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On February 6, at the funeral of Bertrand Puech, an emblematic figure of the Hermès dynasty, an unusual couple drew attention. Nicolas Puech, the deceased’s brother, has for years presented Jadil, a Moroccan man, and Maria, a Spanish woman, as his son and daughter-in-law. This life choice intrigues a family whose fortune is estimated at nearly 138 billion euros.
Met in 1992 in Seville, Jadil, then a laborer on the construction sites of the World’s Fair, entered the life of Nicolas Puech, who decided to adopt him as his son. This relationship quickly moved beyond the professional sphere to become a family one. Jadil, endowed with remarkable intelligence and sensitivity, quickly became indispensable to Nicolas Puech, managing his numerous properties and taking care of his personal affairs.
The situation took a more complex turn with the arrival of Maria, who won Jadil’s heart. Together, they formed a close-knit family, welcoming two children. Nicolas Puech, attached to this family, decided to formalize this bond by beginning an adoption procedure. Some see this move as a way to get around the succession rules tied to his Isocrate foundation, dedicated to fighting misinformation.
Hermès heirs and some close associates are questioning Nicolas Puech’s true motives. The adoption of an adult and the biological parents of Jadil giving up parenthood have sparked debate and suspicion. Nicolas Puech recently changed his will, canceling his original commitment to the Isocrate foundation, which could call into question the distribution of his fortune, estimated at 12 billion euros.
Discussions between Nicolas Puech and the Isocrate foundation are ongoing in hopes of finding common ground. However, Jadil’s adoption and his increased presence in Hermès family business and events indicate Nicolas Puech’s desire to formally recognize this chosen family.