Headline:
Billionaire Martin Haefner’s Legacy: Swiss Tycoon Establishes Kumar-Marianne Haefner Foundation
Article:
Swiss billionaire Martin Haefner, known for his investments and ownership in Amag and other industrial firms, has announced his plans for his fortune. The 70-year-old, childless businessman has founders the Kumar-Marianne Haefner Foundation, named after him and his wife, to manage his wealth after his death.
Haefner, who owns a significant portion of Amag and holds substantial stakes in Swiss Steel, Autoneum, Rieter, and Climeworks, has a net worth estimated between 5 and 6 billion Swiss francs, according to Bilanz magazine. Although Haefner’s successor was previously unclear, the establishment of the foundation provides insights into his succession plans.
The foundation, based in Zurich, will take over all of Haefner’s business interests upon his and his wife’s demise. Its primary focus will be to support institutions, projects, and individuals in four areas: science and technology, combating absolute poverty, culture, and preserving biodiversity. Priority will be given to science and technology, as well as poverty reduction and women’s empowerment.
Josef Felder, a long-time friend of Haefner’s and former CEO of Zurich Airport, has been appointed as the first president of the foundation’s board of trustees. Haefner himself had previously lived in Horw, Luzern, but moved to Erlenbach ZH a few years ago, which may explain why the foundation is based in Zurich.
Haefner and his wife have a history of philanthropy, having donated significant amounts to various causes like the new Children’s Hospital Zurich, ETH Foundation, and Tsunami relief efforts. They have also supported startups, the Luzerner Sinfonieorchester, and other initiatives. For now, these activities will continue independently of the foundation.
Haefner’s father, Walter Haefner, was also a prominent philanthropist, supporting numerous projects and donating twelve paintings to the Kunsthaus Zurich. Today, the Walter Haefner Foundation continues his legacy. Additionally, Martin Haefner’s sister, Eva Maria Bucher-Haefner, established the Eva Maria Bucher-Haefner Foundation for brain-injured individuals last year.
Martin Haefner’s decision to establish the Kumar-Marianne Haefner Foundation ensures that his wealth will continue to have a significant impact on society for generations to come.
