Francoise Bettencourt Meyers: Heiress to L’Oreal and Advocate for the Arts and Sciences

Francoise Bettencourt Meyers is a name synonymous with both wealth and philanthropy. As the granddaughter of Eugène Schueller, the founder of L’Oreal, she inherited not only a fortune but also a legacy tied to one of the most influential beauty and cosmetics companies in the world. With her family’s controlling stake in L’Oreal, Bettencourt Meyers is recognized as the richest woman in the world, a distinction she holds largely due to the family’s deep ties to the cosmetics giant. However, Bettencourt Meyers’ influence extends beyond corporate leadership and wealth accumulation—she is also a philanthropist, a patron of the arts and sciences, and an advocate for causes that promote the betterment of society.

Born in 1953, Bettencourt Meyers grew up in a family already deeply embedded in the history of L’Oreal. Her grandfather, Eugène Schueller, founded the company in 1909, and it quickly grew into a leading global player in the beauty industry. The fortune created by Schueller’s vision was passed down through generations, with Bettencourt Meyers’ mother, Liliane Bettencourt, eventually inheriting control of the family’s shares. Liliane Bettencourt became one of the wealthiest women in the world and a prominent figure in France, but her death in 2017 marked a significant transition for the Bettencourt Meyers family. Upon her mother’s passing, Francoise Bettencourt Meyers assumed the role of France’s reigning L’Oreal heiress, taking on responsibilities that would define her legacy in both the business and philanthropic worlds.

As of today, Bettencourt Meyers and her family own more than a third of L’Oreal’s publicly traded shares, making them the company’s largest shareholder. Bettencourt Meyers has been on L’Oreal’s board since 1997, bringing her sharp intellect and dedication to the company’s continued growth and development. Her business acumen is reflected not only in her involvement with L’Oreal but also in her leadership of the family’s holding company, which oversees their investments and assets. As chairwoman of the family holding company, Bettencourt Meyers plays a critical role in ensuring the continuity and expansion of her family’s legacy.

Despite her wealth, Bettencourt Meyers has often kept a low profile in the public eye, maintaining a sense of privacy around her personal life. However, her influence is far-reaching, as she serves as president of the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation, the family’s philanthropic arm. The foundation supports various causes, particularly in the fields of science and the arts. Bettencourt Meyers has long been an advocate for scientific progress, and the foundation’s initiatives include funding research in health, medicine, and environmental science. The Bettencourt Schueller Foundation also supports various cultural and artistic projects, encouraging the development of French culture and artistic expression.

In addition to her work with the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation, Bettencourt Meyers’ leadership extends to other significant charitable efforts. In the wake of the devastating fire that engulfed Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris in April 2019, the Bettencourt Meyers family, in collaboration with L’Oreal, pledged a substantial donation to support the restoration of the iconic landmark. The family, along with the company, committed $226 million to help restore the cathedral, a testament to their sense of responsibility toward French heritage and culture. This act of generosity not only highlighted their commitment to preserving France’s historical landmarks but also reinforced their status as influential patrons of the arts and culture.

Francoise Bettencourt Meyers has also made significant contributions to the world of literature and culture. As a writer, she has published several works, including books on Greek mythology and the history of art. Her scholarly interests are deep, and she has used her platform and resources to further her passion for cultural enrichment. Her love for the arts is reflected in the philanthropic activities of the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation, which supports various cultural institutions and initiatives in France.

While Bettencourt Meyers’ wealth and influence might be what first captures the public’s attention, it is her philanthropic endeavors that reveal the depth of her character. With a commitment to advancing knowledge in both scientific and artistic fields, she has ensured that the Bettencourt family name remains synonymous with social responsibility as much as it is with business success. Her leadership continues to guide the legacy of L’Oreal, but her contributions to society go far beyond the corporate world.

In addition to her work with the family foundation and L’Oreal, Bettencourt Meyers is also dedicated to causes that promote equality and social justice. She has supported initiatives aimed at improving women’s rights and increasing access to education for underprivileged children. Her involvement in these causes reflects her belief in using her wealth and position to create a positive impact in the world. Through her various philanthropic efforts, she continues to uphold the values of her family, ensuring that the wealth and success generated by L’Oreal benefit not only her own family but society as a whole.

Francoise Bettencourt Meyers remains a powerful figure in the worlds of business, philanthropy, and culture. Her leadership of L’Oreal, combined with her dedication to advancing scientific and artistic endeavors, has made her one of the most influential women in the world. As the richest woman globally, she carries the legacy of her grandfather, Eugène Schueller, and her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, into the future. Yet, it is her philanthropic contributions and her commitment to the betterment of society that truly define her legacy.

Bettencourt Meyers’ influence is likely to continue to shape the future of both business and philanthropy for years to come. Whether through her work at L’Oreal, her leadership of the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation, or her commitment to preserving French heritage, Francoise Bettencourt Meyers has proven that wealth and influence, when wielded with care and purpose, can have a profound and lasting impact on the world.