Françoise Bettencourt Meyers is a prominent figure due to her association with L’Oréal, the world’s largest cosmetics company, and her status as one of the richest women in the world. Here are 10 facts about her:
Facts About Francoise Bettencourt Meyers
- Family Background: Françoise Bettencourt Meyers is the only child of Liliane Bettencourt and André Bettencourt. Liliane was the heiress to the L’Oréal fortune, which was founded by Françoise’s grandfather, Eugène Schueller, in 1909.
- Religious Scholarship: Unlike many other billionaires, Bettencourt Meyers has spent much of her life outside the world of business. She is a noted scholar of Greek mythology and Jewish-Christian relations. She authored a book titled “A Look at the Bible” which delves into her studies on these subjects.
- L’Oréal Involvement: Françoise has been a member of L’Oréal’s board since 1997. Following her mother’s death in 2017, she inherited the L’Oréal fortune and became the chairwoman of the family’s holding company.
- World’s Richest Woman: After the death of her mother, Françoise Bettencourt Meyers became the world’s richest woman, a title she has maintained for several years.
- Philanthropic Endeavors: The Bettencourt family is known for its philanthropy. Françoise and her family established the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation, which donates to various causes, including scientific education and research, culture, and humanitarian projects.
- Private Life: Françoise values her privacy and tends to stay away from the limelight. She’s known to lead a relatively quiet life, focusing on her family, scholarly work, and philanthropy.
- Legal Battles: Françoise was involved in a well-publicized legal battle concerning her mother’s fortune. She claimed that her mother was taken advantage of by François-Marie Banier, a photographer and artist, leading to a legal dispute that was eventually settled.
- Music: Apart from her scholarly pursuits, she’s also a trained pianist, further highlighting her interest in the arts.
- Family: Françoise is married to Jean-Pierre Meyers, whom she met during her studies. They have two children together, Jean-Victor and Nicolas.
- Stewardship of Wealth: While she inherited a vast fortune, Françoise is known for her careful stewardship of it. She is focused on ensuring the L’Oréal brand remains strong and growing, as well as ensuring that her family’s legacy is maintained.
These are just a few facets of the rich and diverse life of Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, a blend of business, scholarship, and personal dedication.
