The realm of billionaires is often associated with celebrities, entrepreneurs, and powerful industry magnates. Among these high achievers, the world’s richest women stand out, not just for their immense wealth but also for their impactful contributions across diverse sectors such as finance, fashion, e-commerce, and more. Forbes, renowned for its real-time tracking of global wealth, presents an intriguing list of the top 10 richest women as of April 11, 2024. Their stories are not only inspiring but also a testament to the evolving landscape where women continue to make significant strides.
1. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers and Family – $92.2 Billion (L’Oréal)
Age: 70
Country: France
Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, the wealthiest woman globally, inherited her fortune from her grandfather, the founder of L’Oréal. With over a third of the company under her family’s control, she serves as the chairwoman of the family holding company. Despite a temporary setback during the pandemic, L’Oréal’s performance has rebounded significantly. Francoise’s leadership saw her net worth peak at over $100 billion by the end of 2023, marking a significant milestone.
2. Alice Walton – $72.7 Billion (Walmart)
Age: 74
Country: United States
Alice Walton, heiress to the Walmart fortune, has carved her own path distinct from her retail-focused brothers. Her passion for art led her to establish the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas. Recently, Alice garnered attention for selling over $21 million in Walton Family Holdings Trust stocks, demonstrating her active involvement in managing her wealth.
3. Julia Koch and Family – $66.1 Billion (Koch Industries)
Age: 62
Country: United States
Julia Koch inherited a substantial stake in Koch Industries following the death of her husband, David Koch. Along with her three children, she holds 42 percent of the conglomerate. Julia is also noted for her philanthropic endeavors, particularly through the Julia Koch Family Foundation, which recently donated $75 million to NYU Langone Health.
4. Jacqueline Mars – $38.7 Billion (Mars Inc)
Age: 84
Country: United States
As a third of Mars Inc., Jacqueline Mars has deep roots in the candy, food, and pet care industry established by her grandfather. Her involvement with the company lasted two decades before she retired in 2016, passing on responsibilities to her son. Beyond business, Jacqueline is passionate about equestrian pursuits, owning a Virginia horse farm that trains Olympic-level horses.
5. MacKenzie Scott – $37.7 Billion (Amazon)
Age: 54
Country: United States
MacKenzie Scott, an author and philanthropist, gained significant wealth from her divorce with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, receiving a 4 percent stake in the company. Committed to philanthropy, MacKenzie has donated approximately $16.5 billion to nearly 2,000 nonprofits. Her impactful giving continues to shape numerous charitable initiatives worldwide.
6. Savitri Jindal & Family – $35.5 Billion (JSW Group)
Age: 74
Country: India
Savitri Jindal, the chairperson of the Jindal Group, inherited her wealth and position from her late husband, Om Prakash Jindal. The conglomerate spans industries like steel, power, cement, and infrastructure. Savitri has also been active in politics, recently aligning with the Bharatiya Janata Party, demonstrating her influence beyond the business realm.
7. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant – $33.3 Billion (MSC Group)
Age: 79
Country: Switzerland
A self-made billionaire, Rafaela Aponte-Diamant co-founded MSC Group, the world’s largest shipping line, with her husband. She holds a 50 percent stake in the company, which includes MSC Cruises, known for its luxury holiday cruises. Rafaela’s role in decorating the ships showcases her attention to detail and commitment to the business.
8. Miriam Adelson and Family – $32.1 Billion (Las Vegas Sands)
Age: 78
Country: United States
Miriam Adelson, the widow of Sheldon Adelson, owns more than half of the casino empire Las Vegas Sands. The company operates renowned casinos in locations like Singapore and Macao. Miriam has also made substantial political donations, notably contributing $90 million to Donald Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign.
9. Gina Rinehart – $30.7 Billion (Hancock Prospecting)
Age: 70
Country: Australia
Gina Rinehart transformed Hancock Prospecting, a mining and agricultural firm initially established by her father, into a thriving business. She took over in 1992 and rescued it from financial difficulties. Gina’s strategic leadership has positioned the company as a major player in the mining sector, with significant stakes in rare-earth materials.
10. Abigail Johnson – $29.6 Billion (Fidelity Investments)
Age: 62
Country: United States
Abigail Johnson has been at the helm of Fidelity Investments since 2014, inheriting the role from her father. She owns a 28.5 percent stake in the firm. Under her leadership, Fidelity has ventured into Bitcoin spot ETFs, marking its entry into the digital currency market, a testament to her forward-thinking approach.
The stories of these top 10 richest women in the world in 2024 are a mix of inherited fortunes and self-made success. They span a variety of industries, including retail, finance, shipping, technology, and more. These women not only manage vast wealth but also contribute significantly to philanthropy, arts, politics, and innovation. Their journeys reflect resilience, vision, and the ability to thrive in a competitive global landscape, offering inspiration for future generations of women leaders.
