Susanne Klatten
Susanne Klatten | Shareholder, BMW Group | $23.3B as of 6/30/24
Susanne Klatten is a German businesswoman and billionaire heiress, known for her significant stakes in BMW and pharmaceutical company Altana. As one of the richest women in the world, Klatten has played a pivotal role in expanding her family's business empire and is renowned for her discreet but powerful presence in the business world.
Personal Information:
Full Name: Susanne Hanna Ursula Klatten (née Quandt)
Name in the language of origin: Susanne Hanna Ursula Klatten
Date of Birth: April 28, 1962
Place of Birth: Bad Homburg, Hesse, West Germany
Zodiac: Taurus
Marital Status and Family:
Spouse: Jan Klatten (married in 1990, divorced in 2018)
Children: 3 children
Relatives:
Father: Herbert Quandt
Mother: Johanna Quandt
Brother: Stefan Quandt
Background and Early Life:
Family Background: Susanne Klatten was born into the prominent Quandt family, known for their substantial holdings in the automotive and pharmaceutical industries.
Ancestry: Her father, Herbert Quandt, was instrumental in saving BMW from bankruptcy and expanding the family fortune.
Early Influences: Grew up in a wealthy and influential family environment, exposed to high-level business operations from a young age.
Has been influenced by: Herbert Quandt (father), Johanna Quandt (mother)
Books that impacted the most: There are no publicly known books that she has specifically mentioned as influential.
Educational Background:
Education:
Degree in Business Finance from the University of Buckingham
MBA from IMD Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland
Professional Career:
Current Occupation: Majority shareholder and supervisory board member of Altana AG; significant shareholder in BMW AG
Career History:
Worked at Young & Rubicam, an advertising agency, in Frankfurt.
Held various roles in her family's businesses, eventually leading Altana AG and overseeing its growth and diversification.
Career Milestones:
Key Achievements:
Expanded Altana into a leading global specialty chemicals company.
Played a key role in the strategic management and growth of BMW.
Innovations and Contributions:
Focused on sustainability and innovation within Altana and BMW.
Industry Impact:
Significant influence in the automotive and pharmaceutical industries.
Net Worth and Assets:
Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $25 billion (as of 2023)
Key Assets: Major stakes in BMW AG and Altana AG
Investments: Diversified portfolio including renewable energy and biotech.
Stock Records:
BMW AG (BMW)
Altana AG (Privately held)
Shareholder of Landa Digital Printing
Business Interests:
Primary Business: Automotive (BMW AG) and Pharmaceuticals/Chemicals (Altana AG)
Known Board of Directors Positions:
Supervisory board member of BMW AG.
Supervisory board member of Altana.
Member of the University Council of the Technical University of Munich since 2005.
Other Ventures:
SGL Carbon: German graphite maker SGL Carbon said on 16 March 2009 that Klatten owns options to raise her stake in SGL from 8% to almost a quarter of the shares but no more than that.
Altana: On her father's death she inherited his 50.1% stake in pharmaceutical and chemicals manufacturer Altana. She sits on Altana's supervisory board and helped transform it into a world-class corporation in the German DAX list of 30 top companies. In 2006 Altana AG sold its pharmaceutical activities to Nycomed for €4.5 billion, leaving only its speciality chemicals business. The €4.5 billion was distributed to shareholders as a dividend. Altana maintained its stock exchange listing and Klatten remained its majority shareholder. In 2009, she bought almost all shares she did not already own in Altana.
SKion is the investment company. Return-focused and value-based, industrial investments across economic, industrial and technological cycles.
Landa Digital Printing is a company of the Israeli entrepreneur and inventor Benny Landa in the field of digital printing and nanotechnology.
Art foundation in Nantesbuch in Bavaria
Investments in renewable energy and other sustainable technologies.
Leadership Style and Business Philosophy:
Leadership Approach: Strategic and discreet, with a focus on long-term growth and sustainability.
Business Philosophy: Emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and corporate responsibility.
Philanthropy and Social Contributions:
Charitable Donations: Known for significant philanthropic contributions, including education and social projects.
Foundations and Initiatives:
The Susanne Klatten Foundation, focused on social and environmental projects.
Philanthropic Goals: Support for education, environmental sustainability, and social welfare.
Environmental Stewardship: Strong emphasis on sustainability within her business operations.
CSR: Active in promoting corporate social responsibility through her companies.
Lifestyle and Interests:
Main Residence: Munich, Germany
Personal Values: Privacy, sustainability, and social responsibility.
Hobbies and Interests: Horse riding, art collecting, and philanthropy.
Social Circles: Primarily German and European business elite.
Membership in Private Clubs and Social Organizations: Details often kept private.
