Carrie Perrodo & Family: A Legacy of Wealth, Privacy, and Influence

Carrie Perrodo, the reclusive French billionaire and matriarch of one of the wealthiest families in Europe, has a story marked by international flair, strategic business acumen, and a deep commitment to privacy. Her life, both before and after her marriage to the late oil magnate Hubert Perrodo, is a testament to personal reinvention, global mobility, and the quiet accumulation of power and influence.

Born Ka Yee “Carrie” Wong in Singapore, she began her career as a fashion model and eventually transitioned into entrepreneurship, establishing herself in the modeling world through her agency, Carrie’s Models. This endeavor not only earned her financial independence but also helped her build an extensive network across Asia and Europe. It was through this world of fashion and international connections that she met Hubert Perrodo, a self-made French businessman whose fortunes were rooted in oil and energy.

Hubert Perrodo founded Perenco, a privately held oil and gas company, in the late 1970s. Based in London and Paris, Perenco grew to become one of the largest privately-owned energy companies in the world, operating in more than 15 countries. While Hubert was the visionary behind the firm’s rapid expansion and technical operations, Carrie maintained a quieter role, often described as the supportive and steady partner behind his endeavors. Their partnership—both romantic and business—flourished, resulting in a tightly-knit family and an expansive multinational business empire.

The couple had three children, most notably François Perrodo, who now serves as the chairman of Perenco. François, educated at Oxford and INSEAD, represents the new generation of the Perrodo family’s business leadership. Under his guidance, Perenco has maintained its low-profile yet highly effective approach to oil and gas exploration and production, focusing on acquiring mature fields and maximizing efficiency.

Tragedy struck in 2006 when Hubert Perrodo died in a mountaineering accident in the French Alps. His sudden death was a blow to the family and the company, yet Carrie stepped into the leadership vacuum with quiet determination. While she did not take an executive role, her influence in preserving and growing the family’s fortune has been widely recognized. She ensured continuity by supporting François in taking the helm, preserving the company’s culture, and staying true to its core business model. Her discretion and strategic mindset helped the family retain control and continue thriving in a volatile industry.

Carrie Perrodo’s approach to wealth and influence stands in stark contrast to the high-profile lifestyles of many billionaires. She is rarely seen in public, avoids media appearances, and maintains a minimal online presence. Despite her significant fortune, estimated in the billions, she lives away from the spotlight, mainly dividing her time between homes in London, Paris, and occasionally Singapore. The Perrodo family is known for their exquisite taste in real estate, with properties ranging from French châteaus and English manors to luxury city apartments.

Their interests extend beyond oil and gas. The Perrodo family is deeply passionate about classic cars and art. François is a well-known car enthusiast and collector, often participating in international motorsport events and vintage car rallies. This personal interest has grown into a symbol of the family’s status—refined yet understated. The family’s art collection is also notable, containing works by major European artists and frequently displayed in their homes or lent to prestigious museums.

What sets Carrie Perrodo and her family apart is not just their immense wealth, but the way they manage and preserve it. While other business empires have crumbled due to internal strife or poor succession planning, the Perrodos have maintained unity, discretion, and a long-term vision. Carrie’s background in modeling and business helped her develop a unique combination of style and substance, which has influenced the family’s private yet strategic public image.

Carrie Perrodo’s legacy lies not just in the preservation of a business empire but also in the careful nurturing of family values and discretion in an era of hyper-visibility. She is a reminder that immense influence can still be wielded behind closed doors, without the need for public affirmation. Her story offers a compelling counter-narrative to the modern billionaire archetype—less about flamboyance and more about substance, resilience, and silent power.

The Perrodo family’s future appears secure and well-anchored. With François at the helm and Carrie’s continued guidance, Perenco remains a dominant force in the private energy sector. The company has expanded into Africa, Latin America, and Asia, always maintaining its reputation for agility and efficiency. The Perrodos continue to make strategic investments, often behind the scenes, ensuring their fortune remains diversified and resilient.

Carrie herself continues to serve as the quiet compass of the family, guiding its values and direction. Her life journey—from a Singaporean model to the matriarch of a European business dynasty—is nothing short of extraordinary. She embodies the rare combination of elegance and influence, business intellect and emotional strength. Her example continues to inspire those who understand that true legacy lies not just in financial success, but in family continuity, ethical leadership, and the power of privacy in a world obsessed with exposure.