How Did Susanne Klatten Make His Money?

Susanne Klatten’s Profile Summary

Company	BMW AG
Position	Member of the Supervisory Board
Source of wealth	Inherited and diversified investments
Also known as	Susanne Quandt
Age	63
Education	MBA from IMD Business School, Lausanne
Citizenship	German
Residence	Bad Homburg, Germany
Family	Married, three children
Website, Social Media	Susanne Klatten maintains a low public profile and does not have official social media accounts.

Susanne Klatten’s biography

Susanne Klatten, born on April 28, 1962, in Bad Homburg, Germany, is a prominent German businesswoman and the richest woman in Germany. She is the daughter of industrialist Herbert Quandt, who is credited with saving BMW from bankruptcy in the 1960s, and Johanna Quandt. Klatten holds a degree in Business Finance and an MBA from IMD Business School in Lausanne.

After completing her education, Klatten gained experience in the business world by working for the advertising agency Young & Rubicam in Frankfurt from 1981 to 1983. She further honed her skills by working in her family's business, gaining valuable insights into the operations of BMW and other enterprises.

Upon the death of her father, Herbert Quandt, in 1982, Susanne and her brother Stefan Quandt inherited significant stakes in BMW. As of 2023, she owns approximately 19.2% of BMW, making her one of the company's largest shareholders. In addition to her involvement with BMW, Klatten is the sole owner and deputy chair of Altana AG, a pharmaceutical and specialty chemical corporation that she transformed into a world-class corporation.

Klatten's business acumen extends beyond BMW and Altana. She holds stakes in Entrust, a company specializing in digital identity and data security, and in the carbon and graphite producer SGL Group. Her diversified investment portfolio has significantly contributed to her substantial wealth.

Despite her immense wealth and influence, Susanne Klatten maintains a low public profile. She is known for her discretion and commitment to her family's legacy, focusing on the growth and sustainability of her business ventures. As of 2024, her net worth is estimated at $26.5 billion, reflecting her successful stewardship of her inherited and acquired business interests.

How did Susanne Klatten make money?
Susanne Klatten's wealth primarily originates from her inheritance of significant stakes in BMW and Altana AG, following the death of her father, Herbert Quandt, in 1982. Her father was instrumental in rescuing BMW from bankruptcy in the 1960s, and upon his passing, Susanne and her brother Stefan Quandt inherited substantial shares in the company. As of 2023, Susanne owns approximately 19.2% of BMW, making her one of the largest shareholders in the company.

In addition to her stake in BMW, Klatten inherited a 50.1% stake in Altana AG, a pharmaceutical and specialty chemicals company. Under her leadership, Altana transformed into a world-class corporation, significantly increasing its value and contributing to her wealth. In 2006, she oversaw the sale of Altana's pharmaceutical activities to Nycomed for €4.5 billion, focusing the company entirely on specialty chemicals. She retained ownership of the restructured Altana AG, which continues to be highly profitable.

Beyond BMW and Altana, Klatten has diversified her investments into other sectors. She holds stakes in SGL Carbon, a leading manufacturer of carbon-based products, and in Entrust, a company specializing in digital identity and data security. These investments have further expanded her wealth and influence in the business world.

Klatten's strategic management and expansion of her inherited assets, along with her prudent diversification into other industries, have solidified her status as one of the wealthiest individuals globally.
What is Susanne Klatten net worth?

As of 2025, Susanne Klatten’s net worth is estimated to be $25.6 B.

What is Susanne Klatten also known as?

Susanne Klatten, née Quandt, is recognized as a leading figure in the global business community, known for her substantial holdings in BMW and Altana AG. She is often acknowledged for her discretion and strategic acumen in managing and expanding her family's industrial legacy.

Prominent achievements of Susanne Klatten

Under Susanne Klatten's leadership, Altana AG was transformed into a leading specialty chemicals company. Her strategic investments have diversified her portfolio, contributing to her status as one of the world's wealthiest individuals. She has been instrumental in maintaining BMW's position as a premier automobile manufacturer.

What are Susanne Klatten’s key insights?

Susanne Klatten emphasizes strategic investment and sustainable growth, focusing on innovation and long-term value creation. She is known for her discretion and commitment to maintaining her family's industrial legacy while adapting to modern business challenges.

Susanne Klatten’s personal life

Susanne Klatten is married to Jan Klatten, an engineer she met during an internship at BMW. The couple has three children and resides in Bad Homburg, Germany. The family is known for maintaining a private lifestyle, away from public scrutiny.