These women have accumulated their wealth through inheritances, business ventures, and investments, and they showcase the significant financial milestones women are achieving globally!
Here’s a detailed rundown of the top 10 richest women in the world as of right now:
Abigail Johnson
- Net Worth: $26 billion
- Source of Wealth: Fidelity Investments
- Country: United States
Abigail Johnson is the CEO of Fidelity Investments, a company founded by her grandfather. She owns an estimated 24.5% stake in the firm, which manages over $4.2 trillion in assets. Her wealth is a reflection of her leadership role and the firm’s success in the financial services sector.
Gina Rinehart
- Net Worth: $30 billion
- Source of Wealth: Mining
- Country: Australia
Australia’s richest person, Gina Rinehart, made her wealth through the mining company Hancock Prospecting, which she inherited from her father. The company has been booming due to strong demand for iron ore, and Rinehart has successfully expanded into cattle operations and media.
Iris Fontbona
- Net Worth: $32 billion
- Source of Wealth: Mining, Beverages
- Country: Chile
Iris Fontbona is the widow of Andronico Luksic, who built a fortune in mining and beverages. She controls Antofagasta Plc, which operates copper mines in Chile, and has stakes in Quiñenco, a consumer packaging and beverage company.
Miriam Adelson
- Net Worth: $35 billion
- Source of Wealth: Casinos
- Country: United States
Miriam Adelson inherited her wealth from her late husband, Sheldon Adelson, who was the CEO of Las Vegas Sands, a leading global casino and resort company. Her fortune has been influenced by the regulatory changes and economic dynamics affecting the gaming industry.
Susanne Klatten
- Net Worth: $38 billion
- Source of Wealth: BMW, Pharmaceuticals
- Country: Germany
Susanne Klatten is the wealthiest woman in Germany, thanks to her inherited stakes in BMW and her own investments in pharmaceuticals. She owns nearly 19% of the automotive giant and has a majority stake in Altana AG, a pharmaceutical and specialty chemical corporation.
Jacqueline Mars
- Net Worth: $41 billion
- Source of Wealth: Candy, Pet Food
- Country: United States
Jacqueline Mars shares ownership of Mars Inc., one of the world’s largest candy, pet care, and food conglomerates, with her brother. The company was founded by her grandfather, and her wealth underscores the enduring value of global brand names in confectionery and pet care.
Julia Koch
- Net Worth: $60 billion
- Source of Wealth: Koch Industries
- Country: United States
Julia Koch and her family inherited a 42% stake in Koch Industries after her husband, David Koch, passed away. The company’s operations span various sectors, including oil, chemicals, and consumer goods, contributing to her vast wealth.
Alice Walton
- Net Worth: $65 billion
- Source of Wealth: Walmart
- Country: United States
Alice Walton, the heiress to the Walmart fortune, is the richest woman in retail. Unlike her brothers, she has not taken an active role in the company, instead focusing on curating art and philanthropy, yet her stake in Walmart ensures her place on this list.
Francoise Bettencourt Meyers
- Net Worth: $80 billion
- Source of Wealth: L’Oréal
- Country: France
Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, the granddaughter of the founder of L’Oréal, controls 33% of the cosmetics giant through her family holding company. Her wealth is a testament to the global reach and enduring popularity of L’Oréal’s beauty products.
MacKenzie Scott
- Net Worth: $90 billion
- Source of Wealth: Amazon
- Country: United States
- MacKenzie Scott became one of the wealthiest women in the world following her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. She owns about 4% of Amazon and is known for her extensive philanthropic efforts, which involve donating billions to charity each year, shaping her public persona as much as her vast wealth.
