21 Facts About Bernard Arnault: The Man Behind the Fortune

Facts About Bernard Arnault

Do you know a brand whose net worth is over $360 billion as of August 2024? Not just that, but the CEO of this brand is at #3 on the list of Forbes with an eye-popping net worth of over $190 billion. Yes, you guessed it right! It’s none other than Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton and its media-shy CEO Bernard Arnault. Wait, did I just tell you one of the facts about Bernard Arnault of him being media-shy? Well then, it’s time to have a look at some other facts about this one of the richest people in the world. Are you ready? Let’s dive in!

Here are 21 facts about Bernard Arnault that YOU MUST KNOW!

  1. In 1987, Arnault played a key role in the creation of LVMH by merging Louis Vuitton with Moët Hennessy.

  1. Warren Buffet and Steve Jobs are his role models.

  1. He is also known as “The Wolf in Cashmere” when it comes to business but a proper gentleman in person.

  1. Arnault has also been referred to as the Pope of Fashion by Women’s Wear Daily.

  1. He is married twice and has 5 children. Surprisingly he hasn’t decided on the successor of his empire yet.

Wait, seems like you know these facts right? And I am pretty sure you are not here to know about what is already out at the tip of your fingertips. You are here to know how he is beyond his wealth. Who is he beyond his business? Right? Give me one more chance and I assure you, you won’t regret it.

So how many should I tell you? 5? 10? 15? 20? Alright. Let me tell you 20 lesser-known facts about Bernard Arnault. And if you read all of those 20, I’ll give you a bonus fact. Deal?

Let’s continue our exploration of facts about Bernard Arnault!

  1. Arnault played a friendly tennis match against his idol and friend, Roger Federer in 2021. Federer won the game by 6-0.

  1. He had applied for Belgian citizenship in 2012 which sparked a heated environment and he withdrew in 2013 to prove his loyalty towards France.

This is one of the surprising facts about Bernard Arnault. He applied for citizenship to benefit from Belgium’s favorable tax laws. But because of the controversies and criticism, he withdrew his application.

  1. Bernard Arnault is fond of collecting prestigious art. His gallery displays the art of world-famous Picasso, Yves Klein, Henry Moore, and Andy Warhol.

  1. Arnault played Chopin and other classical composers to woo his second wife, Helene Mercier. Moreover, she is a world-renowned Canadian concert pianist.

This is a perfect example of “Men will be men.”

  1. He is an experienced pilot and owned a private jet, “Bombardier Global 7500” worth 48 million euros (estimated).

While it is not explicitly documented among the facts about Bernard Arnault that he is a pilot, there are undocumented claims of his training in civil, military, and airline aviation. However, he sold his Bombardier Global 7500 in 2022 to avoid being tracked by social media accounts monitoring his flights.

  1. As mentioned earlier, being a media-shy he rarely gives any interviews and makes public appearances. One of his famous interviews is with Oxford Union.

  1. Apart from French and English, he is also very fluent in the German language.

  1. Bernard Arnault owns the eco-friendly yacht “Symphony,” which uses 30% less energy than similar yachts.

Symphony, a 101-meter luxury vessel launched in 2015. Designed by Tim Heywood and built by Royal Van Lent, it boasts lavish amenities like a glass-bottom pool, outdoor cinema, and spa, with interiors crafted by Zuretti Interior Design.

  1. Arnault starts his workdays listening to classical music, which he finds inspiring.

  1. Bernard Arnault bought “Indigo Island” in the Bahamas, a 133-acre private island, for around $35 million.

  1. At the age of 17, Arnault took control of his father’s construction company, showing early signs of leadership.

  1. He is also deeply interested in photography, often showcasing his perspective through visual art.

  1. He has a keen interest in history, particularly the cultural evolution of France and Europe.

Arnault has made significant contributions to preserving France’s heritage, including a notable €200 million donation for the Notre Dame Cathedral restoration after the 2019 fire. This is one of the impressive facts about Bernard Arnault that underscores his dedication to cultural preservation.

  1. Arnault supports the French football club Paris Saint-Germain and often attends their matches.

  1. Arnault is a collector of vintage cars and has a passion for motorsports.

  1. Bernard Arnault, a cooking enthusiast, has ventured into the culinary world, with LVMH recently acquiring Paris’ famed bistro, Chez l’Ami Louis, known for its $100 roast chicken.

  1. Despite his wealth, Arnault claims he does not obsess over money and instead focuses on creating value.

  1. He has a keen interest in architecture and designed several luxury brand stores.

One of the notable facts about Bernard Arnault is that he acquired the Louis Vuitton flagship store on Champs-Élysées for up to €900 million. While the valuations for the Dior flagship store and Fendi headquarters aren’t detailed, both play key roles in his luxury brand portfolio.

  1. He reads fiction and non-fiction books which is a little strange for the image of such a wealthy man on the planet.

  1. Arnault prefers classic colors like navy blue and gray and wears the typical old-school tailored suits and ties.

Oh wow, I see you reading all the 20 facts. I hope you find it interesting. And yes, I know it’s my time to keep the promise of the bonus fact. So here is that bonus fact. Fact no. 21.

  1. Bernard Arnault is a wine enthusiast with a personal wine cellar, though he himself isn’t particularly fond of drinking wine.

This is indeed one of the astonishing facts about Bernard Arnault, as he commands an elite collection of wine and spirits brands, including Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot, and Hennessy, all under the luxurious umbrella of LVMH.

Conclusion

In summary, these facts about Bernard Arnault reveal a man whose interests extend far beyond his role as a CEO. From his love for art and classical music to his passion for vintage cars and cooking, Arnault embodies a unique blend of wealth, culture, and personal fulfillment. These facts about Bernard Arnault highlight a billionaire who values tradition and creativity more than enjoying his wealth and fame, unlike others. Which fact did you like the most? And why? Maybe I know the answer but I still insist you to answer it by yourself.

Happy reading!

Tejas Tahmankar

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