Born in Germany circa 1949, Bernd Freier is a self-made German billionaire, the founder of the global fashion and lifestyle conglomerate, the s.Oliver Group. His entrepreneurial journey began with remarkable ambition and a focus on hands-on manufacturing knowledge.

In 1969, Freier started his empire with a small, 25-square-meter boutique in Würzburg, initially named Sir Oliver (after the hero of Charles Dickens's novel, Oliver Twist). Recognizing the unreliability of fashion suppliers in the 1970s, Freier took a decisive, unconventional step: in 1974, he traveled to India with little money and poor English to negotiate directly with local textile manufacturers. This trip was transformative, allowing him to bypass wholesalers, secure his own production of popular 'Madras Check shirts,' and gain independence—a move that became the foundation of his fast-fashion success.

Bernd Freier’s career is defined by his dedication to vertical integration and astute brand management. The name Sir Oliver was forcibly changed in 1978 due to a legal dispute with the perfume manufacturer '4711,' which believed its trademark was infringed. Freier simply rebranded it to s.Oliver, a move that proved more successful and inclusive.

Freier continuously expanded s.Oliver's product palette, moving beyond menswear to offer fashion for the whole family and, in 1997, granting the first licenses for shoes and eyewear, building the brand into a lifestyle companion. He strategically acquired other successful German fashion brands like comma (2001), integrating them into the S. Oliver Group. By 2007, s.Oliver crossed the €1 billion sales mark, cementing its position as one of Germany's and Europe's leading fashion companies. Freier stepped down as CEO in 2014, but he remains the owner and guiding force, ensuring the brand's commitment to continuous innovation and sustainability.

Bernd Freier and the s.Oliver Group maintain a strong commitment to corporate citizenship. The company is heavily involved in social causes, notably supporting Special Olympics Germany since 1998, including sponsoring athletes, volunteers, and the national games.

The company also provides funds for stroke victims and supported victims of the terrible floods in South India in 2005, reflecting a direct, humanitarian commitment. His structural contribution is the creation of thousands of retail, design, and manufacturing jobs globally, ensuring s.Oliver remains a symbol of ethical, successful, private German enterprise.

Bernd Freier projects the classic, polished style of a wealthy German industrialist and fashion executive. His attire is consistently modern, elegant, and often features refined pieces from his own s.Oliver and comma brands. His aesthetic is one of confident, long-term success, reflecting his deep understanding of high-street fashion trends.

Residing in Rottendorf, Germany (near Würzburg, the company headquarters), his luxury is the absolute control over his family's multi-billion euro fashion empire. His wealth affords him private travel and the autonomy to guide the creative and strategic direction of a major global brand that dresses people for almost all occasions.