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In a dazzling display of wealth creation, Françoise Bettencourt Meyers—the 72-year-old French heiress to the L’Oréal empire—has added a staggering $24 billion to her fortune in 2025 alone. Her net worth now stands at approximately $98 billion, catapulting her past Asia’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani, and placing her firmly among the world’s top billionaires. This meteoric rise is not just a personal milestone but a reflection of the enduring power of beauty brands in global markets.
Key highlights
- Françoise Bettencourt Meyers’ net worth surged 32 percent in just eight months
- Her fortune now exceeds Mukesh Ambani’s, who is worth nearly $97 billion
- L’Oréal stock jumped 17 percent this year, trading close to $400
- Bettencourt Meyers owns a 35 percent stake in the cosmetics giant
- She ranks 18th globally on Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index
The rise of a beauty mogul
Bettencourt Meyers inherited her stake in L’Oréal in 2017 following the death of her mother, Lilian Bettencourt. Since then, she has become a symbol of generational wealth and strategic stewardship. In late 2023, she became the first woman ever to cross the $100 billion threshold. However, a dip in L’Oréal’s stock early in 2025 saw her net worth fall below $75 billion. The recent rally has not only restored her position but elevated her above key global players.
Stock surge and strategic moves
L’Oréal’s performance in 2025 has been nothing short of stellar. The company reported strong first-half growth, with like-for-like revenues up 3 percent across all product categories and geographies. This uptick in sales, coupled with JPMorgan’s upgrade of the stock from underweight to neutral, has fueled investor confidence. Bettencourt Meyers’ 35 percent stake in the company means she directly benefits from every mascara sold and every serum splurged on.
- L’Oréal’s brands include Maybelline, Lancôme, and Redken
- The company saw growth in four out of five global territories
- Bettencourt Meyers retired from the board in April after 28 years
- Her son, Jean-Victor Meyers, now serves as vice chair
Outpacing tech titans and global giants
In terms of wealth accumulation, Bettencourt Meyers has outpaced some of the most iconic names in tech and business. Alphabet cofounders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Pop Mart CEO Wang Ning, and SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son each saw gains between $17 billion and $21 billion this year—still short of her $24 billion leap.
- She ranks as the sixth-biggest wealth gainer of 2025
- Her fortune now places her just behind Walmart heiress Alice Walton, who is worth $118 billion
- Bettencourt Meyers is currently the second-richest woman in the world
Cultural legacy and quiet power
Despite her immense wealth, Bettencourt Meyers maintains a relatively low public profile. Her influence is felt more through strategic decisions and cultural legacy than through media appearances. Her retirement from L’Oréal’s board marks a generational shift, with her son stepping into leadership while she continues to hold her stake.
This transition reflects a broader trend in legacy wealth management—where heirs are not just inheriting fortunes but reshaping them for modern markets. Bettencourt Meyers’ story is a testament to the enduring power of beauty, branding, and quiet influence.
Conclusion
Françoise Bettencourt Meyers’ $24 billion gain in 2025 is more than a headline—it’s a reflection of the resilience of consumer beauty, the strength of legacy brands, and the strategic acumen of one of the world’s most understated billionaires. As she surpasses Asia’s richest and closes in on the top ranks of global wealth, her journey continues to redefine what it means to be a modern heiress.
Sources: Financial Express, Yahoo Finance, Trading Tips, Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Forbes
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