Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler facts for kids

Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler (born August 17, 1941) is a very successful German businesswoman. She is one of the main owners of the Schaeffler Group, which is a huge company that makes rolling bearings. These are important parts used in many machines, like cars and industrial equipment. Her son, Georg F. W. Schaeffler, is the other owner.

Growing Up in Europe

Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler was born in Prague in 1941. At that time, Prague was part of a region called the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. She grew up in Vienna, Austria.

Leading a Big Business

In 1963, Maria-Elisabeth married Georg Schaeffler. She then moved to Herzogenaurach in Bavaria, Germany. This is how she started working for the family business, the Schaeffler Group AG.

When her husband, Georg, passed away in 1996, Maria-Elisabeth took charge of the company. She worked hard to continue his vision and make the Schaeffler Group even bigger.

Under her leadership, the Schaeffler Group grew a lot. It bought other important companies that also made parts like rolling bearings. These purchases helped the Schaeffler Group become one of the largest makers of rolling bearings and other motion products in the world.

For example, in 1999, the Schaeffler Group bought all the remaining shares of LuK. LuK is a company that makes clutches for vehicles. The Schaeffler Group already owned half of LuK before this. Later, in 2009, the Schaeffler Group also bought a big part of another company called Continental AG.

Since 1996, the Schaeffler Group has seen its yearly sales grow a lot. The number of people working for the company also tripled. By 2013, the company's yearly sales reached about 10 billion euros. More than 70,000 people worked for the company by then.

Involvement in Politics

Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler has also been involved in politics. In 2004, she was chosen as a delegate for the CSU party. She attended the Federal Convention in Germany. This convention is held to elect the President of Germany.

In April 2016, she was invited to a special private dinner. This dinner was with President Barack Obama during the Hannover Messe, a big industrial fair. She was one of only 15 German business leaders invited.

Other Important Roles

Helping Companies and Groups

Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler has served on the advisory boards of several large companies. An advisory board helps guide a company with advice and ideas. She was on the advisory board for Deloitte Germany and the supervisory board for Deutsche Bank. She also helped guide the Austrian State and Industrial Holding (ÖIAG).

Supporting Non-Profit Organizations

She also supports many non-profit organizations. These are groups that work for good causes, not for making money. She is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Deutsches Museum, which is a famous science and technology museum. She also helps the Mozarteum University of Salzburg and the Salzburg Easter Festival.

Awards and Honors

Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler has received many awards for her work and achievements. Some of these include:

• 2001 - Cross of Merit with Ribbon of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
• 2001 - Medal of Honor by the Nuremberg Chamber of Commerce
• 2002 - Honorary citizen of Höchstadt/Aisch
• 2003 - Bavarian Order of Merit
• 2004 - "Family Entrepreneur of the Year" award
• 2005 - Honorary Member of the Senate of the Transylvania University of Brasov, Romania
• 2005 - Honorary citizen of Jeonju, Korea
• 2006 - Honorary citizen of Herzogenaurach
• 2007 - Large Silver Medal with Star for Services to the Republic of Austria
• 2007 - 1st Class Cross of Merit of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
• 2007 - Karmarsch Medal
• 2011 - "Großer Tiroler Adler" medal
• 2011 - "Personality of the Year" award
• 2012 - "Gold medal of the District" for Erlangen-Höchstadt
• 2013 - "Family Entrepreneur of the Year award, 2012"