Car Championship

Won the German Sports Car Championship.

1967

Won 1000 km Nürburgring

Won the 1000 km race at Nürburgring.

1969

Won Targa Florio

Won the Targa Florio race.

1993

Won Admiral's Cup

Won the Admiral's Cup with his yacht "Container".

2024

Rudolf Diesel Medal

Awarded for his development of the Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC).

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Charity

Else Schütz Stiftung

$0B

Family's charitable foundation

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""Tote Rennfahrer nützen doch niemand mehr." - Udo Schütz (Dead racers are no use to anyone.)"

Leadership Principles

Innovation

Continuous development of new and sustainable products and technologies, such as the IBC.

Sustainability

Commitment to environmental responsibility through initiatives like the SCHÜTZ TICKET SERVICE.

Quality and Safety

Ensuring the highest standards in product design, manufacturing, and performance, especially in industrial packaging.