Hermès heir wants to leave $6 billion to his former gardener

Nicholas Puech, the 80-year-old heir to the Hermès fortune with a net worth of around $12 billion, initially planned to leave his wealth to his charitable foundation, the Isocrates Foundation. However, he has now changed his mind. He is reportedly trying to make a former employee, described as a “doméstique” of Moroccan origin, his legal heir. 

Puech, who has no children, had agreed to leave his wealth to the foundation, but if he has a child or legally adopts an heir, that person would be entitled to at least half. The Isocrates Foundation opposes canceling the inheritance contract, stating that it seems void and unfounded from a legal perspective. The foundation is open to discussions with Puech regarding the matter.

For more information see Alix Martichoux “Hermès heir wants to leave $6 billion to his former gardener”, KRON4, December 21, 2023.

Special thanks to Joel C. Dobris (Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law) for bringing this article to my attention.