Associates:
Business Connections:
Harald Krüger: Former CEO of BMW
Norbert Reithofer: Chairman of BMW's supervisory board
Oliver Zipse: CEO of BMW
Heinz Hermann Thiele: Business associate in the automotive industry
Dieter Zetsche: Former CEO of Daimler AG
Paul Achleitner: Chairman of Deutsche Bank's supervisory board
Axel Heitmann: Former CEO of Lanxess AG
Martin Winterkorn: Former CEO of Volkswagen AG
Marijn Dekkers: Chairman of Unilever
Benny Landa: Chairman & CEO, Landa Corporation Ltd.
Personal Connections:
Jan Klatten: Ex-husband
Johanna Quandt: Mother, business mentor
Stefan Quandt: Brother, close familial and business ties
Erich Sixt: Family friend and business associate
Günther Quandt: Grandfather, historical business influence
Gabriele Quandt: Sister-in-law, familial ties
Herbert Quandt: Father, significant influence in early life and career
Klaus-Michael Kühne: Family friend and business ally
Franziska van Almsick: German swimmer and family friend
Katarina Witt: German figure skater and family acquaintance
Markus Söder: German politician serving as Minister-President of Bavaria.
Political and Social Influence:
Political Affiliations: She is one of the biggest donors of the centre-right political party, the Christian Democratic Union.
Advocacy: Supports policies that promote business growth and sustainability.
Significant Political Statements: No public political statements of note.
Future Plans and Projects:
Upcoming Ventures: Continued focus on sustainability and innovation in the automotive and chemical sectors.
Forecasts: Expected to maintain significant influence in BMW and Altana's future growth.
Legacy: Known for her strategic acumen, philanthropic efforts, and contributions to the business world.
Available Data on Possessions:
Yachts: Known to own luxury yachts, details often kept private.
Private Jets: Likely owns or has access to private aviation, specifics not disclosed.
Cars: High-end brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche.
Art: 600-work collection which focuses on ‘microcosmos and macrocosmos, plants, animals and humans’, including works by:
Olaf Holzapfel
Michael Beutler
Kaarina Kaikkonen
Alex Katz
Anselm Kiefer
Karin Kneffel
Robert Longo
Real Estate and Residences: Multiple properties in Germany and abroad, often kept private.
Collectables: Likely owns high-value collectibles, specifics not disclosed.
Expensive Accessories: Known for a luxurious lifestyle, specifics not disclosed.
Public Persona and Influence:
Media Presence: Maintains a relatively low public profile.
Public Speaking: Rarely engages in public speaking, focuses on business operations.
Public Appearances:
Industry conferences and events.
Philanthropic events.
Key BMW and Altana shareholder meetings.
Recognition and Awards: Recognized within the industry for contributions to the automotive and chemical sectors.
Future Plans and Projects:
Upcoming Ventures: Continued focus on sustainability and innovation.
Forecasts: Expected to maintain significant influence in the automotive and chemical sectors.
Legacy: Known for her strategic contributions and philanthropic efforts.
Political and Social Influence:
Political Affiliations: Supports business-friendly policies.
Advocacy: Advocates for sustainability and corporate responsibility.
Significant Political Statements: No major public political statements.
Other Information:
Unique Contributions: Innovations in chemical technology and significant philanthropic efforts in education and social welfare.
Media Search Results for Susanne Klatten
Biographical Books
Currently, there are no dedicated biographical books specifically focused on Susanne Klatten available in public databases.
Controversies and Legal Issues
Controversies
The Hanns Joachim Friedrichs Award winning documentary film The Silence of the Quandts by the German public broadcaster ARD described in October 2007 the role of the Quandt family businesses during the Second World War. The family's Nazi past was not well known, but the documentary film revealed this to a wide audience and confronted the Quandts about the use of slave labourers in the family's factories during World War II. As a result, five days after the showing, four family members announced, on behalf of the entire Quandt family, their intention to fund a research project in which a historian would examine the family's activities during Adolf Hitler's dictatorship.The independent 1,200-page study researched and compiled by Bonn historian, Joachim Scholtyseck, that was released in 2011 concluded: "The Quandts were linked inseparably with the crimes of the Nazis". As of 2008, no compensation, apology or even memorial at the site of one of their factories, have been permitted. BMW was not implicated in the report.
Legal Issues
In 2007, Klatten was blackmailed by Helg "Russak" Sgarbi, a 44-year-old Swiss national who threatened to release reported evidence depicting the two having an affair. Sgarbi, who was charged with similar blackmail schemes against multiple women, was arrested in January 2009 and brought to court in Germany, where he was sentenced to six years in jail. His accomplice, the Italian hotel owner Ernano Barretta who allegedly filmed Sgarbi and Klatten with hidden cameras, was also arrested and was sentenced in 2012 to seven years in prison.
