The top 10 richest women in the world include Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, Alice Walton, Julia Koch, MacKenzie Scott, Jacqueline Mars, Laurene Powell Jobs, Yang Huiyan, Susanne Klatten, Zhong Huijuan, and Gina Rinehart. The world of wealth is not solely dominated by men.
There are incredibly successful women who have built their own fortunes and secured their place among the richest individuals on the planet. We will take a closer look at the top 10 richest women in the world, highlighting their impressive achievements and the sources of their immense wealth.
From heiresses to self-made billionaires, these women have established themselves as powerhouses in their respective industries, showcasing the growing influence and prominence of female entrepreneurs. Join us as we explore the extraordinary success stories of these remarkable women and delve into the remarkable sources that have propelled them to the pinnacle of wealth and success.
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1. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers
1. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers
Background and early life: Francoise Bettencourt Meyers is a French businesswoman, writer, and heiress to the L’Oréal fortune. She was born on July 10, 1953, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France. Francoise is the only daughter of Liliane Bettencourt, the richest woman in the world at the time, and André Bettencourt, a politician and industrialist.
Source of wealth: Francoise Bettencourt Meyers inherited her wealth from her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, who was the primary shareholder of L’Oréal. L’Oréal is a multinational cosmetic company founded by Francoise’s grandfather, Eugène Schueller.
Philanthropic efforts: As a philanthropist, Francoise Bettencourt Meyers is actively involved in various causes. She has established the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation, which aims to promote and support scientific research, humanitarian projects, and culture. The foundation has been instrumental in funding several initiatives and organizations in France and beyond.
2. Alice Walton
Alice Walton is one of the top 10 richest women in the world. As an heir to the Walmart fortune, she has amassed a significant net worth through her investments and art collection.
| Background and early life | Alice Walton, daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, was born on October 7, 1949, in Newport, Arkansas. She grew up in a close-knit family and had a passion for art from a young age. Alice attended various art schools and universities, honing her skills as an artist and acquiring knowledge about the art world. Her background in art would later influence her philanthropic efforts. |
| Source of wealth | Alice Walton’s primary source of wealth is her inheritance from Walmart. The retail giant, founded by her father, has made her one of the wealthiest women in the world. Alice also serves on the board of directors of Walmart, contributing to the company’s growth and success. Her investments and various business ventures have further increased her wealth and financial standing. |
| Philanthropic efforts | Alice Walton is a dedicated philanthropist, focusing primarily on the arts. She founded the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, which showcases a vast collection of American art. Alice’s goal is to make art accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or financial means. Through her philanthropy, she supports various educational programs and initiatives that promote art appreciation and cultural preservation. |
3. Mackenzie Scott
Mackenzie Scott is included in the list of the top 10 richest women in the world. Her wealth is self-made and she is known for her significant contribution to philanthropic endeavors.
Background and early lifeMackenzie Scott, formerly known as Mackenzie Bezos, is an American novelist, philanthropist, and the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. She was born on April 7, 1970, in San Francisco, California. Scott holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Princeton University and a master’s degree from the University of Washington. She has been a prominent figure in the technology industry due to her association with Amazon. Source of wealthMackenzie Scott’s immense wealth primarily comes from her divorce settlement with Jeff Bezos. After their high-profile divorce in 2019, she received a significant portion of Amazon’s shares, making her one of the wealthiest individuals in the world. As of 2024, her estimated net worth is over $60 billion. Philanthropic effortsA notable aspect of Mackenzie Scott’s journey as a billionaire is her dedication to philanthropy. With a focus on addressing societal inequalities, she has made significant donations to various charitable organizations. In 2021 alone, Scott donated over $8 billion to nonprofits, educational institutions, and efforts supporting underserved communities. Her philanthropic initiatives aim to combat issues like poverty, racial injustice, educational disparities, and more. |
4. Julia Koch
Julia Koch, one of the top 10 richest women in the world, has achieved her wealth through various ventures and investments. Her fortune is a testament to her business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit.
| 4. Julia Koch |
| Background and Early Life |
| Julia Koch is one of the richest women in the world. Not much is known about her background and early life as she maintains a low profile. She was born in the United States, but beyond that, details are scarce. |
| Source of Wealth |
| Julia Koch’s source of wealth is primarily associated with her late husband, David Koch. David Koch was an American businessman and philanthropist who co-owned Koch Industries, a conglomerate that focuses on various industries such as manufacturing, trading, and investments. Upon David’s passing in 2019, Julia inherited a significant portion of his fortune, making her one of the wealthiest women in the world. |
| Philanthropic Efforts |
| Like her late husband, Julia Koch is actively involved in philanthropic activities. She supports various causes, including education, medical research, and the arts. Through the David H. Koch Foundation, Julia continues to contribute to charitable organizations that align with her interests and values. |
5. Yang Huiyan
Yang Huiyan is one of the top 10 richest women in the world. With her immense wealth, she has made a significant impact in the business world.
