Dietrich Mateschitz - Definition and Overview

Dietrich Mateschitz (born May 20, 1944 in St. Marein im Mürztal, Styria) is an Austrian businessman and billionaire. He holds 49 percent of shares in the energy drink producer Red Bull.

After graduating from the Hochschule für Welthandel (now Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration), Dietrich Mateschitz worked, among other things, for the marketing of Procter and Gamble's Blendax tooth paste. In 1987, he founded Red Bull GmbH with his Thai partners Chaleo and Chalerm Yoovidhya. Subsequently, he turned the Red Bull drink into the world market leader among energy drinks. Beside the crystal group Swarovski and the candy producer Manner, Red Bull is Austria's only consumer brand with a worldwide reputation.

Mateschitz is known as a marketing specialist. His company is famous for its creative advertising and as a sponsor for many types of extreme sports. In 2004, Mateschitz bought the Formula 1 team Jaguar Racing from the Ford Motor Company. It was subsequently renamed to Red Bull Racing.

Mateschitz plans to set up a testing site for the automobile industry at the A1-Ring. There are already very far developed plans, but residents of the area object. He also plans to create an Avionautik Akademie in Zeltweg jointly with the Austrian Army.