Which French business leader was Forbes’ third-richest person in the world in 2022?

Bernard Arnault was Forbes’ third-richest person in the world in 2022.

Forbes estimated Arnault’s fortune at roughly $158 billion in the 2022 World’s Billionaires ranking, placing him behind Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. His wealth was tied mainly to LVMH, the French luxury-goods group.

LVMH owns or controls a large collection of luxury brands, including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Moët & Chandon and Hennessy. Arnault became chairman and chief executive of the group and built its global portfolio through acquisitions and brand development.

Arnault is sometimes confused with Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, who was the wealthiest woman in the world in the same period. They represent different fortunes: Arnault’s is associated with LVMH, while Bettencourt Meyers’ wealth is connected to L’Oréal. Forbes’ ranking is a dated estimate, so the order can change with luxury and technology share prices.