Gerard Wertheimer is a France based businessman best known for his co-ownership in the House of Chanel. This is one of the oldest and most renowned luxury brands in the world, founded by his grandfather Pierre Wertheimer in the 1920s. He co-owns the business along with his brother Alain Wertheimer. While his brother is the Chairman of the company, Gerard looks after its watch division. Apart from the business, Gerard also co-owns a number of vineyards in Saint Emilion, Napa Valley and Margaux. Like his brother, parents and grandparents, he also breeds and races horses in the farms owned by him. He has raced and won in a number of horse races, including the French Derby and the US Breeders’ Cup Turf.
Born in 1951, Gerard is now more than 60 years of age, and he was always blessed with the wealth and richness of his parents and grandparents. Today, he is involved in a number of philanthropic activities as well, including support against child pornography.
Gerard Wertheimer Great Grandfather: Ernest Wertheimer
Gerard Wertheimer is the great grandson of Ernest Wertheimer, who was responsible for laying the foundation of luxury business in his family. He bought interests into Bourjois, which was one of the biggest and most successful theatrical makeup companies at that time. It was Bourjois that introduced the usage of dry rouge on the faces of the actors. Ernest was Jewish by birth. He was born in 1852 in Germany, but Gallicized to become French, and moved to Paris from Alsace. He died a natural death in 1927.
Gerard Wertheimer Grandparents: Pierre Wertheimer and Germaine Revel
Pierre Wertheimer was the grandfather of Gerard Wertheimer, and he himself was a successful entrepreneur like his father. With the increasing popularity of Bourjois in the French fashion market, Pierre had taken over the business in 1917, and became its Director. In the mid 1920s, he entered into an agreement with Coco Chanel, the French businesswoman, fashion designer and the founder of Chanel Brand. Gradually, the Chanel brand became the ownership of Wertheimer brothers, through which they manufacture and deliver a wide range of luxury products, including perfumes, Chanel suits, watches, handbags, cosmetics, accessories and others.
Gerard’s mother was Germaine Revel, who married Pierre in 1910. Germaine was the daughter of a stockbroker. Her father was also a member of the Lazard family of investment bankers.
Gerard Wertheimer Parents: Jacques Wertheimer and Eliane Fischer
Gerard’s father was Jacques Wertheimer who was born in 1911 and died in 1996. He inherited his father’s business and ran it successfully until his sons took it over. Under his ownership, he developed one of the most successful horse stables in the country. Gerard’s mother was Eliane Fischer, who was the daughter of an architect at that time. Their marriage took place in 1947, but the relationship did not last long, and they divorced in 1952 after having two sons, Alain and Gerard.
Gerard Wertheimer Siblings: Alain Wertheimer
Because the marriage of his parents did not last long, he has only one brother, Alain Wertheimer. He has extremely cordial relations with his brother, and he co-owns most of his businesses, properties, horse breeds and vineyards along with him. Born in 1949, Alain is the elder brother. He is married to Brigitte Wertheimer, and lives in New York, NY.
Gerard Wertheimer Spouse: Valerie Wertheimer
Valerie was a former nurse, whom Gerard is married to. She is engaged in a number of charitable and philanthropic activities. They have three children, with whom they peacefully and privately live in Switzerland. Paloma is 15 years old, Olivette is 11 years old and Juan is 8 years old.
Gerard Wertheimer Net Worth
Gerard’s net worth has been estimated to be around $11.7 billion, inclusive of his businesses, investments, vineyards, horse breeds etc.