Françoise Bettencourt Meyers is a French author and heiress, best known as the chairwoman of the holding company L'Oréal and as the richest woman in the world. Here's an overview of her life and contributions
Family Heritage: Françoise Bettencourt Meyers was born on July 10, 1953, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France. She is the only child of Liliane Bettencourt, the heiress of the cosmetics giant L'Oréal, and André Bettencourt, a French politician and businessman.
Education: Bettencourt Meyers studied at the prestigious University of Paris (Sorbonne), where she earned degrees in Greek and Latin.
L'Oréal Holdings: Bettencourt Meyers inherited her wealth and position as the principal shareholder of L'Oréal following the passing of her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, in 2017. She serves as the chairwoman of the holding company, overseeing the management and strategic direction of the L'Oréal Group.
Authorship: In addition to her business responsibilities, Bettencourt Meyers is an accomplished author. She has written several books on topics such as Greek mythology, Jewish-Christian relations, and ethics.
Family Foundation: Bettencourt Meyers is actively involved in philanthropy through the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation, which focuses on supporting scientific research, cultural projects, and initiatives for the socially disadvantaged.
Advocacy for Women: As one of the world's wealthiest women, Bettencourt Meyers has used her platform to advocate for gender equality and women's empowerment, both within L'Oréal and through her philanthropic endeavors.
Marriage and Family: Bettencourt Meyers is married to Jean-Pierre Meyers, a French businessman, and they have two children together. The family maintains a relatively private personal life, with a focus on their business and philanthropic activities.
Wealth and Influence: As the richest woman in the world and the chairwoman of one of the largest cosmetics companies globally, Bettencourt Meyers wields significant influence in the business world and is a prominent figure in French society.
Forbes Ranking: Bettencourt Meyers has been consistently ranked among the wealthiest individuals globally by Forbes magazine, thanks to her inheritance and ownership stake in L'Oréal.
Honorary Titles: In recognition of her contributions to business, philanthropy, and literature, Bettencourt Meyers has received various honorary titles and awards from organizations in France and internationally.
Françoise Bettencourt Meyers continues to uphold her family's legacy as the steward of L'Oréal and remains committed to advancing the company's mission while also making meaningful contributions to society through her philanthropic work and advocacy efforts.