The world’s wealthiest women have amassed their fortunes through a combination of inheritance, entrepreneurship, and strategic investments. Here is an overview of the top 10 richest women globally:
- Françoise Bettencourt Meyers – Net Worth: $95.4 Billion
Françoise Bettencourt Meyers is the granddaughter of L’Oréal’s founder, Eugène Schueller. She inherited the family’s controlling stake in L’Oréal after her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, passed away in 2017. Under her leadership, the company has emphasized sustainability and digital initiatives, expanding its global reach.
- Alice Walton – Net Worth: $95 Billion
Alice Walton, the only daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, holds a substantial portion of her wealth in Walmart shares. Unlike her brothers, she has focused on philanthropy and the arts, founding the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas.
- Julia Koch – Net Worth: $74.6 Billion
Julia Koch inherited a 42% stake in Koch Industries after the death of her husband, David Koch, in 2019. Koch Industries is a conglomerate with interests in various sectors, including oil, gas, manufacturing, and finance.
- Jacqueline Mars – Net Worth: $38.5 Billion
Jacqueline Mars owns an estimated one-third of Mars Inc., the world’s largest candymaker, founded by her grandfather. She worked for the company for nearly two decades and served on its board until 2016.
- Miriam Adelson – Net Worth: $39.7 Billion
Miriam Adelson inherited a significant stake in Las Vegas Sands, the world’s largest casino operator, after her husband, Sheldon Adelson, passed away in 2021. She is also known for her philanthropic efforts in medical research and Jewish causes.
- Susanne Klatten – Net Worth: $31.2 Billion
Susanne Klatten is Germany’s wealthiest woman, owning significant stakes in BMW and the pharmaceutical company Altana. She inherited these stakes from her parents and has been instrumental in their growth and development.
- Abigail Johnson – Net Worth: $25.2 Billion
Abigail Johnson is the CEO of Fidelity Investments, one of the world’s largest financial services firms. She took over the company from her father in 2014 and has been pivotal in expanding its digital assets and embracing new technologies.
- Iris Fontbona – Net Worth: $24.0 Billion
Iris Fontbona, the widow of Chilean mining magnate Andrónico Luksic, controls Antofagasta PLC, one of the world’s largest copper mining companies. Her family’s business interests also include banking, brewing, and manufacturing.
- MacKenzie Scott – Net Worth: $34.1 Billion
MacKenzie Scott, the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, received a 4% stake in Amazon following their divorce. She is renowned for her philanthropic efforts, having donated billions to various causes, including racial equity, LGBTQ+ rights, public health, and education.
- Gina Rinehart – Net Worth: $27.0 Billion
Gina Rinehart is Australia’s richest person, having transformed her late father’s bankrupt iron-ore prospecting company into a mining empire. She is the Executive Chairman of Hancock Prospecting, a privately owned mineral exploration and extraction company.
These women have not only amassed significant wealth but have also made substantial contributions to their respective industries and engaged in various philanthropic endeavors, shaping the global economic landscape.