Red Bull is one of the world’s most recognized energy drink brands. Many people wonder who owns Red Bull and who is behind its massive success. In this article, we will explore Red Bull’s ownership, history, leadership, and financial power.
History of Red Bull
The story of Red Bull began in the mid-1980s. Austrian entrepreneur Dietrich Mateschitz discovered a Thai energy drink called Krating Daeng. Seeing its potential for Western markets, Mateschitz partnered with Chaleo Yoovidhya, the drink’s original creator. In 1984, they founded Red Bull GmbH.
They tweaked the formula and branding to appeal to European consumers. Red Bull officially launched in Austria in 1987. It quickly gained popularity for its energizing effects and strong marketing strategies.
Over the years, Red Bull expanded globally, pioneering the energy drink market and creating a massive cultural phenomenon around extreme sports and adventure.
Who Owns Red Bull?
Red Bull GmbH is a privately held company with a unique ownership structure involving two main stakeholders: the Yoovidhya family from Thailand and the Mateschitz family from Austria.
As of 2025, the ownership is divided as follows:
| Shareholder | Ownership Percentage | Entity/Type | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| TC Agro Trading Company Ltd. (Yoovidhya Family) | 49% | Company (Hong Kong-based) | Represents the Yoovidhya family’s primary ownership stake; they maintain a low public profile. |
| Chalerm Yoovidhya | 2% | Individual | Eldest son of Chaleo Yoovidhya; holds a personal stake inherited directly from his father. |
| Distribution & Marketing GmbH (Mark Mateschitz) | 49% | Company (Austria-based) | Fully controlled by Mark Mateschitz, who inherited his father’s stake and focuses on shareholder duties. |
TC Agro Trading Company Ltd. (Yoovidhya Family) – 49%
The Yoovidhya family’s 49% stake in Red Bull GmbH is held through TC Agro Trading Company Ltd., a Hong Kong-based entity. This stake represents the family’s significant influence in the company, stemming from the original partnership between Chaleo Yoovidhya and Dietrich Mateschitz. Despite their substantial ownership, the Yoovidhya family has traditionally maintained a low public profile in the company’s operations.
Chalerm Yoovidhya – 2%
Chalerm Yoovidhya, the eldest son of Chaleo Yoovidhya, personally owns an additional 2% of Red Bull GmbH. This stake was directly inherited from his father and grants him individual influence within the company’s shareholder structure. Chalerm plays a pivotal role in representing the family’s interests in Red Bull’s strategic decisions.
Distribution & Marketing GmbH (Mark Mateschitz) – 49%
The remaining 49% of Red Bull GmbH is owned by Distribution & Marketing GmbH, an Austrian company fully controlled by Mark Mateschitz, the son of the late Dietrich Mateschitz. After his father’s passing in 2022, Mark inherited this stake and has since focused on his role as a shareholder, stepping back from day-to-day management. He continues to influence the company’s direction through his ownership and board involvement.
This ownership structure ensures a balance between the founding families, with the Yoovidhya family collectively holding a slight majority. The collaboration between these stakeholders has been central to Red Bull’s global success and strategic initiatives.
Who is the CEO of Red Bull?
As of 2025, Red Bull GmbH operates under a unique leadership structure that diverges from the traditional single-CEO model. Following the death of co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022, the company transitioned to a three-member executive board, each overseeing distinct facets of the business.
Franz Watzlawick – CEO Beverage Business
Franz Watzlawick leads Red Bull’s core beverage operations. He has been instrumental in driving global sales and marketing strategies, ensuring the brand’s continued dominance in the energy drink market.
Alexander Kirchmayr – Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Alexander Kirchmayr oversees the company’s financial health, including budgeting, investments, and fiscal planning. His role is crucial in maintaining Red Bull’s profitability and funding its diverse ventures.
