Wolfgang Marguerre
Wolfgang Marguerre | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1941 Heidelberg, Germany |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| Known for | Chairman and proprietor of Octapharma Group |
Wolfgang Marguerre (born 1941) is a German billionaire entrepreneur, serving as the chairman and proprietor of the Octapharma Group. This pharmaceutical firm focuses on developing human protein-based therapies for haematology, immunotherapy, intensive care, and emergency medical applications.
Career
In 1983, Marguerre co-established Octapharma alongside Robert Taub. The enterprise continues to be privately held by Marguerre and his three children, with two—Frederic Marguerre and Tobias Marguerre—actively participating on the management board.
As of December 27, 2020, Bloomberg valued his personal fortune at approximately US$5.23 billion.
Background
Marguerre was born in Heidelberg, Germany in 1941. He pursued studies in Political and Economic Science at Heidelberg University and completed an MBA at INSEAD in 1972. Prior to founding Octapharma, he held senior leadership positions including managing director at Pharmaplast (A.P. Möller) in Copenhagen; director and business manager of the Hyland Division at Baxter-Travenol Europe based in Brussels; and senior executive vice-president at Revlon Healthcare Group in Paris.
Awards
Marguerre was honored with the Légion d’honneur, France's most prestigious award, in April 2009. Later, in November 2011, he received the Gold Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria (Grosses Goldenes Ehrenzeichen).
Philanthropy
Through Octapharma’s corporate alliance with Save One Life—a non-profit organization aiding those with blood disorders—Marguerre financially supports 70 children affected by bleeding conditions across India, Nepal, Romania, and the Philippines.
Interests
Having played the violin since the age of six, Marguerre is a patron of the arts and played a key role in preventing the closure of the Heidelberg Theatre. When it reopened in 2012, its new stage was named “Marguerre-Saal” to recognize his contributions. Additionally, he has been actively involved in initiatives promoting refugee integration in Heidelberg. Marguerre is proficient in five languages.