In an exclusive interview with The Wall Street Journal, renowned actress Salma Hayek shared intriguing details about her unconventional financial arrangements with her husband, François-Henri Pinault. The power couple, who married in 2009, chose to forgo a prenuptial agreement—a notable decision given Pinault’s status as the billionaire CEO of Kering, the luxury fashion conglomerate behind brands like Gucci, Balenciaga, and Saint Laurent.
Despite her husband’s vast wealth, the 57-year-old Hayek has remained steadfastly committed to her own financial independence throughout their marriage. This entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to her own ventures have been central to Hayek’s approach to her relationship and career.
Separate finances, shared values Hayek, whose breakout role was in the 1995 film Desperado, revealed that she and Pinault keep their finances completely separate. Despite their combined influence spanning Hollywood and high fashion, Hayek remains motivated to generate her own income and actively pursue her own business interests.
With her 17-year-old daughter, Valentina, Hayek has been exploring new ventures to expand her own portfolio. Remarkably, Pinault’s support of her goals and independence has only strengthened their relationship. “I think he finds it kind of sexy,” Hayek remarked with a smile, underscoring the mutual respect and balance that define their partnership.
The Kering Connection and Hayek’s Role in Philanthropy Beyond her acclaimed acting career, Hayek plays a crucial role in supporting the charitable initiatives of the Kering Foundation, founded by her husband. The foundation focuses on ending gender-based violence and empowering women globally. Hayek has been instrumental in transforming the foundation’s annual New York fundraising dinner into a marquee event, helping to raise millions of dollars for these important causes.
Hayek’s personal experiences with financial hardship in her youth have made her especially passionate about philanthropy and using her platform to create positive change. Born into wealth in Mexico, Hayek found herself rebuilding her career from scratch in Los Angeles in her 20s after her family lost its fortune.
Hayek’s Rise in Hollywood and Beyond Her versatility and entrepreneurial spirit marked Hayek’s journey to stardom. She achieved mainstream success in 2002 with the biographical film Frida, for which she earned an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of the iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. This project also solidified Hayek’s status as a powerful voice for Latinas in Hollywood.
Over the years, Hayek has expanded her career beyond acting, co-founding the production company Ventanarosa. The company has produced acclaimed series like Ugly Betty, for which Hayek served as an executive producer. Now, the dynamic actress is hinting at a new business venture, though she has yet to reveal the specifics.
François-Henri Pinault: Billionaire and Visionary As the CEO of Kering, François-Henri Pinault oversees an empire of luxury brands with a net worth of approximately $21.8 billion. His recent acquisition of a majority stake in Creative Artists Agency (CAA) through his investment firm Artemis Group showcases his strategic vision and determination to expand Kering’s influence beyond luxury fashion.
Under Pinault’s leadership, Kering has grown its reputation for social responsibility and sustainability—values that align with Hayek’s own advocacy work. The couple’s shared interest in making a positive impact is evident in both Kering’s business practices and the philanthropic initiatives they support together.
The challenges of wealth and public perception are significant. Hayek, reflecting on her entry into a life of wealth and high society, acknowledged the shift in her perception after marrying Pinault. While financial security provided her with “the freedom from financial concerns,” she noted that people often approach her with expectations simply because of her husband’s wealth. “Strangers approach me, not as friends, but they assume we should be friends because they are wealthy,” she said.
Hayek’s experiences speak to the complex dynamics that come with being part of a public and affluent couple. For her, however, wealth is less about the luxury it affords and more about the freedom to pursue meaningful work, whether it’s in film or charity.
A Partnership of Independence and Influence Despite their high-profile lives, Hayek and Pinault have built a relationship that emphasizes individual identity and shared goals. Their commitment to each other and to making a difference reflects in their professional and philanthropic choices. With Hayek’s Hollywood legacy and Pinault’s fashion empire, the couple’s combined influence continues to extend far beyond their marriage.
Hayek’s latest interview reveals a woman determined to remain true to herself, even in the face of overwhelming wealth and public scrutiny. Her next venture promises to add yet another chapter to a career already marked by resilience, independence, and compassion. Meanwhile, Pinault’s recent investments hint at his continued vision to integrate luxury, creativity, and entertainment in ways that reshape both industries.
As they continue to make headlines for their endeavors and advocacy, Salma Hayek and François-Henri Pinault’s relationship stands as a testament to partnership, independence, and the power of purpose-driven lives.