Date of Birth: September 19, 1935
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Biography
Hansjörg Wyss is a prominent Swiss businessman and philanthropist, renowned for his significant contributions to environmental conservation, healthcare, and scientific research. Born in Bern, Switzerland, Wyss pursued a degree in civil and structural engineering from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich). He later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. Wyss’s career took a significant turn when he founded Synthes USA, a manufacturer of medical devices, in 1974. Under his leadership, Synthes grew into one of the world’s leading medical device companies, specializing in products for the surgical treatment of bone fractures. In 2012, the company was acquired by Johnson & Johnson for $19.7 billion, marking one of the largest transactions in the medical device industry. Beyond his business achievements, Wyss is a dedicated philanthropist. He founded the Wyss Foundation in 1998, which focuses on land conservation and environmental advocacy. The foundation has committed to preserving millions of acres of wilderness across the globe. His philanthropic efforts extend to healthcare, education, and scientific research, with significant donations to institutions like Harvard University and the University of Zurich.
5 Interesting Facts about Hansjorg Wyss
1. Hansjörg Wyss has donated over $1 billion to charitable causes, particularly in environmental conservation.
2. The Wyss Foundation has played a critical role in creating and expanding national parks and protected areas worldwide.
3. Wyss is a passionate advocate for democracy and has supported various initiatives to promote democratic engagement and voter participation in the United States.
4. He has made substantial contributions to biomedical research, including funding for the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University.
5. In 2018, Wyss pledged to donate $1 billion over the next decade to help conserve 30% of the planet’s surface by 2030.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Hansjorg Wyss
1. “I believe that every individual has a responsibility to do what they can to make the world a better place.”
2. “Conservation is not a luxury that we can postpone until later; it’s a responsibility that we must address now.”
3. “The power of philanthropy lies in its ability to bring about meaningful change.”
4. “We must act decisively to protect our natural world for future generations.”
5. “Innovation in science and engineering can solve some of the most pressing problems facing humanity.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Hansjörg Wyss’s highest net worth achieved is estimated to be around $6 billion.
Children
Hansjörg Wyss has one daughter, Amy Wyss, who is also involved in philanthropic activities and has served on the board of the Wyss Foundation.
Relevant Links
1. [Forbes Profile: Hansjörg Wyss](https://www.forbes.com/profile/hansjorg-wyss/
2. [Wyss Foundation](https://www.wyssfoundation.org/
5. [Bloomberg Billionaires Index](https://www.bloomberg.com/billionaires/profiles/hansjorg-wyss/
