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Unveiling the Top 12 Richest Women in the World for 2024. So, these women aren’t just accumulating wealth; they’re revolutionizing industries, championing social causes, and proving that success has no gender.
This top 12 richest women list consists of wealthy successful women with careers ranging from tech whizzes to retail tycoons, healthcare heroes to media moguls. Thus, prepare to be dazzled and motivated by their net worth, background history, ingenuity, and resilience. So, they’re not just breaking records; they’re rewriting the rules of the game, and their stories are a roadmap for anyone who dares to dream big.
Top 12 Richest Women in the World 2024
1. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers & family
Ranking number one of the richest women in the world is the granddaughter of Eugène Schueller, who founded L’Oreal. And, the only child of Liliane Bettencourt, once the world’s richest woman. So, Francoise inherited the L’Oreal legacy in 2017 and she’s not just a passive heir as she serves on L’Oreal’s board and manages the family holding company, growing their wealth significantly.
Additionally, Francoise heads the family foundation, supporting science, arts, and even contributing to Notre Dame’s restoration. Her marriage to a Jewish man caused a stir due to her grandfather’s collaboration with the Nazis during WWII.
2. Alice Walton
Alice Walton is the youngest child of Walmart founder Sam Walton. She inherited a significant share of the company’s fortune. Unlike her brothers who went into the family business, Alice wasn’t interested in retail. Her passion lay in finance and art.
Furthermore, as a child, her love for art was evident, starting with a 25-cent print of Picasso’s “Blue Nude” at age 11. She briefly worked at Walmart but then ventured into the world of finance, even founding her own investment bank, Llama Company. Walton’s true passion is art collecting. She’s amassed an impressive collection featuring American masters like Warhol and Rockwell.
In 2011, she turned her passion into a reality by opening the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in her hometown of Bentonville, Arkansas. Her philanthropic pursuits extend beyond art. She recently played a key role in establishing a medical school in Bentonville. Finally, her story is one of following your passions paving additional way for her on the richest women in the world list. Though born into immense wealth, she carved her path, becoming a renowned art collector and philanthropist while leaving her mark.
3. Julia Koch & family
Julia Flesher was born in 1962, she grew up in a farming family in Iowa. Her parents later ran a clothing store in Arkansas. After attending the University of Central Arkansas, she pursued a career in fashion, working as an assistant to designer Adolfo in New York City.
In 1991, a blind date set her up with David Koch, a key figure in Koch Industries, a massive conglomerate. They married in 1996 and became a prominent couple in New York’s social scene. They also shared a passion for philanthropy, supporting causes like medical research and cultural institutions.
When David Koch passed away in 2019, Julia and their three children inherited a significant stake (around 42%) in Koch Industries, propelling her to the top ranks of the world’s richest women. Since then, Julia has continued her philanthropic efforts, focusing on areas like cancer research, education, and fashion.
Julia is known for her elegance and involvement in the fashion world. She’s also a strong advocate for women’s empowerment.
4. Jacqueline Mars
Jacqueline Mars was born in 1939, she is the granddaughter of Mars founder Frank C. Mars and daughter of Forrest Mars, Sr., Jacqueline inherited a significant share of the Mars candy empire making be on the richest women’s list. So, she prioritized education, attending Miss Hall’s School and graduating with a degree in anthropology from Bryn Mawr College in 1961.
In 1982, she wasn’t content to just be an heiress. Jacqueline joined Mars, Inc. as the Food Product Group President, actively contributing to the company’s success. Beyond business, Jacqueline has been a lifelong equestrian enthusiast. She participated in horse shows during her youth and even owns a horse farm in Virginia that has trained horses ridden by Olympic medalists.
Additionally, she served on the Mars board until 2016, demonstrating her commitment to the family legacy. She retired from the company in 2001. Jacqueline remains a shrewd investor and is actively involved in philanthropy through the Mars Foundation.
5. Miriam Adelson & family
Miriam Adelson was born Miriam Farbstein in 1945 in Tel Aviv, Israel, her parents fled Poland before the Holocaust. She excelled in academics, earning a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Genetics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a medical degree from Tel Aviv University’s Sackler Medical School, graduating magna cum laude.
Dr. Adelson became a physician specializing in treating chemical dependencies. She tackled a critical issue in both Israel and later in the United States. So, in 1991, she married Sheldon Adelson, a prominent businessman who would build the Las Vegas Sands casino empire.
Together, they established a substance abuse center and research clinic at Tel Aviv’s Rokach Hospital in 1993. They continued their philanthropic efforts with the Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Research Clinic in Las Vegas in 2000.
Following Sheldon Adelson’s passing in 2021, Miriam inherited control of the Las Vegas Sands corporation, becoming one of the world’s richest women. She is estimated to be the richest Israeli and among the top 50 richest people globally.
