Who Is Klaus Schwab? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Klaus Schwab, born on March 30, 1938, is a prominent German engineer, economist, and founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF). As of 2025, he is 87 years old. Schwab established the WEF in 1971, which has become a pivotal platform for global leaders to discuss economic and political issues. His visionary approach has positioned him as a key figure in international dialogue, often known for his advocacy of stakeholder capitalism and sustainable development.
| Occupation | Economist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 30, 1938 |
| Age | 87 Years |
| Birth Place | Ravensburg, Free People's State of Württemberg, Germany |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | Germany |
Popularity
Klaus Schwab's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements for Klaus Schwab are not publicly documented, he maintains a professional appearance appropriate for high-level conferences and events. While exact height and weight numbers are less commonly discussed, he is typically seen wearing well-tailored suits, reflecting his longstanding reputation as a dignified business leader.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Klaus Schwab is known to keep his personal life private, especially concerning family and intimate relationships. He is married to Hilde Schwab, and they share a strong partnership that supports their philanthropic and business endeavors. Together, they have two children, which adds to the legacy of the Schwab family.
His parents had moved from Switzerland to Germany during the Third Reich in order for his father to assume the role of director at Escher Wyss AG, an industrial company and contractor for the Nazi regime. Although his father was baptized Lutheran, Schwab was raised Catholic.
Although he has three Swiss grandparents and two Swiss brothers, he is a citizen of Germany and has declined multiple offers for naturalization, from both Kurt Furgler and Ueli Maurer.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Klaus Schwab's net worth is estimated to be in the range of $500 million. His wealth largely stems from his influential role at the World Economic Forum and various published works. His salary is not publicly disclosed, but as a founder of a significant global platform, it is expected he receives considerable compensation through his leadership roles and speaking engagements.
While Schwab declared that excessively high management salaries were "no longer socially acceptable", his own annual salary of about one million Swiss francs (about US$1.2 million) has been repeatedly questioned by the media.
The Swiss radio and television corporation SRF mentioned this salary level in the context of ongoing public contributions to the WEF and the fact that the Forum does not pay any federal taxes.
Moreover, the former Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung journalist Jürgen Dunsch made the criticism that the WEF's financial reports were not very transparent since neither income nor expenditures were broken down. Schwab has also drawn ire for mixing the finances of the not-for-profit WEF and other for-profit business ventures.
For example, the WEF awarded a multimillion-dollar contract to USWeb in 1998. Yet shortly after the deal went through, Schwab took a board seat at the same company, reaping valuable stock options.
Career, Business and Investments
Klaus Schwab's career is marked by his commitment to improving global economic strategies and fostering international cooperation. After earning his doctorate in engineering and an MBA from Harvard, he began his career in the private sector before launching the World Economic Forum. Under his leadership, the WEF has expanded its reach, promoting dialogues on global economic issues, climate change, and technology.
Investments in various initiatives, including the Global Shapers Community and the Forum's initiatives on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, exemplify his forward-thinking approach to business. Schwab has published several books, reinforcing his ideas on the future of capitalism and the socioeconomic landscape.
Klaus Martin Schwab (born 30 March 1938) is a German mechanical engineer, economist, and founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF). He acted as the WEF's chairman since founding the organisation from 1971 until 2025 when he was replaced by Peter Brabeck-Letmathe.
Social Network
Klaus Schwab maintains an active presence on social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Twitter, where he shares insights and engages with a global audience. His social media activity often focuses on sharing knowledge, updates about the WEF, and commentary on socioeconomic trends.
Education
Schwab’s educational background is impressive, holding a doctorate in engineering from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) and an MBA from Harvard Business School. His strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for his future ventures in economics and international relations, solidifying his role as a thought leader in the world of global economics.
Among other awards, Schwab has been conferred with the French Legion of Honour (knight distinction), the Grand Cross with Star of the National Order of Germany, and the Japanese Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun.
He also was awarded the Dan David Prize, and was recognized by Queen Elizabeth as an honorary Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George. Schwab has also received honorary degrees from various universities, including the National University of Singapore and Kaunas University of Technology in Lithuania.
