Early Life
Sylvia Stroeher was born on May 30, 1955. She is the great-granddaughter of Franz Ströher, who founded Wella AG, a company that would become the world's second-largest professional hair care group. Her family's legacy in the hair care industry provided the foundation for her future success.
Rise to Success
Stroeher's primary source of wealth stems from her connection to Wella AG. In 2004, the Stroeher family sold nearly 80% of their stake in Wella AG to Procter & Gamble for $4 billion. Stroeher retained a 25% share after the sale. This transaction significantly boosted her net worth and established her as a prominent figure in the business world.
Key Business Strategies
A key moment in Stroeher's career was the sale of a majority stake in Wella AG. Her success highlights her business acumen and the value of strategic decisions. She also demonstrated the ability to maintain her influence within the hair care industry through the retained shareholding. In 2013, she helped the struggling German publishing house Suhrkamp by temporarily paying writers' fees, demonstrating her commitment to culture.
Philanthropy
Beyond her business ventures, Stroeher is involved in supporting charitable organizations. In 2013, she contributed to the German publishing house Suhrkamp by helping to pay the remuneration of writers. Additionally, she and her husband have a renowned collection of contemporary German art, including works by Baselitz, Immendorff, and Kiefer. The collection is housed in the Museum Küppersmühle in Duisburg, Germany.