Introduction
In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the number of women joining the ranks of the world’s wealthiest individuals. These powerful and wealthy women represent a diverse array of industries, from cosmetics to technology, and their influence spans the globe. This article will explore the 10 richest women in the world in 2024, highlighting their stories, the sources of their wealth, and their impact on the global economy. Understanding the financial achievements of these billionaires provides insight into the growing role of women in the world’s wealthiest circles.
Why is this important?
The rise of wealthy women in traditionally male-dominated industries signifies a shift in the economic landscape. While many of these women inherited their fortunes, others have built their wealth from the ground up, navigating through challenges in competitive markets. Their success stories offer inspiration and a roadmap for future generations of women looking to break barriers in business and finance.
The 10 Richest Women in the World in 2024
1. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers
Net Worth: $96.1 Billion
Francoise Bettencourt Meyers is the heiress to the L’Oréal empire, one of the largest beauty and cosmetics companies in the world. In addition to her involvement in the company, she is a well-known author and philanthropist. Her fortune continues to grow as L’Oréal expands its global presence and product lines, making her the wealthiest woman on the planet.
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Francoise Bettencourt Meyers’ L’Oréal Empire
2. Alice Walton
Net Worth: $63.1 Billion
Alice Walton, the only daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, holds a significant stake in the Walmart retail giant. Though not involved in the day-to-day operations, Alice is an influential figure in the art world, having founded the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Her fortune continues to rise as Walmart dominates the global retail sector, a key contributor to her wealth.
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3. Julia Koch
Net Worth: $59.2 Billion
Julia Koch and her children inherited 42% of Koch Industries following the passing of her husband, David Koch, in 2019. Koch Industries, one of the largest privately-owned companies in the U.S., operates across sectors like energy, chemicals, and manufacturing. Julia plays an essential role in managing the family’s wealth and ensuring the company’s continued success.
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Julia Koch and Koch Industries
4. Mackenzie Scott
Net Worth: $56 Billion
Mackenzie Scott, the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, is one of the world’s top philanthropists. Following her divorce from Bezos, she received a significant portion of Amazon stock, which has contributed to her immense wealth. However, she has made headlines not just for her fortune, but for donating billions of dollars to various charitable causes in a short period.
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Mackenzie Scott’s Philanthropy and Amazon Ties
5. Jacqueline Mars
Net Worth: $38.3 Billion
Jacqueline Mars is an heir to Mars, Inc., one of the world’s largest candy and pet care companies, best known for products like M&M’s, Snickers, and Pedigree. Her wealth comes from her one-third ownership of the company, which continues to thrive in the competitive consumer goods market. Jacqueline is also heavily involved in various philanthropic efforts, especially in the arts and environment.
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Jacqueline Mars and Mars, Inc.
6. Gina Rinehart
Net Worth: $30.9 Billion
Gina Rinehart is the richest woman in Australia, having built her wealth through iron ore mining. She inherited the Hancock Prospecting company from her father and transformed it into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise. Rinehart’s wealth is closely tied to the global demand for natural resources, making her a key figure in the mining industry.
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Gina Rinehart and the Mining Industry
7. Susanne Klatten
Net Worth: $27.3 Billion
Susanne Klatten inherited stakes in the luxury carmaker BMW and the pharmaceutical and chemical company Altana from her family. She is one of Germany’s wealthiest individuals and has played a significant role in shaping BMW’s future as one of the world’s top automobile brands. Her investments in various sectors further contribute to her substantial wealth.
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8. Miriam Adelson
Net Worth: $24.5 Billion
Miriam Adelson is the widow of Sheldon Adelson, the casino magnate who owned Las Vegas Sands. After his passing, Miriam inherited the majority of his fortune, which was built through casinos in Las Vegas, Macau, and Singapore. She continues to be involved in the company’s operations and remains a prominent figure in the global casino industry.
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Miriam Adelson and Las Vegas Sands
9. Iris Fontbona
Net Worth: $22.8 Billion
Iris Fontbona is the widow of Andronico Luksic, the Chilean mining magnate. She controls one of Latin America’s largest mining empires, with interests in copper mining, banking, and beverage production. Her fortune reflects the continued global demand for copper, positioning her as one of the wealthiest women in the world.
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Iris Fontbona and the Mining Empire
10. Yang Huiyan
Net Worth: $21.6 Billion
Yang Huiyan is the wealthiest woman in China and holds the majority stake in Country Garden, one of China’s largest real estate developers. Her fortune is closely tied to the booming real estate market in China, and she continues to lead the company as it expands its presence in the domestic and international markets.
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Yang Huiyan and the Chinese Real Estate Market
How These Women Influence the World
These 10 women are not only incredibly wealthy but also highly influential in their respective industries. Their decisions shape global markets, drive innovations, and create new opportunities for businesses worldwide. Many of these women are also known for their philanthropic efforts, donating billions of dollars to causes that address poverty, education, healthcare, and environmental conservation. Their influence extends far beyond their personal wealth, making them key players in both the financial world and broader societal change.
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Conclusion
The richest women in the world play a crucial role in the global economy, not only through their financial assets but also through their leadership in industries ranging from technology to retail to real estate. These women exemplify how wealth can be used as a tool for influence and change. As more women continue to break barriers in the business world, we expect to see more female billionaires shaping the future of global economies.
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