Ingeburg Herz
Ingeburg Herz | |
|---|---|
| Born | Ingeburg König 23 February 1920 Hamburg, Germany |
| Died | 30 September 2015 (aged 95) Hamburg, Germany |
| Occupation(s) | Businesswoman, benefactor |
| Known for | Ownership stake in Tchibo; founder of Max and Ingeburg Herz Foundation |
Ingeburg Herz, born König on February 23, 1920, in Hamburg, passed away on September 30, 2015. She was a prominent German businesswoman and benefactor. Married to Max Herz, the founder of Tchibo, she ranked among Germany's wealthiest individuals, with her net worth estimated to surpass five billion euros as of 2005.
Life
Ingeburg König entered into marriage with Max Herz in 1939. Together, they had five offspring: Günter (born 1940), Joachim (1941–2008), Michael (born 1943), Wolfgang, and Daniela.
Following Max Herz's passing in 1965, ownership of his estate transferred to Ingeburg and their children. The testament did not specify explicit instructions regarding succession. Günter Herz took over the operational leadership of Tchibo, while Ingeburg and her other children maintained their equity stakes.
Devoting herself to charitable endeavors, Ingeburg established the Max and Ingeburg Herz Foundation. This organization supports healthcare services for the elderly, including the federally accredited Max Herz-Haus, a specialized facility for dementia patients inaugurated in 2004. Additionally, the foundation provides scholarships to students within Germany.
In 2001, Günter Herz stepped down from his role as chairman of Tchibo Holding AG (currently maxingvest ag) amid internal family disagreements that also impeded a proposed acquisition of a controlling interest in Beiersdorf AG. By August 2003, an agreement was reached granting sole ownership of the family enterprise to Ingeburg and her brothers Michael, Wolfgang, and Joachim; meanwhile, Günter and Daniela received a payout estimated at four billion euros.
Ingeburg Herz died in Hamburg at the age of 95. The asteroid designated (185164) Ingeburgherz was named to commemorate her legacy.