An IMGW News Report
They may not yet have entered the workforce, but five youthful heirs have inherited riches that place them firmly among the world’s financial elite. According to Forbes, the combined net worth of the planet’s five youngest billionaires now surpasses $18bn.
At just 19, Johannes von Baumbach tops the list. An heir to Boehringer Ingelheim, the German pharmaceutical titan, Johannes benefits from a family empire with roots dating back to the early 19th century. Led by his uncle Hubertus since 2015, the company remains tightly held by the family, whose fondness for privacy shrouds Johannes’ involvement in the business. Known instead for his exploits on Austrian ski slopes, he is valued at $5.4bn.
Next is Livia Voigt, 20, heir to a share of WEG Industries, a Brazilian manufacturer of electric motors operating across 41 countries. Having inherited a 3.1% stake following her grandfather’s death in 2016, Voigt steers clear of corporate duties, focusing instead on her psychology studies. She holds an estimated fortune of $1.1bn.
Clemente Del Vecchio, also 20, claims third place. He possesses a 12.5% stake in Delfin, the holding company established by his late father, Leonardo Del Vecchio, founder of eyewear behemoth EssilorLuxottica. Delfin’s sprawling investments span insurance, banking, and luxury eyewear, with Bloomberg noting a 50% surge in value over the past two years. Clemente’s stake equates to $6.6bn.
South Korea’s Kim Jung-youn, aged 21, became the world’s youngest billionaire in 2022 after inheriting a 9% slice of Nexon, a gaming powerhouse behind hits such as MapleStory and Kart Rider. Her wealth stands at $1.3bn.
Rounding off the list is Kevin David Lehmann, 22, who owns half of dm-drogerie markt, a German drugstore chain with more than 4,000 outlets across Europe. His father, Günther, transferred the stake when Kevin was just 14. Both remain passive shareholders. Kevin’s net worth is estimated at $3.6bn.
While these young billionaires may share fortunes few can fathom, most keep a studied distance from boardroom power—at least for now.
