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The world’s wealthiest individuals continue to capture global attention, and women are increasingly claiming their place at the top of the financial pyramid. This year, several inspiring women entrepreneurs, heiresses, and business leaders grace the list of the 10 richest women in the world for 2024. Let’s delve into their stories and the sources of their immense wealth.
1. Françoise Bettencourt Meyers & Family (France) – L’Oréal
Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, the granddaughter of L’Oréal founder Eugène Schueller, remains the world’s richest woman in 2024. Her family’s fortune is primarily derived from their controlling stake in the French cosmetics giant, L’Oréal. The company’s dominance in the global beauty market has propelled Bettencourt Meyers’ net worth to an estimated $70.5 billion.
2. Alice Walton (United States) – Walmart
Alice Walton, the daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, holds the second spot. She inherited a significant portion of the Walmart empire, the world’s largest retailer. Beyond her retail inheritance, Walton has also established herself as a successful art collector and philanthropist. Her current net worth is estimated to be around $64.8 billion.
3. Julia Koch & Family (United States) – Koch Industries
Julia Koch, alongside her family, takes the third position. She inherited a massive fortune from her late husband, David Koch, who co-founded the industrial conglomerate Koch Industries. The company is a major player in diverse sectors including energy, chemicals, and materials. Julia Koch’s current net worth is estimated at $60.1 billion.
4. Jacqueline Mars (United States) – Mars, Inc.
Jacqueline Mars, the granddaughter of Mars, Inc. founder Frank C. Mars, occupies the fourth spot. Mars, Inc. is a leading food manufacturing company that owns iconic brands like M&Ms, Snickers, and Pedigree. Jacqueline, along with her brother, John, inherited a substantial share of the company’s ownership. Their combined net worth is estimated to be around $39.8 billion.
5. MacKenzie Scott (United States) – Amazon
Following her high-profile divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, MacKenzie Scott has become a prominent figure in philanthropy. Scott has pledged to donate a significant portion of her wealth to charitable causes and has already distributed billions of dollars to educational institutions and social justice organizations. Despite her charitable endeavors, her current net worth remains at an impressive $34.5 billion.
6. Miriam Adelson & Family (United States) – Las Vegas Sands
Miriam Adelson, alongside her family, holds the sixth position. Her late husband, Sheldon Adelson, was the founder and CEO of Las Vegas Sands, a leading casino and resort operator. Miriam inherited her husband’s fortune, which is primarily tied to the company’s success in the global gambling industry. Her current net worth is estimated to be $32 billion.
7. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant (Switzerland & Italy) – MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company
Rafaela Aponte-Diamant is a self-made billionaire who co-founded MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company with her husband, Gianluigi Aponte. MSC is the world’s second-largest container shipping line, playing a crucial role in global trade. Rafaela’s shrewd business acumen and partnership with her husband have contributed to her estimated net worth of $33.1 billion.
8. Gina Rinehart (Australia) – Hancock Prospecting
Gina Rinehart, Australia’s richest person, occupies the eighth position. She inherited her wealth from her father, Lang Hancock, who founded Hancock Prospecting, a leading iron ore mining company in Australia. Rinehart has further expanded the company’s reach and influence in the global mining sector. Her current net worth is estimated to be $30.8 billion.
9. Abigail Johnson (United States) – Fidelity Investments
Abigail Johnson, the CEO of Fidelity Investments, is the ninth-richest woman globally. She inherited the company from her father, Edward Johnson III, and has successfully steered it to new heights. Fidelity Investments is a financial services giant offering investment management, brokerage, and retirement planning solutions. Abigail’s leadership has resulted in a net worth of $29 billion.
10. Savitri Jindal & Family (India) – Jindal Steel and Power
Savitri Jindal, along with her family, rounds out the top 10 list. She inherited the Jindal Group, a prominent Indian conglomerate with a significant presence in the steel and power sectors, after the passing of her husband, Om Prakash Jindal. Savitri has demonstrated remarkable leadership in navigating the company through challenging times and expanding its operations. Her family’s combined net worth is estimated at $28.5 billion.
Conclusion
These ten remarkable women represent diverse backgrounds and paths to wealth creation. From heiresses to self-made entrepreneurs, their stories inspire and showcase the power of ambition, perseverance, and strategic decision-making. As the global economic landscape continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how this list transforms in the years to come.
