Françoise Bettencourt has become the inaugural woman to amass a fortune surpassing $100 billion

Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, the heiress to the L’Oréal empire, has made history by becoming the first woman to amass a fortune surpassing $100 billion, as reported by a prominent global ranking of the wealthiest individuals.

The famed French beauty conglomerate, founded by her grandfather, is witnessing a remarkable surge in its stock market performance, with L’Oréal shares soaring to record highs in Paris.

At 70 years old, Meyers’ net worth has crossed the $100 billion milestone on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, positioning her as the 12th wealthiest person worldwide.

While achieving this significant feat, she remains behind Bernard Arnault, her French counterpart and founder of LVMH, the world’s largest luxury group, boasting a net worth of $179 billion.

L’Oréal, experiencing a sales resurgence post-pandemic as makeup usage declined during lockdowns, is thriving under Meyers’ leadership as the vice-chairperson of the board. The Bettencourt family, holding a substantial 35% stake, stands as the largest shareholder in the company.

Following the passing of her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, in 2017, Françoise assumed the role of the family’s heiress. Liliane, formerly France’s wealthiest individual, had a complex relationship with her daughter, marked by public disputes and legal battles over her mental state.

In 2011, a French court determined Liliane had a form of dementia, granting Françoise control over her mother’s wealth.

Known for prioritizing privacy over social engagements, Françoise Bettencourt Meyers spends much of her time immersed in family life.

A skilled pianist, she dedicates several hours daily to playing the piano and has authored two books an extensive study of the Bible and a genealogy of the Greek gods, reflecting her intellectual pursuits.