Kirsten Rausing, born on June 6, 1952, is a prominent Swedish businesswoman known for her significant ownership stake in Tetra Laval, a leading holding company. Her influence extends beyond her ownership, as she also holds a key position on the company’s board, collaborating with other family members in steering its direction.

Zatrun.com has taken a closer look at the life and career of this remarkable business magnate, shedding light on her background, achievements, and the indelible mark she has left on the business landscape.

Kirsten Rausing: Early Life and Heritage

Kirsten Rausing was born in the picturesque city of Lund, Sweden. She is the eldest child of Gad Rausing, a distinguished Swedish industrialist, and her mother Birgit, formerly known as Birgit Mayne. Kirsten’s family is renowned for their deep-rooted connection to the world of business, specifically the liquid food packaging industry, thanks to Kirsten’s grandfather, Ruben Rausing. She was the visionary founder of Tetra Pak, a company that revolutionized liquid food packaging.

In 1995, Kirsten’s father, Gad Rausing, made a significant move by acquiring the remaining 50% share of Tetra Pak from his brother, Hans Rausing. This decision left Kirsten’s side of the family as the sole owners of Tetra Pak, solidifying their control and influence in the company.

Career and Influence

Kirsten Rausing is not only a beneficiary of her family’s business empire but an active participant. Alongside her brothers, Jörn Rausing and Finn Rausing, she plays a pivotal role on the board of Tetra Laval, the holding company overseeing Tetra Pak and other ventures.

Beyond her involvement in Tetra Laval, Kirsten is associated with various other endeavors. She is a member of the prestigious Jockey Club and has served as a director of The National Stud. Additionally, she is a director of the British Bloodstock Agency, a company specializing in the buying and selling of racehorses for affluent clientele, alongside Richard Frisby, Michael Goodbody, and Guy Heald. Kirsten also owns Staffordstown Stud, situated in County Meath, Ireland.

Kirsten Rausing’s influence extends to the realm of scents and fragrances as well. She, along with her brothers Finn and Jörn Rausing, holds a notable 20% stake in International Flavors & Fragrances, a company specializing in scents used in a wide range of products, including fizzy drinks and perfumes.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Kirsten Rausing resides in the United Kingdom and is known for her involvement in horse breeding, particularly at her stud farm, Lanwades Stud, located in Newmarket. In addition to her business pursuits, she has dedicated herself to philanthropic endeavors. She established the Alborada Trust, a charitable organization that provides funding for various causes, including medical and veterinary research, education, animal welfare, and disaster relief efforts in areas affected by calamities.

In terms of wealth, Kirsten Rausing ranks among Britain’s richest women. In the Sunday Times Rich List 2021, she held the 7th position jointly with her brother Jörn, boasting an estimated fortune of £13 billion.

Despite her success in the business world and philanthropic contributions, Kirsten Rausing has never married and does not have children. She is known as a donor to the Conservative Party and was appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant for the County of Suffolk in 2016, earning her the Post Nominal Letters “DL” for life.

In conclusion, Kirsten Rausing’s life story is a testament to her family’s enduring legacy and her own remarkable contributions to the world of business and philanthropy. Her journey from Lund, Sweden, to the upper echelons of global business highlights her resilience, vision, and dedication to making a positive impact on the world around her.