Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler-Thumann

Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler-Thumann (#879)

Global Rank #879

Country Rank #57

Country Germany

It is often said that family businesses think in the long term. This is definitely true for Schaeffler. In addition to economic success, roots and values are important to us.

$ 5 B
Auto parts
Germany
F
84 Years

Snapshot

Quick Facts

Global Rank #879

Country Rank #57

Net Worth $4.9B

Previous Worth $4.9B

Worth Change +$0.0B

Country Germany

Industry Auto parts

Age 84 Years

Gender F

Worth As Of May 4, 2026

Residence Herzogenaurach, Germany

Citizenship Germany

World Billionaires List Germany Billionaires Auto parts

Profile Data

Personal Stats

Age 84

Source Of Wealth Auto parts

Residence Herzogenaurach, Germany

Citizenship Germany

Marital Status Married

Net Worth Change +$0.0B +0.0% from previous worth

Previous Net Worth $4.9B

Current Net Worth $4.9B

Worth as of May 4, 2026

About Me

Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler-Thumann and her billionaire son Georg own Schaeffler Group, one of the world's largest ball bearing and machine component producers. She took over in 1996, following the death of her husband (also Georg) who had founded the company with his brother Wilhelm in 1946. In 2008, the company took over tire and auto parts giant Continental AG in a $15-billion, debt-financed deal. In the wake of the financial crisis, it seemed the high-wire act might fail. But as the auto market rebounded, Continental's share price soared. Maria-Elisabeth and Georg's combined 46% stake in Continental accounts for most of their wealth.

Achievements

Forbes List Highlights

A snapshot of the list placements and rankings connected to Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler-Thumann.

#823

Billionaires (2026)

Insights

Did You Know?

Maria-Elisabeth, who owns 20% of Schaeffler Group, lives in the tony Austrian ski resort town of Kitzbuehel, while Georg, with 80%, leads a quiet life in the U.S.

In 2014, she married Juergen Thumann, former head of the German industrial organization BDI.

Wealth Growth

Net Worth Growth Over Time

Tracking Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler-Thumann's net worth journey over the years, highlighting key growth phases and financial milestones.

Worth Trend Net Worth Growth

Period Change Worth Movement

Current Net Worth: $4.9B (May 4, 2026)