Oliver Mintzlaff – CEO Corporate Projects and Investments
Oliver Mintzlaff manages Red Bull’s extensive portfolio of sports teams and media properties. His responsibilities encompass strategic investments and the expansion of Red Bull’s presence in various industries.
Governance and Control
Red Bull’s ownership is divided between the Yoovidhya family of Thailand, holding 51%, and Mark Mateschitz, son of the late co-founder, holding 49%. While the Yoovidhya family maintains a majority stake, they prefer a background role, entrusting operational decisions to the executive board. Mark Mateschitz, focusing on his shareholder responsibilities, supports the board’s strategic direction without engaging in daily management.
Annual Revenue and Net Worth of Red Bull
In 2024, Red Bull achieved a record-breaking revenue of €11.227 billion, marking a 6.4% increase from the previous year’s €10.554 billion. This growth, while the slowest since 2020, was accompanied by a 4.4% rise in global sales, totaling 12.7 billion cans sold. The company’s workforce expanded by over 2,000 employees, bringing the total to nearly 20,000 by the end of 2024.
The primary driver of this growth remains the core energy drink business, which continues to perform strongly across 178 countries. Additionally, Red Bull’s investments in sports and media ventures contribute significantly to its revenue streams.
As of April 2025, Red Bull’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $35 billion. This valuation reflects not only the company’s robust beverage sales but also its diversified portfolio, including media production, sports team ownership, and event sponsorships.
Red Bull’s strategic investments in various sectors have bolstered its financial standing, ensuring sustained growth and a strong market presence.
Here’s an overview of the annual revenue and net worth of Red Bull for last 10 years:
| Year | Annual Revenue (€ Billion) | Estimated Net Worth (€ Billion) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 5.9 | 15 | Continued global expansion and marketing efforts. |
| 2016 | 6.0 | 16 | Steady growth with increased international presence. |
| 2017 | 6.3 | 17 | Introduction of new product variants boosted sales. |
| 2018 | 6.1 | 18 | Slight dip in revenue due to market saturation in some regions. |
| 2019 | 5.9 | 19 | Focus on consolidating market position. |
| 2020 | 6.3 | 20 | Resilience during global economic challenges. |
| 2021 | 7.8 | 22 | Significant growth attributed to strategic marketing. |
| 2022 | 9.7 | 25 | Expansion into new markets and increased brand visibility. |
| 2023 | 10.6 | 30 | Record-breaking sales and diversification of product lines. |
| 2024 | 11.2 | 35 | Continued global dominance and innovative campaigns. |
Brands and Companies Owned by Red Bull
Red Bull GmbH has evolved into a multifaceted conglomerate, extending its reach beyond energy drinks into various industries, including sports, media, fashion, and technology.
Here’s a list of the major brands and companies owned by Red Bull in 2025:
| Company/Brand | Details |
|---|---|
| Red Bull Racing | Owns and operates its F1 team; multiple World Championships; based in Milton Keynes, UK. |
| Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri) | Rebranded junior F1 team; focuses on young driver development; operates independently. |
| Red Bull Powertrains | Engine and power unit manufacturer for Red Bull F1 teams; Ford partnership starting 2026. |
| Red Bull Advanced Technologies | Engineering company applying F1 expertise to hypercars (e.g., RB17) and other industries. |
| AlphaTauri (Fashion Brand) | Red Bull’s innovative clothing and fashion brand; global expansion ongoing. |
| Red Bull Media House | Media company producing TV, digital content, and print; owns Red Bull TV and The Red Bulletin. |
| Red Bull Records | Independent record label supporting multi-genre artists; headquartered in Los Angeles. |
| Red Bull TV | Red Bull’s free global streaming platform focusing on adventure, sports, and culture content. |
| WRC Promoter GmbH | Joint ownership with KW25; manages World Rally Championship and ERC media rights. |
| Red Bull Bragantino | Brazilian football club competing in Série A; focus on young talent development. |
