Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, heiress to the L’Oréal empire, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first woman to amass a fortune exceeding $100 billion.
Meyers’s new net worth places her globally among the wealthiest individuals. At 70, her net worth reached this landmark figure on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, ranking her the 12th richest person worldwide.
The French beauty company, founded by her grandfather, is experiencing an impressive surge in the stock market, with L’Oréal shares hitting record highs in Paris. Despite being behind Bernard Arnault of LVMH in net worth, Meyers has led L’Oréal to thrive, especially post-pandemic, as the company rebounds in sales with the resumption of makeup usage. Holding a significant 35% stake, the Bettencourt family is the largest shareholder, with Meyers serving as the board’s vice-chairperson.
The Journey of the L’Oréal Heiress
Following her mother’s death, Liliane Bettencourt, in 2017, Françoise Bettencourt Meyers stepped into the role of the reigning heiress. Her mother, once recognized as France’s wealthiest individual, had a tumultuous relationship with Françoise, marked by public disputes and legal battles concerning her mental state. In 2011, a French court acknowledged Liliane’s dementia, granting Françoise control over the family’s wealth.
Known for valuing privacy over public appearances, Françoise Bettencourt Meyers dedicates her time to family and personal interests. A skilled pianist, she spends hours each day practising the instrument. Additionally, her intellectual curiosity is evident in her authorship of two books, one an in-depth study of the Bible and the other a genealogy of the Greek gods, showcasing her diverse interests and scholarly pursuits.
