How Did Georg Schaeffler Make His Money?

Georg Schaeffler’s Profile Summary

Company	Schaeffler Group
Position	Chairman of the Supervisory Board
Source of wealth	Manufacturing and automotive industry
Also known as	Georg F. W. Schaeffler
Age	61
Education	Business and Economics degree from the University of St. Gallen; Juris Doctor from Duke University School of Law
Citizenship	Germany
Residence	USA
Family	Divorced, four sons
Website, Social Media	https://www.schaeffler.com

Biography

Georg Friedrich Wilhelm Schaeffler, born on October 19, 1964, in Erlangen, Germany, is a prominent German entrepreneur and lawyer. He is the majority owner of Schaeffler Group, a leading global manufacturer of rolling element bearings and machine components. Schaeffler's father, also named Georg Schaeffler, co-founded the company in 1946. Following his father's death in 1996, Georg and his mother, Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler, inherited the business, with Georg owning 80% and his mother 20%.

Schaeffler completed his secondary education and fulfilled his compulsory military service in Germany, where he served as a drill sergeant and platoon leader. He then pursued higher education at the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland, earning a degree in business and economics in 1990. From 1990 to 1996, he worked within the Schaeffler Group, gaining valuable industry experience. Seeking to further his expertise, Schaeffler moved to the United States to study law at Duke University School of Law, obtaining his Juris Doctor degree. He practiced as a business lawyer in Dallas, Texas, from 2000 to 2006.

In 2009, Schaeffler returned to Germany to take an active role in the family business. He became Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Schaeffler AG in 2010 and also joined the Supervisory Board of Continental AG, in which the Schaeffler Group holds a significant stake. Under his leadership, the company has continued to expand its global footprint, focusing on innovation and sustainability in the automotive and industrial sectors.

As of May 2023, Forbes estimated Georg Schaeffler's net worth at $10.2 billion, ranking him as the 171st richest person in the world.
Despite his substantial wealth, Schaeffler maintains a low-profile lifestyle, residing in the United States, while his mother lives in Kitzbühel, Austria.

Georg F. W. Schaeffler is the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Schaeffler AG as of at least April 2025, overseeing the adoption of the Schaeffler Group's budget and long-range plans for 2025–2030, and supervising compliance with European Sustainability Reporting Standards in 2025.

How did Georg Schaeffler make money?
Jonathan Gray began his career at Blackstone Group in 1992, joining the mergers and acquisitions and private equity group straight out of college. In 1993, he transitioned to Blackstone's newly formed real estate private equity group, where he played a pivotal role in its development. By 2005, Gray had become co-head of the real estate group and was appointed global head in 2011.

Under Gray's leadership, Blackstone's real estate division expanded significantly, managing a diverse portfolio of properties across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. One of his notable achievements was leading Blackstone's leveraged buyout of Hilton Hotels, which became the most profitable private equity real estate deal ever, earning $14 billion for the firm's investors. Gray continues to serve as Chairman of the Board of Hilton Worldwide, which went public in December 2013.

In February 2018, Gray was named President and Chief Operating Officer of Blackstone, overseeing the firm's day-to-day operations. He has encouraged a thematic investment approach, focusing on sectors benefiting from larger trends such as e-commerce, life sciences, and data centers. Under his guidance, Blackstone became the first alternative asset manager to reach $1 trillion in assets under management in 2023.

Gray's strategic vision and leadership have been instrumental in Blackstone's growth, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the private equity and real estate industries.
What is Georg Schaeffler net worth?

As of 2026, Georg Schaeffler’s net worth is estimated to be $12.7B.

What is Georg Schaeffler also known as?

Georg Schaeffler is also referred to as Georg F. W. Schaeffler in formal contexts. He is recognized for his leadership in the Schaeffler Group and his significant contributions to the manufacturing and automotive industries.

Prominent achievements

Under Georg Schaeffler's leadership, the Schaeffler Group has strengthened its position as a global leader in the automotive and industrial sectors, focusing on technological advancements and sustainable practices.

Re-elected as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Schaeffler AG during the 2025 Annual General Meeting and led the Supervisory Board in approving key governance decisions including financing plans and long-range strategy from 2025 to 2030. Oversaw the establishment of an ad hoc committee to advise on the implementation of the 2025 financing plan and expanded Supervisory Board expertise to include EU Sustainability Reporting Standards requirements.

What are Georg Schaeffler’s key insights?

Georg Schaeffler emphasizes innovation, quality, and sustainability in manufacturing. He advocates for strategic investments and maintaining a long-term vision to drive growth and industry leadership.

Personal life

Georg Schaeffler was previously married and has four sons. His mother, Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler, owns 20% of the Schaeffler Group and resides in Kitzbühel, Austria.

Useful insights

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