Johanna Quandt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Johanna Quandt
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Quandt in 2012
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| Born |
Johanna Maria Bruhn
21 June 1926 Berlin, Germany
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| Died | 3 August 2015 (aged 89) Bad Homburg vor der Höhe, Germany
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| Spouse(s) | Herbert Quandt (m. 1960–82) |
| Children | Stefan Quandt Susanne Klatten |
Johanna Maria Quandt (born Bruhn; 21 June 1926 – 3 August 2015) was a very successful German businesswoman. She was the wife of Herbert Quandt, who helped save the famous car company BMW from going out of business. When she passed away in 2015, she was one of the richest people in Germany and among the wealthiest women in the world.
Working with BMW
Johanna Bruhn started working as a secretary in Herbert Quandt's office in the 1950s. She later became his personal assistant, helping him with many important tasks. They got married in 1960.
After Herbert Quandt died in 1982, Johanna became a major owner of BMW shares. She also joined the company's supervisory board, which is like a group of advisors who help guide the company. She was on this board from 1982 until she retired in 1997. For much of that time, she was the deputy chairwoman, meaning she helped lead the board. When she died, she still owned a large part of BMW.
Her Life and Family
Johanna and Herbert Quandt had two children, Stefan Quandt and Susanne Klatten. Both Stefan and Susanne now own many shares in BMW. They also serve on the company's supervisory board, continuing their family's involvement with BMW.
In 1978, police stopped a plan to kidnap Johanna and her daughter Susanne. Johanna Quandt lived a quiet life in Bad Homburg, a town in Germany.
In 2007, a German TV show talked about the Quandt family's businesses during World War II. After this, the family decided to fund a research project. A historian would study what the family's businesses did during that time. This showed their willingness to understand their past.
Johanna Quandt passed away at the age of 89 at her home in Bad Homburg, near Frankfurt.
She also created a special group called the Johanna Quandt Stiftung. This foundation helps train young journalists who want to write about business. It also gives awards to journalists who do excellent work in business reporting. In 2009, she received a high honor called the Grand Cross of Merit for her contributions.
See also
- List of Germans by net worth
