- Net Worth: $48.1 billion
- Ranking: #25
- 2023 Billionaires Net Worth: $42.9 billion
- Occupation: Owner of Schwarz Group, Europe’s largest retail empire,
- Inheritance: Inherited the company from his father, Josef, who became a partner in Suedfruechte Grosshandel Lidl & Co., a fruit wholesaler
- Entrepreneurial Genesis: Opened the first Lidl store in 1973, became CEO in 1977 after Josef’s passing, and expanded Schwarz Group to employ 500,000 people
- Expansion to U.S.: Brought Lidl to the U.S. in 2017, introducing a fresh grocery shopping concept mainly in Virginia and North and South Carolina
- Residence: Neckarsulm, Germany
- Citizenship: Germany
- Marital Status: Married
- Children: 2
- Age: 83
Dieter Schwarz, a name synonymous with innovation in retail, stands at the helm of Europe’s largest retail empire, the Schwarz Group. A visionary entrepreneur, Schwarz’s journey from humble origins to retail magnate is a testament to his steadfast dedication and leadership.
Born in 1939, Dieter Schwarz’s roots trace back to the heart of Germany. The Schwarz Group, a retail behemoth encompassing Kaufland and Lidl discount supermarkets, redefines grocery shopping experiences across Europe.
Inheriting the reins from his father Josef, who had deep ties to the fruit wholesaling industry, Schwarz embarked on a transformative journey. He opened the first Lidl store in 1973, a stepping stone toward his future as CEO in 1977. His tenacity saw the Schwarz Group burgeon into an empire, employing a staggering 500,000 individuals.
In a bold move, Schwarz extended Lidl’s footprint to the U.S. in 2017, introducing a novel grocery concept to American consumers. Under his guidance, Lidl’s stores emerged mainly in Virginia and the Carolinas.
The Schwarz Group’s ownership is unique—a foundation assumes ownership, yet Dieter Schwarz retains full control as the effective owner. This dynamic setup underscores his visionary leadership.
Beyond his role as a retail titan, Schwarz’s contributions extend to philanthropy. The Dieter Schwarz Foundation channels support to education, daycare, scientific research, and innovation. His commitment to social advancement echoes his visionary approach to business.
As he approaches his 84th year, Dieter Schwarz’s indomitable spirit continues to shape the retail landscape. His legacy, etched in the Schwarz Group’s reach and his foundation’s impact, serves as an enduring testament to an entrepreneur who reshaped how the world shops while enriching lives through philanthropy