Early Life
Little is publicly known about Nadia Thiele's early life. She married Heinz Hermann Thiele, who was a dominant figure in the industrial sector. She brought a son into the marriage. She took on a stepmother role to her husband's children from his first marriage, Julia Thiele-Schürhoff and Henrik Thiele.
Rise to Success
Nadia Thiele's life changed dramatically after the passing of her husband, Heinz Hermann Thiele, in February 2021. Heinz Hermann Thiele was the majority owner of Knorr-Bremse AG, a leader in braking systems for rail and commercial vehicles. After inheriting the bulk of her husband's fortune, Nadia became the primary shareholder of Knorr-Bremse, propelling her into the billionaire ranks.
Key Business Strategies
Nadia Thiele's wealth is primarily derived from investments, specifically her stake in Knorr-Bremse AG. The company was taken public in 2018 under the leadership of her late husband. Further, when he died, Heinz Hermann also owned 50% of railroad equipment maker Vossloh and 12.4% of German airline Lufthansa.
Philanthropy
Nadia Thiele actively participates in philanthropic endeavors through Knorr-Bremse Global Care. Together with her stepdaughter, Julia Thiele-Schuerhoff, they oversee the company's charitable arm, which addresses social challenges by focusing on education, healthcare, and disaster relief.