Scandals
The blackmail scandal in 2007 was a significant personal scandal for Klatten. Sgarbi, a Swiss national, blackmailed her by threatening to release compromising evidence of their affair. This scandal drew considerable media attention and legal action against the perpetrators.
Allegations
Aside from the blackmail case, there have been no major allegations against Susanne Klatten personally. Most of the allegations have been indirect, relating to the historical actions of her family's businesses during World War II.
Criticisms
Klatten has faced criticism primarily due to her family's historical ties to the Nazi regime. The documentary "The Silence of the Quandts" exposed the use of forced labor, leading to public backlash and calls for accountability from the family. Despite this, no compensations or memorials have been established at the implicated factory sites.
Public Conflicts
Klatten has generally maintained a low profile, avoiding public conflicts. However, the revelations about her family's Nazi past have occasionally brought her into the public eye. Additionally, her separation from her husband, Jan Klatten, in 2018, was covered in the media, although it did not involve any public disputes.
Curious Information
Little-known Biography Facts
Susanne Klatten was born on April 28, 1962, in Bad Homburg, Germany. She earned degrees from the University of Buckingham and the International Institute for Management Development in Lausanne.
Susanne met Jan Klatten while she was doing an internship with BMW in Regensburg, where he worked as an engineer. It is reported that during this time, she called herself ‘Kant’ and did not tell him who she was until they were sure about each other, but Klatten himself denies the story. They married in 1990 in Kitzbühel and live in Munich. They have three children. The couple separated in 2018.
Unusual Experience
In 1978, there was a foiled kidnapping attempt on Klatten and her mother, Johanna Quandt, highlighting the dangers faced by high-profile individuals.
Gossip and Rumors
There are relatively few rumors about Klatten due to her private lifestyle. However, her involvement in the blackmail scandal did lead to significant gossip and media speculation at the time.
Mentions in Conspiracy Theories
Klatten is not commonly mentioned in conspiracy theories. Most of the speculative narratives involving her relate to her family's historical actions during World War II and their continued influence in the business world.
Psycho-emotional Profile of Susanne Klatten
Emotional State and Mood: Susanne Klatten maintains a composed and professional demeanor. Her recent resignation from the Chairwoman position at SGL Carbon due to personal reasons suggests a period of transition, possibly affecting her emotional state. She appears to handle public scrutiny and personal challenges with grace and resilience.
Personality Traits: Klatten demonstrates high conscientiousness and introversion. She is known for her meticulous approach to business and prefers a low-profile lifestyle despite her significant wealth. Her temperament is resilient, managing family legacy and business responsibilities effectively.
Stress Levels and Coping Mechanisms: Klatten likely experiences moderate stress levels due to her business roles and public scrutiny. She copes through structured problem-solving and maintaining a strong support network. Her resignation indicates a strategic approach to managing personal and professional stress.
Self-Esteem and Self-Concept: Klatten exhibits high self-esteem and a solid self-concept, viewing herself as a capable business leader and responsible custodian of her family's legacy. Her involvement in philanthropy and commitment to transparency further reflect her confidence and sense of responsibility.
Interpersonal Relationships: Klatten maintains strong relationships with her family, particularly her brother Stefan Quandt, and colleagues. Her professional and personal networks provide substantial social support, contributing to her effective management of responsibilities.
Behavioral Patterns: Klatten is characterized by cautious decision-making and routine behaviors. She avoids impulsivity, opting for well-considered actions, particularly in her business ventures and public engagements. Her resignation indicates a methodical approach to personal and professional changes. She has been described as "reclusive" since then, rarely participating in media interviews.
Psychological Well-being: Overall, Klatten’s psychological well-being appears stable. Her strategic approach to handling stress and responsibilities, along with her involvement in philanthropy, contribute positively to her life satisfaction. However, the pressures of her roles may occasionally affect her mental health.
Cognitive Functioning: Klatten demonstrates strong cognitive abilities, excelling in strategic planning and problem-solving. Her successful management of significant business interests indicates high-level cognitive functioning and a sharp, analytical mind.
Past Experiences and Trauma: Klatten's significant life events include managing her family's business legacy and navigating public scandals. These experiences have likely fortified her resilience and strategic outlook, shaping her current emotional and psychological state.
Motivations and Goals: Klatten is driven by both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations. Her goals include preserving her family's legacy, contributing to philanthropic causes, and maintaining business success. Her decision to step down from certain roles reflects a focus on personal well-being and strategic career management.
Physical Health and Its Impact: There is limited information on Klatten's physical health, but her ability to manage high-stress roles suggests she maintains a reasonable level of physical well-being. Managing physical health is likely crucial for her to sustain her demanding lifestyle and responsibilities.
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