| Background and early life: | Yang Huiyan is a Chinese businesswoman who was born on July 1981 in Shunde, Guangdong, China. She is the youngest daughter of Yang Guoqiang, the founder of Country Garden Holdings, one of the largest property developers in China. |
| Source of wealth: | Yang Huiyan’s source of wealth is primarily from her ownership stake in Country Garden Holdings. As of [insert year], she owns approximately 58% of the company’s shares. The majority of her wealth is derived from her real estate assets, as Country Garden Holdings has developed numerous residential and commercial properties in China. |
| Philanthropic efforts: | Yang Huiyan is known for her philanthropic endeavors. She has actively contributed to various causes, including education, poverty alleviation, and environmental conservation in China. Through the Bright Scholar Education Foundation, she has funded the establishment of schools and provided scholarships to underprivileged students. Additionally, she has supported initiatives focused on rural development and healthcare improvement. |
6. Jacqueline Mars
Background and early life: Jacqueline Mars, born in 1939, is an American billionaire and is part of the Mars family, the famous chocolate manufacturer. She is the daughter of Forrest Mars Sr., who co-founded Mars, Incorporated. Mars attended Bryn Mawr College and graduated in 1961.
Source of wealth: Mars inherited her wealth from the Mars family, which is well-known for its successful confectionery business. The Mars company is responsible for popular brands such as M&M’s, Snickers, and Twix.
Philanthropic efforts: Mars is actively involved in philanthropy and has supported various causes throughout her life. She has donated to organizations focused on education, environmental conservation, and health research.
7. Laurene Powell Jobs
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Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, is known for her impressive wealth and philanthropic efforts. With a net worth estimated to be around $35 billion, she is undoubtedly one of the richest women in the world. Powell Jobs’ background and early life have greatly influenced her success. She grew up in New Jersey and attended Stanford University, where she met Steve Jobs. The source of her wealth stems from her ownership in Apple and Disney, as well as various other investments. Powell Jobs is also well-known for her philanthropic endeavors. Through her organization, Emerson Collective, she works to create systemic changes in education, immigration, and social justice. Her commitment to giving back has made a significant impact in the lives of many. Overall, Laurene Powell Jobs’ wealth, background, and philanthropy make her an influential figure in today’s world. |
8. Abigail Johnson
8. Abigail Johnson
Background and Early Life: Abigail Johnson, born on December 19, 1961, is an American businesswoman and the chairwoman and CEO of Fidelity Investments, a multinational financial services corporation. She is the daughter of Edward C. Johnson III, the founder of Fidelity Investments. Abigail graduated from Hobart and William Smith Colleges with a Bachelor of Arts in art history and then went on to earn her Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School.
Source of Wealth: Abigail Johnson’s wealth primarily comes from her stake in Fidelity Investments, which was founded by her grandfather in 1946. She has been working for the company since 1988 and succeeded her father as CEO in 2014. Fidelity manages over $5.2 trillion in assets and is one of the largest mutual fund companies in the world.
Philanthropic Efforts: Abigail Johnson is known for her philanthropic efforts. She has donated significant amounts of money to various causes, including education and healthcare. In 2018, she signed the Giving Pledge, committing to donate at least half of her wealth to philanthropy during her lifetime.
9. Charlene De Carvalho-heineken
9. Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken
Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken, born on June 30, 1954, is a Dutch-English businesswoman and one of the richest women in the world. She inherited her wealth from her father, Freddy Heineken, who was the co-founder of the Heineken Brewery. Charlene is the majority shareholder of the Heineken beer company, which has been the primary source of her wealth. The company, founded in 1864, is one of the largest breweries globally and has a strong presence in over 170 countries.
Besides her successful business ventures, Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken is also known for her philanthropic efforts. She established the Heineken Prize for Art and has been actively involved in supporting various charitable causes. Her dedication to giving back to society has made her a respected figure in the business and philanthropy world.
10. Iris Fontbona
Iris Fontbona is a Chilean businesswoman and the widow of Andrónico Luksic, who was the founder of one of the largest mining corporations in Chile. Fontbona inherited this wealth after her husband’s passing. With a net worth of over $19 billion, Fontbona is considered one of the top 10 richest women in the world.
Background And Early Life
Not much is publicly known about Iris Fontbona’s background and early life. She prefers to keep her personal life private and focuses more on her business interests.
Source Of Wealth
Iris Fontbona’s wealth primarily comes from her ownership of Antofagasta Plc, a copper mining company that generates significant revenue. With vast copper reserves and mining operations both in Chile and internationally, Antofagasta Plc continues to contribute to Fontbona’s wealth.
Philanthropic Efforts
While there is limited public information about Iris Fontbona’s philanthropic activities, it is known that she and her family support various charitable causes in Chile. Their contributions have included investments in education and social initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of local communities.
Conclusion
The list of the top 10 richest women in the world is a testament to their hard work, intelligence, and entrepreneurial spirit. These women have shown that gender is not a barrier to success and have amassed incredible wealth through various industries and investments.
From technology to fashion to media, they have paved the way for future generations of women in the business world. Their achievements inspire and empower women across the globe to strive for greatness and create their own success stories.