6. MacKenzie Scott
MacKenzie Scott (formerly Bezos) was born in 1970, she graduated from Princeton University with a degree in English in 1992. While working at D.E. Shaw, a hedge fund, she met Jeff Bezos in 1992. They married shortly after and embarked on a journey that changed the history of e-commerce.
Scott played a crucial role in Amazon’s early days. She was a key figure in research and writing the business plan that propelled Amazon’s growth. After the birth of their children, Scott transitioned to focus on raising their family while remaining a significant supporter of Jeff Bezos’ endeavors. Beyond business, Scott pursued her passion for writing. She published two critically acclaimed novels, “The Testing of Luther Albright” (2005) and “Traps” (2013).
In 2019, Scott and Jeff Bezos announced their divorce. As part of the settlement, she received a significant portion of Amazon stock, propelling her into the ranks of the world’s richest women. She is also a signatory to the Giving Pledge, committing to donate a majority of her wealth to charitable causes.
7. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant
Rafaela Aponte-Diamant was born in 1945 in Haifa, Mandatory Palestine (present-day Israel), her family later immigrated to Switzerland, where her father worked as an executive banker in Geneva. So, she met Gianluigi Aponte, an Italian ship captain, on a trip to the Italian island of Capri in the 1960s. Both Rafaela and Gianluigi shared a passion for the shipping industry. Together, they entered the business in the 1970s, reportedly starting with a $200,000 loan to purchase their first ship.
Their partnership proved immensely successful. They co-founded Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) in 1970, which has grown to become the world’s largest container shipping line. Rafaela played a significant role in the company’s early years, though the exact details of her contributions aren’t widely publicized.
Rafaela and Gianluigi married and remain a strong power couple within the shipping industry. They share ownership of MSC, with each holding a 50% stake. Their son, Diego Aponte, serves as MSC’s CEO, while their daughter, Alexa Aponte Vago, holds the position of CFO.
Despite her immense wealth, been one of the richest women in the world and influence, Rafaela is known for her privacy. She rarely gives interviews and avoids the spotlight. This has led to her contributions to MSC often being overshadowed by her husband’s more public role. Rafaela is known for her philanthropic endeavors, though details remain scarce. She reportedly supports charitable causes and advocates for women’s rights in the traditionally male-dominated shipping industry.
8. Savitri Jindal
Savitri Jindal was born in Tinsukia, Assam, India in 1940, her background might not have initially signaled a foray into the world of big business. She married Om Prakash Jindal, founder of the O.P. Jindal Group, a steel and power conglomerate, in the 1970s. The couple had four sons together.
Savitri ventured into politics, joining the Indian National Congress (INC) party. She served as a Minister in the Haryana government and was elected to the Haryana Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly) from the Hisar constituency in 2005 and re-elected in 2009. However, she lost her seat in the 2014 elections.
In 2005, her life took an unexpected turn. Her husband tragically died in a helicopter crash. This propelled Savitri into a new role leading the vast O.P. Jindal Group making her one of the richest women in the world. Thus, under her leadership, the O.P. Jindal Group witnessed significant growth. Revenue reportedly quadrupled during her tenure. She oversaw diversification into new sectors like infrastructure and cement.
Finally, she is actively involved in philanthropy through the Jindal Foundation, focusing on education and healthcare initiatives. She also serves as the president of Maharaja Agrasen Medical College.
9. Susanne Klatten
Susanne Klatten was born in 1962, she’s the daughter of Herbert and Johanna Quandt, the powerful couple behind the BMW automotive empire. So, despite inheriting a massive fortune, Susanne prioritized education. She earned a degree in business finance and took courses in marketing, management, and even an MBA specializing in advertising.
Klatten wasn’t content to just be a passive heir. She actively sought diverse work experiences. She interned at BMW, worked at an advertising agency, and gained valuable insights from financial institutions and consulting firms. Interestingly, she often used the alias “Susanne Kant” to avoid initial recognition based on her family name.
Following her father’s death in 1982, Susanne inherited a significant stake in BMW. She joined the supervisory board in 1998, demonstrating her commitment to the family legacy. Although she isn’t solely focused on BMW. She’s a savvy investor, holding major stakes in pharmaceutical giant Altana and other successful companies.
Despite her immense wealth, Susanne Klatten is known for her privacy. She avoids media attention and focuses on her business ventures and family life. Susanne Klatten does contribute to philanthropic causes, particularly supporting scientific research and the arts.
10. Abigail Johnson
Abigail Johnson’s was born in 1961, Abigail is the granddaughter of Edward C. Johnson II, the founder of Fidelity Investments, a Boston-based mutual fund giant. Her father, Edward “Ned” Johnson III, served as CEO for decades.
