Nicolas Puech, an heir to the Hermès fortune, has made headlines for his unconventional decision to leave a significant portion of his wealth to his former gardener and handyman. Puech, who is unmarried and childless, plans to adopt the 51-year-old man, originally from Morocco, as his legal heir. This move would allow the gardener to inherit at least half of Puech’s estimated $11 billion fortune, as well as properties valued at $5.9 million in Marrakesh, Morocco, and Montreux, Switzerland
Puech’s decision stems from a close personal relationship with the gardener and his family, whom he considers his “adopted children.” The gardener has worked for Puech for decades and received financial support from him in the past, including funds to purchase a villa in Morocco. However, this plan faces legal challenges due to Switzerland’s strict adoption laws for adults and opposition from the Isocrates Foundation, which Puech had previously committed his estate to. The foundation opposes the annulment of the original inheritance agreement.
This decision has also sparked concerns among Hermès stakeholders regarding its impact on the brand’s legacy and raised broader questions about personal relationships influencing wealth distribution.
