Death of bank heir Benjamin de Rothschild at 57

Benjamin de Rothschild, who oversaw the banking empire created by his father in 1953, died of a heart attack

NEW YORK – Benjamin de Rothschild, who led the banking empire created by his father in 1953, has died. He was 57 years old.

The Edmond de Rothschild Group, the company of which he was chairman, said de Rothschild died of a heart attack on Friday afternoon at his home in Pregny, Switzerland.

Since 1997, Benjamin de Rothschild has headed the banking group, which bears his father’s name. Today, the Edmond de Rothschild group claims to manage assets worth 160 billion euros, or 190 billion dollars.

Forbes magazine estimates Rothschild’s net worth at $ 1.5 billion. He is a descendant of the Rothschild family, which has a history of almost 300 years at the head of European banks.

In a press release announcing his death, the Edmond de Rothschild Group said de Rothschild was passionate about finance, sailing, cars and wine. He was also a philanthropist, involved in the Adolphe de Rothschild Foundation hospital, the company said.

He is survived by his wife, Ariane de Rothschild, and their four adult daughters.