18. Bernard Arnault

Born on March 5, 1949, in Roubaix, France, Bernard Arnault is a name synonymous with global luxury. Arnault leads the world’s largest luxury conglomerate as the founder, chairman, and CEO of LVMH—Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. His influence spans fashion, jewelry, watches, wines, and now, the high-octane world of Formula 1.

With an estimated net worth of $148.7 billion (Forbes, May 2025) and $155 billion (Bloomberg), Arnault is one of the richest people on the planet. But wealth alone doesn’t define him—vision, precision, and relentless ambition do.

A graduate of the prestigious École Polytechnique, Arnault began his career in his father’s construction business before pivoting toward real estate. His entry into luxury came in 1984 when he acquired the struggling Boussac Saint-Frères, rescuing the iconic Christian Dior brand and offloading its less valuable assets. Nicknamed “The Terminator” for his unflinching business acumen, he engineered the 1987 merger of Louis Vuitton and Moët Hennessy, laying the foundation for LVMH’s empire.

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Fast forward to 2025: Arnault’s latest move—an ambitious 10-year global partnership between LVMH and Formula 1—cements his role not just in luxury but in lifestyle leadership. The partnership brings prestige brands like Louis Vuitton, Moët Hennessy, and TAG Heuer onto the F1 circuit, aligning the glamour of fashion with the speed and sophistication of motorsport.

Formula 1 isn’t just about racing but performance, innovation, and global appeal. Much like LVMH, the sport captivates elite audiences and commands attention in every major market. Arnault’s involvement fuses these worlds seamlessly, elevating both.

Arnault’s vision ensures luxury travels at full throttle, whether it’s a handcrafted champagne toast on the podium or a Louis Vuitton trophy case beside a roaring engine. His story is a masterclass in ambition, proving that with the right mindset, even the fast lane can be paved in gold.