| RB Leipzig | Legally structured via Red Bull GmbH support; Red Bull holds key controlling rights despite 50+1 rule compliance. |
| New York Red Bulls | MLS soccer club based in New Jersey; runs top youth academy in U.S. soccer. |
| FC Red Bull Salzburg | Austrian Bundesliga champions; elite talent pipeline; regular UEFA competition appearances. |
| Red Bull Brasil | Brazilian youth-focused football club; development pathway for Red Bull Bragantino. |
| Red Bull OG (Esports) | Partner and primary sponsor; supports Dota 2 and CS:GO teams; role in esports expansion. |
| Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series | Fully owned annual extreme sports event; showcases elite cliff diving athletes worldwide. |
| Red Bull Air Race (discontinued) | Former aviation race series; discontinued in 2019; brand continues to leverage aviation sponsorships. |
| Red Bull Racing Esports | Sim racing esports division; competes in top-tier virtual motorsport events globally. |
| Red Bull KTM Factory Racing | Partnership with KTM for MotoGP and off-road events; sponsorship integration. |
| Red Bull Racing Team (NASCAR) | Expanded NASCAR presence in 2025 through Trackhouse Racing collaboration. |
Red Bull Racing
Red Bull Racing is the crown jewel of Red Bull’s sports portfolio. Founded in 2005 after Red Bull acquired Jaguar Racing’s Formula One team, it is based in Milton Keynes, UK. Under Team Principal Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing has become a powerhouse in Formula One. It has secured multiple Constructors’ Championships and Drivers’ Championships, notably with drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. By 2025, Red Bull Racing is one of the most valuable and successful F1 teams, both competitively and commercially, thanks to heavy investments in innovation, aerodynamics, and engineering.
Scuderia AlphaTauri (Racing Bulls)
Originally launched as Scuderia Toro Rosso in 2006 to serve as Red Bull’s junior team, it was renamed Scuderia AlphaTauri in 2020 to promote Red Bull’s fashion brand. In 2024, the team was rebranded again to “Racing Bulls” to create a clearer distinction from the main Red Bull Racing team and sharpen its focus on nurturing young drivers. Racing Bulls now operates as an independent competitor while maintaining strategic collaboration with Red Bull Racing, sharing technical and research synergies.
Red Bull Powertrains
Founded in 2021, Red Bull Powertrains was established to create bespoke engines for Red Bull’s Formula 1 cars after Honda’s withdrawal from F1. Located at the Red Bull Technology Campus in Milton Keynes, it will partner with Ford Motor Company starting from the 2026 season. This collaboration is expected to deliver advanced hybrid power units combining Red Bull’s racing expertise with Ford’s automotive engineering heritage, aiming to dominate the next generation of Formula One competition.
Red Bull Advanced Technologies
Red Bull Advanced Technologies (RBAT) extends Red Bull Racing’s engineering capabilities beyond motorsport. Their projects include developing the Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar alongside famed engineer Adrian Newey. RBAT is currently developing the RB17, a hypercar slated for release in 2025, designed for track use with cutting-edge aerodynamics and performance features. RBAT also applies its expertise in aerospace, marine, and other advanced engineering sectors.
AlphaTauri (Fashion Brand)
Launched in 2016, AlphaTauri is Red Bull’s premium fashion brand. It aims to merge fashion and function through technology-driven apparel. AlphaTauri’s innovations include their patented Taurex® fabric technology, developed in partnership with Swiss textile innovators. The brand continues to expand in Europe and Asia, participating in major fashion events like Berlin Fashion Week and collaborating with renowned designers to boost its global profile.
Red Bull Media House
Founded in 2007, Red Bull Media House is a global media company producing and distributing premium content across TV, digital, print, and music. It manages Red Bull TV and The Red Bulletin magazine and covers action sports, adventure, lifestyle, and music. It is behind acclaimed documentaries like The Last Ascent and Any One of Us, and organizes massive events like Red Bull Rampage and Red Bull Flugtag.
