As of 2025, Stefan Persson holds an estimated net worth of $17.5 billion, making him the wealthiest person in Sweden and one of the most influential figures in the global fashion industry. Best known for his leadership and long-term vision at H&M (Hennes & Mauritz), Persson’s fortune stems from a combination of inheritance, strategic business expansion, and decades of thoughtful investment across fashion, real estate, and sustainable enterprise.
Fashion Empire: Taking H&M Global
Born on October 4, 1947, in Stockholm, Stefan Persson is the son of Erling Persson, founder of H&M. Stefan took over the company’s reins in the late 1970s and served as CEO until 1998, then as chairman until 2020. Under his leadership, H&M expanded from a local Swedish clothing chain into a worldwide fast-fashion giant, with thousands of stores in more than 70 countries and a significant e-commerce presence. While the fast fashion industry has faced increased scrutiny over sustainability in recent years, Persson was instrumental in launching initiatives that promoted conscious fashion under the H&M banner. His decisions to expand the brand portfolio, including COS, & Other Stories, and Monki, also helped solidify H&M’s status as a global household name.
$17.5 Billion Net Worth: Built on Legacy and Investment
Stefan Persson’s fortune comes primarily from his stake in H&M, where he remains the largest individual shareholder. He owns roughly 36% of the company, most of it through Ramsbury Invest, the family’s private holding company. His net worth, currently estimated at $17.5 billion in 2025, fluctuates based on H&M’s share value, dividend returns, and performance of his diversified assets. In addition to H&M, Persson has made substantial investments in technology, banking, and real estate, helping cushion his wealth during market volatility.
Expansive Real Estate and Eco-Friendly Ventures
Beyond fashion, Persson is a major player in real estate. He owns significant commercial properties in London, Paris, and Stockholm, along with Ramsbury Estates in Wiltshire, England, a sprawling 19,000-acre agricultural property. Ramsbury Estates encompasses farmland, woodlands, a brewery, a distillery, and boutique hospitality venues, all managed with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability. This part of Persson’s portfolio reflects his long-term thinking not only about preserving wealth but creating regenerative, eco-aligned business models that align with future trends in land and food production.
Quiet Philanthropy and Modest Lifestyle
Though a billionaire, Stefan Persson is known for his modest lifestyle. He often avoids luxury in favor of simplicity, preferring privacy over publicity. His philanthropic efforts, however, speak volumes. He co-founded the Mentor Foundation, supporting youth mentorship and drug prevention. He also backs the H&M Foundation, which funds education, clean water, women’s rights, and disaster relief programs around the globe.
Conclusion
Stefan Persson’s $17.5 billion net worth in 2025 reflects decades of visionary leadership, global expansion, and responsible stewardship. From steering H&M to fashion dominance to investing in sustainable land and philanthropic causes, he’s more than a business magnate; he’s a quiet architect of generational impact. As he continues to shape Sweden’s economic landscape and inspire global entrepreneurs, Persson stands as a model of how legacy and humility can coexist at the pinnacle of success.
