BIO:
- Name: Françoise Bettencourt Meyers
- Title/Position: Vice Chairwoman of L’Oréal (retired 2025); Chairwoman of Tethys Invest
- Industry: Beauty & Cosmetics, Philanthropy
- Location: Neuilly-sur-Seine, France
- Age: 72 - (10th of July 1953)
- Net Worth: Estimated $81.6 billion (as of April 2025)
Françoise Bettencourt Meyers’s Story
Françoise Bettencourt Meyers is a French businesswoman, philanthropist, and author who has become a symbol of legacy, leadership, and quiet power. She is one of the most successful businesswomen today.
As the granddaughter of L’Oréal founder Eugène Schueller, she inherited not just a fortune but a responsibility to uphold and evolve a global beauty empire. After her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, passed away in 2017, Françoise became the principal heir, assuming control of the family’s 34.7% stake in L’Oréal through the holding company Tethys Invest.
Despite her immense wealth, Bettencourt Meyers has maintained a low public profile, focusing on her roles within L’Oréal and her philanthropic endeavors. She joined L’Oréal’s board in 1997 and served as Vice Chairwoman until announcing her retirement in 2025. Her leadership extended beyond corporate responsibilities; she has been instrumental in steering the family’s philanthropic foundation, the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation, which supports scientific research, arts, and humanitarian projects.
A scholar at heart, Françoise has authored several works on Greek mythology and Jewish-Christian relations, reflecting her deep intellectual pursuits. Her marriage to Jean-Pierre Meyers, a descendant of Holocaust survivors, and their decision to raise their children in the Jewish faith, underscores her commitment to interfaith dialogue and understanding.
Career Highlights
Key Milestones:
- 1997: Appointed to L’Oréal’s Board of Directors.
- 2012: Became Chairwoman of Tethys Invest, the family’s holding company.
- 2017: Inherited the family’s stake in L’Oréal after her mother’s passing.
- 2025: Announced retirement from L’Oréal’s board.
Achievements:
- Philanthropy: Under her leadership, the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation has made significant contributions to science, culture, and humanitarian causes.
- Notre-Dame Restoration: In 2019, pledged $226 million alongside L’Oréal for the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral after the devastating fire.
- Literary Contributions: Authored books on Greek mythology and Jewish-Christian relations, showcasing her scholarly interests.
Françoise Bettencourt Meyers Net Worth
Françoise Bettencourt Meyers’s wealth is primarily derived from her substantial stake in L’Oréal, the world’s largest cosmetics company. Through Tethys Invest, she controls 34.7% of L’Oréal’s share capital. The company’s robust performance has significantly contributed to her fortune, with L’Oréal paying the family over $11.2 billion in dividends.
In June 2023, she made history by becoming the first woman to amass a $100 billion fortune. As of April 2025, her net worth is estimated at $81.6 billion, making her the second-richest woman globally.
Françoise Bettencourt Meyers in the News
- Retirement from L’Oréal Board: In February 2025, Bettencourt Meyers announced her decision to retire from her role as Vice Chairwoman of L’Oréal, marking the end of a significant chapter in her professional life.
- Philanthropic Endeavors: Her continued commitment to philanthropy remains evident through the ongoing work of the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation, supporting various initiatives in science and the arts.
Quotes by Françoise Bettencourt Meyers
“Value your time by putting a price tag on it. Your time is the greatest resource and one thing you can’t get back”
“Stick to what you know.”
FAQs: Most Asked Questions About Françoise Bettencourt Meyers
How did Françoise Bettencourt Meyers get rich?
She inherited a significant stake in L’Oréal, founded by her grandfather, and has maintained and grown this wealth through her roles in the company and strategic management of the family’s holdings.
How much is Françoise Bettencourt Meyers worth?
As of April 2025, her net worth is estimated at $81.6 billion .
Where does Françoise Bettencourt Meyers live?
She resides in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France.
