Erich Wesjohann & family

Erich Wesjohann is the chairman and namesake of Germany-based EW Group, the world's largest poultry breeding and genetics company.

EW Group was founded in 1999, when Wesjohann and his brother Paul-Heinz decided to split up their family chicken company, originally dating to 1932.

In 2020, EW Group pulled in total revenue of $3.3 billion. Two U.S. poultry breeders Aviagen and Hubbard make up key assets in EW Group's portfolio.

The low-profile billionaire and his wife have transferred a portion of ownership in EW Group to other members of their family over the years.