Susanne Klatten, born Susanne Hanna Ursula Quandt, is a German billionaire heiress and businesswoman. With a net worth of $23.2 billion, she is not only the richest woman in Germany but also the 51th richest person in the world according to the Forbes lists. Klatten has made a name for herself through her successful investments and contributions to various industries. Let’s delve into her background, education, investments, personal life, and philanthropic endeavors.
Personal Stats
- Age: 61
- Source of Wealth: BMW, pharmaceuticals
- Residence: Bad Homburg, Germany
- Citizenship: Germany
- Marital Status: Married
- Children: 3
- Education: Master of Business Administration, International Institute for Management and Development
Background And Education
Susanne Klatten was born on April 28, 1962, in Bad Homburg, West Germany. She is the daughter of Herbert and Johanna Quandt. Klatten obtained a degree in business finance and began her career at the advertising agency Young & Rubicam in Frankfurt. She furthered her education by pursuing a course in marketing and management at the University of Buckingham and earned an MBA from IMD Business School in Lausanne, specializing in advertising. She gained valuable experience working in London with Dresdner Bank, McKinsey, and Bankhaus Reuschel & Co.
Investments And Business Success
Klatten inherited her father’s 50.1% stake in Altana, a pharmaceutical and chemicals manufacturer. She played a crucial role in transforming Altana into a world-class corporation and served on its supervisory board. In 2006, Altana sold its pharmaceutical activities to Nycomed for €4.5 billion, and Klatten received a significant dividend as a shareholder. She later acquired almost all the remaining shares in Altana, solidifying her position as the majority shareholder.
Apart from Altana, Klatten also inherited a 12.5% stake in BMW from her father’s automotive industry. Following her mother’s death in 2015, her stake in BMW increased to 19.2%. Since 1997, she has served on the supervisory board of BMW alongside her brother, Stefan Quandt.
Klatten’s investment portfolio extends beyond Altana and BMW. She owns options to increase her stake in German graphite maker SGL Carbon to nearly a quarter of the shares.
Philanthropic Efforts
Susanne Klatten has been actively involved in philanthropy and has made significant contributions to various causes. She is a member of the University Council of the Technical University of Munich since 2005. In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded the Bavarian Order of Merit in 2007.
Susanne Klatten Personal Life
In 1978, Klatten and her mother, Johanna Quandt, were the targets of a kidnapping attempt, which was foiled by the police. Later, she met her future husband, Jan Klatten, while working as an intern at BMW. They got married in 1990 and have three children together. Klatten has kept a relatively private personal life, and the couple resides in Munich.
Susanne Klatten’s Challenges And Blackmail
Susanne Klatten has faced challenges throughout her life, including blackmail attempts. In 2007, she was blackmailed by Helg “Russak” Sgarbi, who threatened to release materials depicting an alleged affair between them. Sgarbi was arrested and sentenced to six years in jail, while his accomplice, Ernano Barretta, received a seven-year prison sentence.
Susanne Klatten’s Net Worth
Susanne Klatten is widely recognized for her immense wealth, which has contributed to her status as one of the richest individuals globally. As of September 2023, her net worth is estimated at a staggering $23.2 billion. This impressive fortune places her at the top of the list as the richest woman in Germany and the 51st richest person in the world, according to the Forbes list.
