Christel DeHaan, born on the 20th of October, 1942, is German-American businesswoman and philanthropist, who became known as the Chief Executive Officer of Resort Condominiums International, and also as the founder of Christel House International.
So how much is DeHaan’s net worth? As of mid-2017, based on authoritative sources it is reported to be $900 million, acquired from her years in business since the early ‘70s, including managing her business, Resort Condominiums International.
Christel DeHaan Net Worth $900 Million
Born in Nordlingen, Germany, DeHaan is the daughter of Adolf and Anna Stark; her father was a German soldier and died during the near end of World War II. She also has a sister named Evelin.
DeHaan grew up in a middle-class family and was able to attend high school at a Franciscan convent. When she was 16, she decided to move to the United Kingdom and worked as a nanny. Four years later, she once again packed her bags, moved to the United States and decided to settle in Indiana. She also later on continued her studies and attended Indiana Central University.
In 1974, DeHaan’s career began to thrive when she and her former husband Jon co-founded Resort Condominiums International, Inc. The company soon grew to become one of the largest timeshare companies in the world, the success of which tremendously increased her wealth.
DeHaan managed the company after her husband Jon suffered a heart attack in 1979. Then in 1987 the two divorced, and she was awarded half of the company, and also decided to buy out her husband’s share.
In 1995, DeHaan decided to sell the whole RCI and focus on her philanthropic work instead. In 1998, DeHaan founded Christel Hous International – the non-profit organization aims to help kids in various parts of the world by providing them with good education, healthcare and meals.
Aside from devoting her time to her charity, DeHaan is also known to serve as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Indianapolis, is a member of the Board of Directors of the Indiana Symphony Society, American United Life Insurance, and Dance Kaleidoscope among others. She has also been honoured with multiple honorary doctorate degrees.
In terms of her personal life, DeHaan first married in 1959 to a military man Ralph Cobb. They had two sons together, Keith and Tim, before they divorced in 1971. While attending college, she met Jon DeHaan and they married in 1973, and were blessed with a daughter named Kirsten, but the two ended up divorcing in 1991, since when she has remained officially single. She still resides in Indianapolis, Indiana.
