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Francoise Bettencourt Meyers is the richest woman in the world, with a net worth of over $80 billion. But who is she, and how did she amass such a fortune?
Early Life and Inheritance
Francoise was born in 1953 in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, to Andre Bettencourt and Liliane Bettencourt, the heiress to the L’Oreal cosmetics empire. She grew up in luxury and attended private schools, but she was also a shy child who preferred to keep to herself.
In 2017, Liliane Bettencourt passed away at the age of 94, leaving her daughter with a 33% stake in L’Oreal and an estimated net worth of $40 billion. This made Francoise the richest woman in the world at the time, and she has since used her wealth to continue her family’s legacy.
Philanthropy and Activism
Francoise is not only a businesswoman but also a philanthropist and activist. In 1987, she founded the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation with her husband and father. The foundation supports scientific research, cultural projects, and humanitarian causes, with a focus on sustainable development.
Francoise is also known for her activism on behalf of women’s rights. In 2019, she was appointed to the board of the Women’s Forum for the Economy and Society, which aims to promote gender equality and empower women in the workplace.
Business Ventures
As the largest shareholder in L’Oreal, Francoise has a significant stake in one of the world’s largest cosmetics companies. However, she has also made investments in other areas, including the fashion industry. In 2018, she acquired a 3% stake in the fashion house Hermes, worth an estimated $2.2 billion.
Francoise has also continued her family’s tradition of supporting scientific research. In 2018, she donated $100 million to the Institut de France to create a foundation for the study of the human brain.
Legacy
Francoise Bettencourt Meyers is a woman of many accomplishments, but she is also a reminder of the vast inequality that exists in the world. As the richest woman in the world, she has a responsibility to use her wealth for the greater good.
Through her philanthropy, activism, and business ventures, Francoise has proven that it is possible to be both successful and socially responsible. Her legacy is one of innovation, generosity, and a commitment to making the world a better place.