Founding and growth
Amway was founded in 1959 by friends Richard “Rich” DeVos and Jay Van Andel in Michigan. It built a global direct-sales network for cleaning, health and beauty products. The company's business model and corporate history are distinct from the automotive Prince Corporation. [amwayHistory][amwayFounders]
DeVos family executives
Rich DeVos led the company until 1993, when his son Dick DeVos became CEO. His son Doug DeVos later succeeded Dick in 2002. Betsy DeVos is Dick's spouse and Rich's daughter-in-law; this family relationship should not be mistaken for evidence of her running Amway. [amwayCEO]
Documented connections
- Richard DeVos — co-founder.
- Dick DeVos — CEO, 1993–2002.
- Betsy DeVos — married into DeVos family, separate professional career.
Sources
Research reviewed November 14, 2026. Personal, nonprofit, corporate and government relationships remain separately documented.