Red Bull Records
Red Bull Records is an independent music label founded in 2007 in Los Angeles. It supports a wide variety of artists across genres like rock, pop, and hip-hop. Major signees include AWOLNATION, Beartooth, and The Aces. Red Bull Records offers artists not only recording deals but also marketing support, global distribution, and branding collaborations with Red Bull’s other platforms.
Red Bull TV
Red Bull TV is an OTT platform that streams live events, series, documentaries, and films. It offers free, global access to sports, music festivals, adventure stories, and culture content. Signature events broadcasted include Red Bull BC One (breakdancing), Crashed Ice (ice cross downhill), and the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series.
WRC Promoter GmbH
WRC Promoter GmbH is a joint venture between Red Bull and KW25, managing the commercial rights of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and European Rally Championship (ERC). In 2024, WRC Promoter launched Rally.TV, a specialized rallying streaming service. It provides exclusive race footage, behind-the-scenes content, and live broadcasts of rally events worldwide.
Red Bull Bragantino
Acquired in 2019, Red Bull Bragantino is a Brazilian football club playing in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. Red Bull rebranded the club, invested in state-of-the-art training facilities, and developed a youth academy. The team has become known for its young, dynamic style of play and serves as Red Bull’s gateway into the South American football market.
RB Leipzig
RB Leipzig was founded in 2009 when Red Bull purchased the playing rights of lower-tier German club SSV Markranstädt. Within just a few years, the club climbed from the fifth tier to the Bundesliga. By 2025, RB Leipzig regularly competes in UEFA Champions League, is a title contender in Germany, and is known for its smart recruitment strategies and energetic playing style.
New York Red Bulls
The New York Red Bulls, acquired in 2006, compete in Major League Soccer (MLS) and play at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey. The club has produced notable talents like Tyler Adams and Aaron Long. The New York Red Bulls Academy is regarded as one of the top youth development programs in the U.S.
FC Red Bull Salzburg
Red Bull acquired SV Austria Salzburg in 2005 and rebranded it as FC Red Bull Salzburg. The team has since dominated Austrian football, winning multiple Bundesliga titles and Cup competitions. The club is also renowned for its prolific youth academy, which has produced talents like Erling Haaland and Sadio Mané before their global breakthroughs.
Red Bull Brasil
Founded in 2007, Red Bull Brasil operates mainly as a developmental team, providing young Brazilian talents a pathway into Red Bull Bragantino or other Red Bull football teams. Although it no longer competes in top leagues, it plays a critical role in Red Bull’s football ecosystem.
Red Bull OG (Esports)
Red Bull OG is an esports team famous for winning The International Dota 2 Championships in 2018 and 2019, making history with back-to-back titles. OG also fields teams in CS:GO and Valorant. Red Bull supports OG with sponsorships, training facilities, and media coverage, reflecting its heavy investment in the booming esports industry.
Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series
Launched in 2009, the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series brings together elite divers who leap from platforms as high as 27 meters into water. The series visits iconic global locations and has been a major driver of Red Bull’s extreme sports branding.
Red Bull Air Race
Although discontinued in 2019, the Red Bull Air Race World Championship was one of the most thrilling aviation sporting events. Pilots raced specialized planes through a series of air gates. Even post-cancellation, Red Bull continues to host aviation-related events and exhibitions globally.
Red Bull Racing Esports
Red Bull Racing Esports represents Red Bull in the world of sim racing and virtual motorsports. The team competes in F1 Esports Series, V10 R-League, and other elite sim racing competitions. Red Bull leverages its real-world racing expertise to dominate in virtual formats as well.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
This MotoGP team is a partnership between Red Bull and Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM. Competing at the highest level of motorcycle racing, the team has become a regular fixture on MotoGP podiums. Red Bull KTM also competes in motocross and rally raid events, including the Dakar Rally.
