France’s richest family, Bernard Arnault is the world’s fourth-richest person, with wealth estimated at more than $75 billion, thanks in large part to the family-owned LVMH business that handles such iconic luxury brands as Louis Vuitton, Sephora and Dom Pérignon.
Bernard’s father, Jean Leon Arnault, was a successful manufacturer and owner of the civil engineering company Ferret-Savinel. Bernard joined his father’s company in 1971. In 1985, Bernard invested $15 million from the family’s construction business to buy Christian Dior. Today, Bernard Arnault chairs a group of 70 companies that include Fendi, TAG Heuer, Hublot, Bulgari and contemporary brands such as Rihanna’s Fenty beauty line and Belvedere vodka.
Bernard’s daughter, Delphine Arnault, is Executive Vice President of Louis Vuitton and remains a member of LVMH’s executive committee. Bernard’s son, Antoine Arnault, also sits on LVMH’s board in addition to his role as CEO of Berluti and chairman of Loro Piana.
Known for their patronage of the arts, the family was a major influence behind the $135 million Frank Gehry-designed Foundation Louis Vuitton museum near Paris, which opened in 2014.
