Death of Red Bull mastermind Mateschitz, at 78
VIENNA: Dietrich Mateschitz, billionaire pioneer of Red Bull sports energy drink, has died aged 78.
The promotional empire he built in support of the drink spanned football, Formula 1 and mountain biking.
Red Bull announced the Austrian businessman’s death to employees in a statement late Saturday, without providing details.
In October 2021, Mateschitz’s net worth was estimated at $25.4bn.
Mateschitz worked in marketing for Unilever and Blendax. While travelling in Thailand, he discovered the drink Krating Daeng, which he adapted into Red Bull. He founded Red Bull GmbH in 1984 and launched it in Austria in 1987.
His company acquired or founded several sports teams around the world, including five-time Constructors’ Champions Red Bull Racing and sister team AlphaTauri in Formula One, and association football teams including FC Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig
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