Stefan Persson (magnate)
Stefan Persson | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 4, 1947 Sweden |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, businessman |
| Years active | 1982–present |
| Known for | Former chairman of H&M, principal shareholder of H&M |
Carl Stefan Erling Persson (born 4 October 1947) is a Swedish billionaire entrepreneur. In 2022, Forbes estimated his fortune at $17 billion, ranking him as Sweden's wealthiest billionaire and placing him 98th among the richest individuals worldwide. Persson served as chairman of the fashion retailer H&M until May 2020, when leadership passed to his son. He continues to be the principal shareholder, owning 36% of the company. H&M was originally established by his father, Erling Persson, in 1947.
Taking control of H&M in 1982, Persson directed the company until 1998. Besides his involvement in fashion, he holds a major share in Swedish tech firm Hexagon AB. Through his private real estate enterprise, Ramsbury Invest, he possesses substantial property assets in London, Paris, and Stockholm.
As the sole director of Ramsbury Estates Limited, Persson oversees 19,000 acres of farmland located in Wiltshire, Berkshire, and Hampshire, England, with Ramsbury village as its center. Since acquiring this estate in 1997, he has expanded it by purchasing adjacent properties such as Littlecote House and Hungerford Park.
The Bloomberg Billionaires Index reported Persson’s net worth at $21.2 billion in January 2022, making him the world’s 89th wealthiest individual at that time.
Early life
Stefan Persson is the son of Erling Persson, founder of H&M. He completed an associate degree at Stockholm University.
Personal life
Persson established the Mentor Foundation, a charitable organization focused on preventing substance abuse among youth. He is a supporter of Djurgårdens IF and co-sponsors a foundation affiliated with the club. Passionate about downhill skiing, tennis, and golf, he owns residences in London, Paris, and Stockholm and purchased the village of Linkenholt in Hampshire, England.
From his first marriage to Pamela Collett, he has three children. In 2009, his son Karl-Johan Persson assumed the roles of president and CEO at H&M. His other children, Tom Persson and Charlotte Söderström, also possess billionaire status. Stefan Persson currently lives in Stockholm with his second wife, Denise Persson (née Florman).