While her siblings weren’t particularly interested in the family business, Abigail felt a pull towards her father’s work. She witnessed the energy and excitement of the trading floor firsthand. Furthermore, despite the family background, Abigail pursued a well-rounded education. She graduated from William Smith College with an art history degree in 1984.
After graduation, she didn’t jump straight into Fidelity. She worked as a consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton, even meeting her husband there. This experience provided valuable business insights outside the family realm. So, in 1988, Abigail came full circle by joining Fidelity as an analyst. This wasn’t just a symbolic gesture; she demonstrated a genuine interest and willingness to learn the ropes from the ground up.
Abigail’s intelligence, work ethic, and strategic vision propelled her through the ranks. She held various senior positions in Fidelity Management & Research (FMR) and Fidelity Institutional Retirement Services. So, in 2014, Abigail became the President and CEO of Fidelity Investments, succeeding her father. This marked a significant moment, with a woman leading a major financial institution.
11. Gina Rinehart
Gina Rinehart was born in 1954, she spent her early years on vast cattle stations in the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia, owned by her father, Lang Hancock. So She briefly studied law at the University of Sydney before dropping out to work with her father at Hancock Prospecting, the family mining exploration company.
Gina’s relationship with her father was complex. They clashed over business decisions and her lavish spending habits. After Lang Hancock’s death in 1992, Gina became embroiled in a bitter legal battle with her stepmother and other family members over control of Hancock Prospecting. She ultimately emerged victorious, becoming the company’s Executive Chairwoman.
At the time, Hancock Prospecting was in significant debt. Gina, known for her aggressive business tactics, implemented strict cost-cutting measures and focused on iron ore mining. So, her gamble paid off. With a surge in iron ore prices fueled by China’s economic growth, Gina transformed Hancock Prospecting into a global mining giant. She also acquired significant assets in the Australian agricultural sector.
Rinehart’s business practices and political views have often sparked controversy. She’s been criticized for her treatment of workers, environmental concerns related to mining operations, and her opposition to mining taxes. However, she remains a powerful figure in Australian business and politics.
12. Iris Fontbona & family
Iris Fontbona was born in 1943 and raised in a Catholic high school environment. At just 17, she met Andrónico Luksic Abaroa, a prominent figure in Chile’s mining industry who was 15 years her senior. They married by the time she was 20.
Andrónico Luksic had five children from a previous marriage. However, Iris and Andrónico went on to have three sons together: Jean-Paul, Andrónico, and Guillermo. Iris became a strong partner, supporting her husband’s business endeavors. She built a vast fortune through acquisitions and expansions in the copper mining sector. The key company under his leadership was Antofagasta PLC, which owns and operates copper mines in Chile and trades on the London Stock Exchange. The Luksic family’s business interests extend beyond mining. They also hold a significant stake in Quiñenco, a publicly traded Chilean conglomerate with involvement in areas like banking, beer, and manufacturing.
Tragically, Andrónico Luksic passed away from cancer in 2005. Iris inherited his business holdings and took on a more prominent role in managing the family’s wealth. Iris’ three sons all hold significant positions within the family’s business empire. Jean-Paul Luksic serves as the chairman of Antofagasta PLC, while Andrónico Luksic Jr. heads Quiñenco. Sadly, their brother Guillermo passed away from lung cancer in 2013.
The family does engage in philanthropic efforts, but details are limited. Their charitable activities reportedly support education and social causes in Chile.
Conclusion
The list of the top 12 richest women in the world for 2024 showcases the remarkable achievements and entrepreneurial prowess of women across various industries. Their wealth not only reflects their individual success but also represents a broader shift towards gender diversity and empowerment in the global economy. As these women continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations, their influence on business, philanthropy, and society at large is undeniable.
FAQs
Who are the top 10 richest people in the world?
Here’s the list of the top 10 richest people in the world according to Forbes:
- Bernard Arnault & family – LVMH (luxury goods)
- Jeff Bezos – Amazon (retail)
- Elon Musk – Tesla, SpaceX (electric vehicles, social media and space exploration)
- Mark Zuckerberg – Meta (formerly Facebook) (social media)
- Bill Gates – Microsoft (software)
- Steve Ballmer – Microsoft (software)
- Warren Buffett – Berkshire Hathaway (investment holding company)
- Larry Ellison – Oracle (software)
- Larry Page – Alphabet (parent company of Google)
- Sergey Brin – Alphabet (parent company of Google)
Who is the No. 1 richest person in the world?
- Bernard Arnault & family – LVMH (luxury goods) Worth $229.6 billion.
Who is the youngest billionaire?
The youngest billionaire is Clemente Del Vecchio. He inherited his wealth after his father passed away in 2022. Clemente is estimated to be around 19 years old.
