Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, at 70, has become the world’s richest woman, surpassing the $100 billion mark, as reported by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Meyers, along with her family, holds a commanding 35% stake in the L’Oréal luxury brand, founded by her grandfather in 1909. The recent surge in L’Oréal S.A. stock catapulted her into the realm of billionaires, joining the ranks of Warren Buffett, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos.
Bettencourt Meyers inherited her wealth from her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, after a prolonged family feud over inheritance concluded in 2017. The family, with a majority stake in L’Oréal, has transformed the brand into a beauty products empire valued at over $240 billion.
Known for a tumultuous relationship with her mother, Bettencourt Meyers faced public scrutiny when her butler’s recordings led to investigations into political influence and allegations against former Labor Minister Eric Woerth. The saga unfolded in Netflix’s The Billionaire, The Butler, and The Boyfriend.
Apart from her business endeavors, Bettencourt Meyers is a notable author, focusing on Greek mythology and Jewish-Christian relationships. She serves as the vice-chair of the board of L’Oreal, overseeing subsidiaries like Maybelline, Kiehl’s, and NYX. Her philanthropic ventures support science and social development.
Described as a reclusive billionaire, Bettencourt Meyers spends her days playing the piano for hours. She owns million-dollar mansions worldwide, an impressive collection of automobiles including Bentley Continental GT, Jaguar F-Type, Ferrari, and Porsche 911 Cabriolet.
Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, with her remarkable legacy, wealth, and multifaceted pursuits, has not only secured her place as the world’s richest woman but has also left an indelible mark on the beauty and business landscape.
