When it comes to global wealth and power, few names hold the same weight as Bernard Arnault, the French luxury tycoon who, as of 2025, boasts a staggering net worth of $200 billion. At 75 years old, Arnault is not only the chairman and CEO of LVMH—home to iconic brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Moët Hennessy—but also a strategic mastermind who transformed the luxury industry.
Let’s take a deep dive into the fascinating story of how he built one of the most powerful empires in the world.
How Did Bernard Arnault Become the Richest Person in the World?
Arnault made headlines in December 2022 when he surpassed Elon Musk to become the richest person on the planet. His net worth had soared past $171 billion, overtaking Musk’s $168 billion. The momentum continued into April 2023, when LVMH’s stock hit new highs, pushing Arnault’s wealth above $200 billion—a milestone only two others in history had reached at the time.
By March 2024, Arnault’s net worth touched $230 billion, further cementing his position at the top of the global wealth ladder. While market fluctuations have since adjusted that figure to around $200 billion, Arnault remains a dominant force in the luxury world.
What Is the Source of Bernard Arnault’s Massive Wealth?
Arnault’s fortune is largely tied to LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton), the world’s largest luxury goods conglomerate. The group owns over 75 prestigious brands, including Dior, Tiffany & Co., Givenchy, Bulgari, and Fendi.
The Arnault family owns 97% of Dior, which in turn owns 41% of LVMH. On top of that, they hold another 7% of LVMH directly, giving them more than 50% of the total voting rights—a key factor in Arnault’s iron grip on the company.
In 2024, LVMH generated over $70 billion in annual revenue and had a market cap of $384 billion.
How Did Arnault First Get Into the Luxury Business?
His luxury empire began with a bold move in 1984, when he bought Christian Dior out of bankruptcy through a company called Financière Agache. Rather than holding on to the entire Boussac Group (which owned Dior), he sold off all other assets, keeping only Dior and department store Le Bon Marché.
This lean-and-mean approach paid off. Dior became the golden goose that helped Arnault fund his ambitious takeover of other luxury brands, eventually culminating in the formation of LVMH in 1987.
What Makes Arnault’s Business Strategy Unique?
Arnault has taken a decentralized approach to running LVMH. Each brand operates independently, maintaining its identity, heritage, and creative freedom. This structure keeps the brands feeling exclusive and authentic—two vital ingredients for luxury success.
He also isn’t afraid to spend big when he sees opportunity. In the late 1980s, Arnault invested over $2.6 billion to secure a majority stake in LVMH, fending off rivals and securing control. From there, he built a luxury portfolio like no other, acquiring names like Céline, Kenzo, Marc Jacobs, and Sephora.
What Other Businesses Does Arnault Own?
While luxury fashion is his bread and butter, Arnault has diversified his empire. He owns:
- Princess Yachts and Royal van Lent (yachting)
- A 5% stake in Carrefour, France’s largest supermarket chain
- Two French wineries
- A high-value art collection, including works by Picasso and Warhol
- Past investments in tech firms like Netflix and Zebank
Through his private holding companies—Groupe Arnault and Europatweb—he’s stayed active across several industries.
Why Did Arnault Sell His Private Jet?
In a surprising move, Arnault decided to sell his private jet after becoming the subject of flight-tracking social media accounts. Instead, he now rents private planes, making it harder for people—or business competitors—to track his movements.
His son, Antoine Arnault, explained the decision wasn’t about environmental concerns, but rather strategic discretion. “It’s not very good that our competitors can know where we are at any moment,” he said in an interview.
What Do We Know About Bernard Arnault’s Personal Life?
Born on March 5, 1949, in Roubaix, France, Arnault is the son of Jean Léon Arnault, a successful industrialist, and Marie-Josèphe Savinel, daughter of civil engineer Étienne Savinel. After graduating from École Polytechnique, France’s top engineering school, he began working in the family business, eventually steering it into real estate.
Arnault married Anne Dewavrin in 1973, with whom he had two children. After their separation, he married Canadian concert pianist Hélène Mercier, and they have three children together. Several of his children now hold leadership roles within LVMH.
In 2019, following the devastating fire at Notre Dame Cathedral, the Arnault family pledged €200 million toward its restoration—highlighting his long-standing commitment to French culture and heritage.
What’s Next for Bernard Arnault and LVMH?
Even at 75, Arnault shows no signs of slowing down. His focus remains on preserving the exclusivity of his brands while expanding globally. With several of his children involved in LVMH’s leadership, the future of the Arnault dynasty seems secure.
From engineering student to global luxury mogul, Bernard Arnault’s story is one of bold moves, brilliant strategy, and a deep understanding of the emotional value behind luxury. And as the world watches his every move, one thing’s for certain—he’s not done building.
