New Delhi: We all are well acquainted with names like Facebook, Mircrosoft, Apple, Tatas and Reliance and with the driving forces behind those brands. Every individual knows of Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Ratan Tata and Ambanis.
In today's era of information technology where there is multiple sources of information, one cannot imagine that some famous personality can maintain a low profile hiding from the camera flashes and paparazzi.
But there are a few people in the business world who are successful entrepreneurs and the faces behind a vast successful empire but we often see or hear about them. Some of them even have succeeded in dodging the spotlight for years before even get clicked for once.
Here are 5 secretive billionaires you may not know about but they are behind these successful brands:
1- Mars siblings ($76.8 billion):
Company: Mars (Makers of Snickers, Munch, Twix, Milky Way)
The company was founded by Frank Mars, grandfather of siblings John, Jacqueline, and Forrest Mars Jr. All three serve on the board of directors of Mars which makes a few of the world's most famous candy bars. Some media house even termed Mars as “fortress of silence” and compared it to the CIA for its secret dealings and privacy of the family. The family avoid public photos and there are not many pictures of them available except some official ones.
Victoria B. Mars, daughter of Forrest Mars Jr. currently serves as the chairman of the group.
2- Amancio Ortega ($73.3 billion)
Company: Inditex (Parent company of Zara)
The second wealthiest man of the world, who founded world famous clothing brand Zara was 63 years old when the press got hold of his first picture. Not many would have even heard about him despite being the owner of one of the largest retailer of the world. He was born in 1936, founded Zara in 1975 and his first picture was published in 1999. It is believed that he has granted only three interviews ever to journalists.
3- Jorge Paulo Lemann ($24.8 billion)
Company: 3G capital (Owns interest in Budweiser, Burger King)
The Swiss-Brazilian banker Lemann is a co-founder of 3G Capital, and has acquired an interest in a number of instantly recognizable brands, including Budweiser, Burger King, and Heinz. He is also five-time Brazilian national tennis champion. He is quite known in investment market especially in US but keeps a very low profile. He is known for his bold moves and risk taking nature.
4- Maria Franca Fissolo ($23.3 billion)
Company: Ferrero Group (Makers of Nutella and Tic Tac)
Maria Franca Fissolo, widow of Michele Ferrero who passed away earlier this year, led the Ferrero Group after her husband's death. All his lifetime, Ferrero avoided interviews and limelight and prized his secrecy. Following the footsteps of her husband, Fissolo too likes to stay out of the shutterbugs and media.
5- Dietrich Mateschitz ($11.5 billion)
Company: Red Bull GmbH (Makers of energy drink Red Bull)
Austrian Dietrich Mateschitz founded Red Bull in 1987, opening up a whole new industry of energy drinks. He currently owns 49% shares of the company.
He has quite a flair for adventure and has a pilot's license. He likes to fly a Falcon 900 and a Piper Super Cub. He even owns a DeepFlight Super Falcon, a two seater underground plane.
Despite of his adventures, he succeeds in avoiding limelight and keeps a very low profile. His private Laucala Island, off Fiji, helps him stay away from media attention.
