Hermes owner will pass on his USD 11 billion fortune to his gardener

In a surprising turn of events,

Nicolas Puech

, the 80-year-old heir to the illustrious Hermès fortune, with an estimated net worth of $11 billion, is making headlines for his unconventional decision regarding the distribution of his vast wealth. As the fifth-generation heir of Thierry Hermès, the founder of the iconic fashion house in 1837,

Puech

's decision has raised eyebrows and garnered considerable attention.

Reportedly, Puech is contemplating designating his "former gardener and handyman," an unnamed 51-year-old man, as the recipient of a substantial portion of his fortune. This unexpected choice is particularly notable considering Puech's unmarried status and lack of direct heirs or children of his own. The Hermès fortune, currently valued over $220 billion, is poised to undergo a significant transformation as Puech navigates the intricate process of determining his beneficiaries.

With ownership stakes estimated between 5% and 6% of the Hermès house, Puech's net worth is positioned between $10 billion and $11 billion. According to Swiss publication Tribune de Genève, he may allocate half of his inheritance to his former gardener, a decision that is still subject to potential changes as Puech organizes his estate. The remaining portion of his substantial wealth could find its way to other beneficiaries, adding a layer of complexity to the inheritance plan.

Legal proceedings have reportedly been set in motion by Puech to officially designate the 51-year-old gardener as his heir. The unidentified man, reportedly of Moroccan descent, is married to a woman from Spain and has a family of his own. In addition to the monetary inheritance, he stands to acquire properties in Marrakesh, Morocco, and Montreux, Switzerland, valued at $5.9 million.

Puech's journey as the fifth-generation heir has not been without its share of challenges. In 2014, he departed from the Hermès supervisory board, a move influenced by tensions arising from LVMH's acquisition of a 23% stake in Hermès. A spokesperson for Puech revealed that he resigned due to feeling beleaguered by family members who criticized him, not only in relation to LVMH but also in various other aspects. Despite these challenges, Puech maintained a strong attachment to Hermès, emphasizing the complexity of familial dynamics within the context of the iconic fashion house.

This unexpected and unconventional decision by Nicolas Puech to pass on a significant portion of his fortune to his former gardener adds a unique chapter to the narrative of the Hermès legacy, showcasing a blend of personal choice, familial dynamics, and the intricate world of high-stakes inheritances.