Françoise Bettencourt Meyers announces her withdrawal from the board of directors of L’Oréal, marking a major turning point for the global cosmetics giant. Thus, after nearly three decades of discreet but strategic involvement, she hands over her position to Téthys, the family holding company controlling the majority of the family shares. This change represents the transfer of a carefully developed influence. Indeed, it concerns one of the emblematic companies of French capitalism.
However, the businesswoman clarifies that she "is not leaving L’Oréal, but its board of directors," recalling her unwavering attachment to the legacy of her grandfather, Eugène Schueller. On April 29, 2025, during the general meeting, shareholders will have to validate this historic change. Indeed, it concerns the governance of the French beauty group.
A Discreet but Influential Heiress
Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, born on July 10, 1953, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, is the only daughter of Liliane Bettencourt and the granddaughter of Eugène Schueller, founder of L’Oréal. Thus, she grew up in a family where entrepreneurship and philanthropy have always woven the same ambition of discreet grandeur.
After schooling at Marymount International School, she pursued studies in mathematics before dedicating herself to her intellectual passions. Moreover, her passion for biblical exegesis is reflected in several works. This marks a unique intellectual orientation in the world of great French fortunes.
Furthermore, at the head of the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation, she has been driving a rigorous scientific and cultural patronage policy for over twenty years, notably by supporting innovative projects in biology, fundamental research, and music. This action confirms the silent influence of Françoise Bettencourt Meyers on the societal impact of her name.
Today, according to Forbes, she is considered the world’s richest woman, exceeding 100 billion dollars. This economic stature gives her decision to withdraw a strong symbolic significance, between family perpetuation and silent reinvention.
The Challenges of a Generational Transition
The withdrawal of Françoise Bettencourt Meyers from the board of directors reshapes the governance of L’Oréal. On one hand, Téthys, holding 34.76% of the capital, will see its voice strengthened through the appointment of Alexandre Benais, a key player in the family wealth strategy.
Moreover, the rise of Jean-Victor Meyers, grandson of Liliane Bettencourt, is part of a meticulously prepared handover logic. At 38 years old, the future vice-president of L’Oréal has demonstrated his fine understanding of shareholder balances. Additionally, he masters the governance mechanism and the challenges of global growth.
On the financial front, L’Oréal shows a brilliant health. Indeed, its revenue reaches 41.18 billion euros in 2024. Furthermore, it achieves a net profit of 6.4 billion euros. However, the presence of Nestlé, a historical shareholder with a 20.1% stake, raises strategic questions about potential future capital restructurings.
Heritage and Industrial Dynasties in France
The transfer operated by Françoise Bettencourt Meyers is part of the tradition of great French industrial dynasties. Thus, like Bernard Arnault at LVMH, the family heritage remains a lever of strategy and sustainability. Similarly, the Dassault family in aeronautics illustrates this dynamic.
However, this model raises questions about the balance between patrimonial conservation and governance modernization. In France, great fortunes like those of the Bettencourt family contribute massively to private investment, research funding, and cultural patronage, thus supporting the national economy and artistic growth.
Through her carefully considered withdrawal, Françoise Bettencourt Meyers combines respect for family traditions with adaptation to contemporary demands for transparency, ethics, and professionalization of governing bodies.
A Living Memory of French Industry
The journey of Françoise Bettencourt Meyers embodies a certain idea of French fortune: silent, responsible, anchored in a long-term vision. Thus, far from media agitation and short-term logics, she has managed to ensure the continuity of an empire founded at the beginning of the 20th century while preserving her discretion and influence.
With this handover, L’Oréal begins a new chapter at the crossroads of a strong family tradition. Moreover, it adapts to constantly changing global economic dynamics under the enlightened vigilance of its heirs.
The Future of L’Oréal After the Withdrawal of Françoise Bettencourt Meyers
Françoise Bettencourt Meyers retains an influential role through Téthys, reinforcing the preservation of the family model. Thus, although she leaves the board of directors, her indirect involvement remains decisive. Moreover, her son Jean-Victor Meyers embodies a new generation attached to the founding spirit while opening up to the global challenges of luxury and beauty.