Red Bull Racing Team (NASCAR)
In 2025, Red Bull deepened its relationship with NASCAR by partnering with Trackhouse Racing. This venture has brought Red Bull branding back into the NASCAR Cup Series, offering another avenue for American motorsport fans to engage with the brand.
Conclusion
Understanding who owns Red Bull gives deeper insight into how the brand has maintained its dominance. The Yoovidhya family and Mark Mateschitz control Red Bull, ensuring it remains a private and powerful force in the beverage and sports industries. Through its massive portfolio and smart leadership, Red Bull continues to energize and innovate across the world.
FAQs
Who is the owner of Red Bull Company?
Red Bull GmbH is privately owned by Dietrich Mateschitz and Chaleo Yoovidhya. Mateschitz, an Austrian entrepreneur, co-founded the company with Thai businessman Chaleo in 1987. Following Chaleo’s death in 2012, Mateschitz held the majority control of the company, while Chaleo’s family retained a significant share.
Is Red Bull owned by Coke or Pepsi?
No, Red Bull is not owned by either Coca-Cola or PepsiCo. It is an independent company, founded by Dietrich Mateschitz and Chaleo Yoovidhya. However, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo are competitors in the energy drink market, with Coca-Cola owning brands like Monster Energy, while PepsiCo owns Rockstar Energy.
Who is the 51% owner of Red Bull?
As of 2025, Dietrich Mateschitz was the primary controlling shareholder of Red Bull, holding a majority stake of 51% in the company. His significant control and influence shaped the direction of Red Bull’s expansion globally.
Who owns 49% of Red Bull?
The remaining 49% of Red Bull is owned by the family of Chaleo Yoovidhya, the co-founder of Red Bull. After Chaleo’s passing in 2012, the Yoovidhya family has maintained ownership of this portion of the company.
Is Red Bull a billionaire?
Yes, Red Bull is a multibillion-dollar company. As of 2025, Red Bull’s net worth is estimated to be over $30 billion, making it one of the most valuable privately held companies globally.
What is the Red Bull owner’s country?
The owner of Red Bull, Dietrich Mateschitz, was from Austria, while Chaleo Yoovidhya, the co-founder, was from Thailand. Therefore, Red Bull has a unique international ownership with connections to both Austria and Thailand.
Who is the CEO of Red Bull?
The CEO of Red Bull is Haasman Rybnik, appointed in 2023. He oversees the global operations of Red Bull, ensuring alignment with the brand’s core values in extreme sports, marketing, and product development.
Has the Red Bull owner died?
Yes, Dietrich Mateschitz, the co-founder and primary owner of Red Bull, passed away in October 2022 after battling a long illness. His death marked a significant change in the leadership of the company, although his legacy continues to influence its operations.
Who is the Red Bull owner’s son?
Markus Mateschitz, the son of Dietrich Mateschitz, is considered the heir to Red Bull’s wealth and influence. While he holds a prominent position within the company, his exact role and future involvement in Red Bull’s operations are still evolving.
When did Dietrich Mateschitz die?
Dietrich Mateschitz died on October 22, 2022. His death was a significant loss to the business world, as he was known not only for his role in founding Red Bull but also for his involvement in the sports, media, and entertainment sectors.
What was Mateschitz’s cause of death?
The cause of Dietrich Mateschitz’s death was related to a long-term illness. However, specific details regarding his condition were not publicly disclosed by Red Bull at the time of his passing.
What’s the Red Bull founder’s net worth?
As of 2025, Dietrich Mateschitz’s net worth was estimated at around $42.4 billion, according to Forbes. This wealth primarily stemmed from his ownership stake in Red Bull, which continues to grow in value posthumously.
Who originally founded Red Bull?
Dietrich Mateschitz and Chaleo Yoovidhya founded Red Bull together in 1984.
Is Red Bull a publicly traded company?
No, Red Bull is privately held and is not listed on any stock exchange.
Where is Red Bull headquartered?
Red Bull is headquartered in Fuschl am See, Austria.