Esther Grether: A Comprehensive Biography – Esther Grether Net Worth
Net Worth: $1.9 Billion
Category: Richest Business › Richest Billionaires
Birthdate: 1936 (88 years old)
Birthplace: Switzerland
Gender: Female
Profession: Chair, Doetsch Grether Group
Nationality: Swiss
What is Esther Grether’s Net Worth?
Esther Grether is a Swiss businesswoman with a net worth of $1.9 billion. She is known for her vast collection of 20th-century art, which includes works by Picasso, Cezanne, Dali, and Francis Bacon. Grether is also the former CEO of the Doetsch Grether Group, a beauty and health care products company. Her collection is believed to be one of the most valuable privately-owned art collections in the world.
Early Life and Marriage to Hans Grether

Esther Grether was born in 1936 in Switzerland. She studied economics at the University of Basel and then worked as a secretary for the Doetsch Grether Group. In 1962, she married Hans Grether, the son of the company’s founder.
After her marriage, Esther became more involved in the management of the Doetsch Grether Group. She eventually became CEO of the company, a position she held for over 30 years. Under her leadership, the company grew significantly and became one of the leading beauty and health care products companies in Switzerland.
Career at Doetsch Grether Group
In 1975, Hans Grether passed away, and Esther inherited the company. She continued to run the company and steered its growth to new heights. Her tenure saw the company solidify its position as a key player in the Swiss beauty and health care market.
The Doetsch Grether Group, known for its high-quality products, flourished under her leadership. Esther’s business acumen and strategic vision were instrumental in the company’s expansion and success.
Art Collection
Esther Grether has one of the most valuable and significant collections of 20th-century art in the world. Her collection includes over 600 works by renowned artists such as Picasso, Cezanne, Dali, and Francis Bacon. The collection is housed in a converted printing factory in Basel, Switzerland.
Her passion for art began in the 1970s and has since grown into a world-class collection. The collection is noted for its breadth and quality, encompassing a wide range of styles and movements from the 20th century.
Wealth
Esther Grether is one of the wealthiest women in Switzerland, with an estimated net worth of $1.9 billion. She is a major shareholder in the Doetsch Grether Group and also owns a significant stake in the Swatch Group. Her diversified investments and successful business ventures have contributed to her substantial wealth.
Legacy
Esther Grether is a successful businesswoman, art collector, and philanthropist. She is known for her passion for art and her commitment to supporting the arts. Grether is a member of the board of directors of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and the Tate Gallery in London. She has also donated generously to art museums and other cultural institutions around the world.
Her legacy extends beyond her business achievements and art collection. Esther’s philanthropic efforts have had a lasting impact on the cultural landscape, supporting various museums and cultural institutions globally. Her contributions have helped preserve and promote the arts, ensuring that future generations can appreciate and enjoy the masterpieces she cherishes.
Esther Grether’s journey from a secretary to a billionaire businesswoman and renowned art collector is a testament to her dedication, vision, and passion. Her impact on the business world and the art community continues to be felt, cementing her legacy as a pivotal figure in both fields.