Gone are the days when billionaire lists were a man’s world. While women make up a relatively smaller chunk at 13.3 percent of the world’s richest, female presence in the upper echelon continues to grow by the number.
From newcomers like Taylor Swift to mainstays like L’Oréal’s Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, the wealthiest women can range in their sources of wealth, be it self-made or inherited, expanding businesses in their own flair. Below, see the women who made it to the top 10 richest, according to Forbes.
LIST: Top 10 Richest Women in the World in 2024
10. Abigail Johnson
Net worth: $29 billion
Source of wealth: Fidelity investments
Moving up from 11th to 10th place this year is Abigail Johnson, CEO of U.S. company Fidelity Investments, a multinational financial services corporation best recognized as a mutual fund giant. The 62-year-old took the helm of the company in 2014 from her father Edward “Ned” Johnson III.
9. Gina Rinehart
Net worth: $30.8 billion
Source of wealth: Mining
The wealthiest person in Australia, Gina Rinehart helms the mining and agriculture company Hancock Prospecting Group after inheriting the business from her father Lang Hancock.
8. Miriam Adelson and Family
Net worth: $32 billion
Source of wealth: Casinos
Behind more than half of casino operator Las Vegas Sands is Miriam Adelson and family. While she inherited the stake after the death of her husband, Miriam–who is also a doctor–has donated over $1 billion to medical research.
7. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant
Net worth: $33.1 billion
Source of wealth: Shipping
The only self-made woman among the 10 richest women in the world, Rafaela Aponte-Diamant co-founded the shipping line MSC with her husband, which they launched in 1970.
6. Savitri Jindal and Family
Net worth: $33.5 billion
Source of wealth: Steel
India’s Savitri Jindal ranks sixth on the list, making her the richest woman in her country. The 74-year-old is the chair of the steel, power, cement, and infrastructure-centric Jindal group and the widow of its founder, Om Prakash Jindal.
5. MacKenzie Scott
Net worth: $35.6 billion
Source of wealth: Amazon
In the aftermath of her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, MacKenzie Scott received four percent of the stake, which most she pledged to donate. Among them, the 53-year-old had awarded $640 million to organizations, with her lifetime giving totaling up to $17.3 billion. In 2024, MacKenzie’s net worth is at $35.6 billion.
4. Jacqueline Mars
Net worth: $38.5 billion
Source of wealth: Candy and pet food
A recognizable name among sweets enthusiasts, Jacqueline Mars is the heiress to the candy and food giant Mars Inc., alongside her brother and nieces. Among their vast portfolio are brands like M&Ms, Snickers, Ben’s Original, and Pedigree dog food.
3. Julia Koch and Family
Net worth: $64.3 billion
Source of wealth: Koch Industries
Julia Koch is the widow of David Koch of Koch Industries, the conglomerate behind a wide range of businesses including oil refining and medical technology. The 61-year-old billionaire is also a trustee of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.
2. Alice Walton
Net worth: $72.3 billion
Source of wealth: Walmart
Holding the title of the richest woman in the United States is Alice Walton, the only daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton. However, despite her heiress status, Alice isn’t directly involved on the board and instead delves into the art scene by opening the Cyrstal Bridges Museum of American Art.
1. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers and Family
Net worth: $99.5 billion
Source of wealth: L’Oréal
The wealthiest woman in the world is once again crowned to French billionaire Françoise Bettencourt Meyers. The 70-year-old magnate owns a 35 percent stake in L’Oréal Group, which was founded by her grandfather Eugène Schueller. Aside from L’Oréal, the group is also behind beauty giants like Maybelline, Kiehl’s, and Lancôme, and the fragrances of Mugler, Valentino, and Prada.
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