Known as the wealthiest woman in the world, Liliane Henriette Charlotte Schueller, is the principal shareholder of L’Oreal, one of the largest cosmetics and beauty companies all over globe. Born in 1922, she founded the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation, along with her husband and daughter in 1987.
This Foundation is based in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France and funds cultural, humanitarian and projects related to medical science.
Family tree of Liliane Bettencourt
Liliane Bettencourt Parents – Eugene Paul Louis Schueller & Louise Madeleine Berthe Doncieux
Born in 1881, Liliane’s father founded L’Oreal. The company’s origins can be traced back to the time when Eugene developed a groundbreaking hair-color formula in 1907, named it Oreale, and sold it to hairdressers in Paris. He registered his company in 1909 under the name “Société Française de Teintures Inoffensives pour Cheveux.” He graduated from the Institut de Chimie Appliquée de Paris in 1904, now called Chimie Paris Tech.
Eugene is also known as one of the founders of modern advertising. He was awarded an Oscar in advertising in 1953 for his innovative marketing tactics. Eugene has been involved in political controversy during the early twentieth century, when he supported La Cagoule (a violent French fascist-leaning and anti-communist group).
Louise married Eugene and gave birth to their only daughter, Liliane. However, she died five years after the birth of her daughter.
Liliane Bettencourt Spouse – André Bettencourt
Liliane’s husband, André, was the interim French Minister of Foreign Affairs for two weeks in 1973. He married Liliane in 1950. André is a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor and was awarded the Croix de Guerre. Between 1974 and 1981, he was the president of the regional council of Haute-Normandie. He also served as the mayor of Saint-Maurice-d’Etelan between 1965 and 1989.
André was also embroiled in political controversy in his youth, when he was a member of the violent group, La Cagoule. In addition, he wrote more than 60 articles for the magazine La Terre Française, which was funded by German Nazis. His articles had a distinct anti- Jew sentiment.
Children of Liliane Bettencourt and Andre’ Bettencourt
Daughter – Françoise Bettencourt-Meyers
The only child of Liliane and André Bettencourt, Françoise, is a member of the board of directors of L’Oreal. She is also an heiress under French law, being the only daughter of Liliane. She has authored several Bible commentaries and works on Jewish-Christian relations.
She married Jean-Pierre Meyers in 1984, who is the grandson of a Jewish rabbi who was murdered in Auschwitz concentration camp.
Liliane Bettencourt Son-in-law – Jean-Pierre Meyers
Jean-Pierre Meyers is the chief executive officer of Tethys, which holds 31% shares of L’Oreal and 6% shares of Nestle. He is also on the board of L’Oreal and Nestle.
Grandchildren of Liliane Bettencourt and Andre’ Bettencourt
Jean-Victor Meyers – born 1986
Liliane’s elder grandson Jean has an interest in fashion. He started a men’s label called Exemplaire that sells cashmere sweaters and leather bags. He took his grandmother’s seat on the board of members of L’Oreal when he was just 25 years old. He has a degree in economics and management from the Institut Supérieur de Gestion. In 2010, he was the assistant Head of Products at Yves Saint Laurent.
Nicolas Meyers – born 1988
Not much is known about Liliane’s younger grandson, Nicolas.
Net worth of Liliane Bettencourt
According to estimates made in December 2013, Liliane’s net worth is U.S.$ 33.2 billion. She owns 30.5% of the shares of L’Oreal. She is the richest person in France and was adjudged the 39th most powerful woman in the world by Forbes in 2005.