In 2024, the global economy continues to witness the rise of influential female entrepreneurs and business leaders who are making their mark across various industries. From finance and technology to philanthropy and manufacturing, the richest women in the world are playing pivotal roles in shaping the modern business landscape.
The list of the 15 richest women in the world serves as a testament to their extraordinary achievements and contributions. These women have not only amassed immense wealth through their entrepreneurial endeavors but have also demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and philanthropy.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, 7 of the top 15 richest women in the world are American. Alice Walton is the richest woman in America with a net worth of $72.7 billion.
Here is a list of the 15 richest women in the world, based on their total net worth.
- Francoise Bettencourt Meyers — $96.5 Billion
- Alice Walton — $72.7 Billion
- Julia Koch — $61.5 Billion
- Jacqueline Mars — $38.5 Billion
- Mackenzie Scott — $35.2 Billion
- Miriam Adelson — $34.5 Billion
- Savitri Jindal — $31.0 Billion
- Gina Rinehart — $30.3 Billion
- Abigail Johnson — $30.0 Billion
- Rafaela Aponte-Diamant — $28.6 Billion
- Susanne Klatten — $26.4 Billion
- Iris Fontbona — $25.2 Billion
- Diane Hendricks — $23.4 Billion
- Vicky Safra — $20.6 Billion
- Renata Kellnerova — $16.5 Billion
1. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers — $96.5 Billion
Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, the heiress to the L’Oreal cosmetics empire, holds the title of the world’s richest woman.
As the granddaughter of L’Oreal’s founder, Eugene Schueller, and the daughter of Liliane Bettencourt, Francoise inherited her vast wealth and influential position within the company. Despite her immense fortune, Francoise Bettencourt Meyers maintains a relatively private lifestyle, focusing on philanthropy and preserving her family’s legacy.
Through her leadership, L’Oreal has continued to thrive as a global leader in the beauty industry, with a diverse portfolio of brands and a commitment to innovation and sustainability. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers’ net worth is estimated to be $96.5 billion, solidifying her status as one of the most powerful and influential women in the world.
2. Alice Walton — $72.7 Billion
An heiress to the Walmart fortune, Alice Walton is renowned for her significant contributions to philanthropy and the arts.
As the only daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, Alice inherited a substantial stake in the retail giant, making her one of the wealthiest individuals globally. Beyond her business interests, Alice Walton is passionate about art and has played a pivotal role in establishing the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Through her philanthropic efforts, Alice Walton has supported various educational and cultural initiatives, leaving a lasting impact on communities across the United States. With an estimated net worth of $72.7 billion, Alice Walton continues to use her wealth and influence to drive positive change and promote artistic expression.
3. Julia Koch — $61.5 Billion
Julia Koch inherited a significant portion of her wealth from her late husband, David Koch, who was one of the co-owners of Koch Industries, one of the largest privately owned companies in the world.
Following her husband’s passing, Julia Koch assumed a prominent role within the Koch family and their business empire. While much of her wealth is tied to her inheritance and investments in Koch Industries, Julia Koch is also actively involved in philanthropy and charitable endeavors.
Through the David H. Koch Foundation and other charitable initiatives, she supports causes related to medical research, education, and the arts. Julia Koch’s net worth is estimated to be $61.5 billion, reflecting her significant influence within both the business and philanthropic spheres.
4. Jacqueline Mars — $38.5 Billion
Jacqueline Mars is an heiress to the Mars candy empire, one of the largest confectionery companies globally.
As a member of the Mars family, Jacqueline inherited her wealth and has played a significant role in the company’s growth and success. Mars, Incorporated, which produces iconic brands such as M&M’s, Snickers, and Mars bars, has established itself as a leader in the food and beverage industry under Jacqueline’s stewardship. Despite her immense fortune, Jacqueline Mars maintains a relatively private lifestyle, focusing on her family and philanthropic efforts.
Through the Mars Foundation and other charitable initiatives, she supports causes related to environmental conservation, animal welfare, and education. Jacqueline Mars’ net worth is estimated to be $38.5 billion, solidifying her status as one of the wealthiest women in the world.
5. Mackenzie Scott — $35.2 Billion
Formerly known as Mackenzie Bezos, Mackenzie Scott rose to prominence following her high-profile divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
Despite the end of her marriage, Mackenzie Scott emerged as one of the wealthiest women in the world, thanks to her significant stake in Amazon. Known for her commitment to philanthropy, Mackenzie Scott has pledged to donate the majority of her fortune to charitable causes aimed at addressing social and economic inequality. Through her philanthropic endeavors, Mackenzie Scott has supported organizations working in areas such as education, racial equity, and economic empowerment.
Her generous donations have had a transformative impact on countless individuals and communities, cementing her legacy as a prominent philanthropist and advocate for social change. With an estimated net worth of $35.2 billion, Mackenzie Scott continues to use her wealth for the betterment of society.
6. Miriam Adelson — $34.5 Billion
Miriam Adelson inherited her wealth from her late husband, Sheldon Adelson, a billionaire casino magnate and philanthropist.
As the majority owner of Las Vegas Sands Corp., Sheldon Adelson amassed a vast fortune through his investments in the hospitality and gaming industries. Following her husband’s passing, Miriam Adelson assumed control of his estate and business interests, including the renowned Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas.
Beyond her business interests, Miriam Adelson is actively involved in philanthropy, supporting causes related to medical research, Jewish education, and addiction treatment. Her generous contributions have had a profound impact on numerous organizations and communities worldwide.
With an estimated net worth of $34.5 billion, Miriam Adelson continues to uphold her late husband’s legacy through her philanthropic work and business endeavors.
7. Savitri Jindal — $31.0 Billion
Savitri Jindal is an Indian businesswoman and the matriarch of the Jindal family, one of India’s wealthiest and most influential industrialist families.
As the widow of O.P. Jindal, the founder of Jindal Steel & Power Limited, Savitri Jindal inherited a significant stake in the company following her husband’s passing. Under her leadership, Jindal Steel & Power Limited has grown into one of India’s largest steel producers, with diversified interests in steel manufacturing, power generation, and infrastructure development.
Beyond her business endeavors, Savitri Jindal is actively involved in philanthropy and social initiatives aimed at improving education, healthcare, and community development in India. Through the O.P. Jindal Group’s charitable foundation and other initiatives, she has made significant contributions to various causes, including education scholarships, healthcare facilities, and rural development projects.
With an estimated net worth of $31 billion, Savitri Jindal and her family are recognized as one of the wealthiest and most influential families in India, playing a significant role in shaping the country’s economy and industrial landscape.
8. Gina Rinehart — $30.3 Billion
Gina Rinehart is known as an Australian mining magnate and one of the wealthiest individuals in Australia. She also serves as the chairperson of Hancock Prospecting, a privately owned mineral exploration and extraction company.
With extensive holdings in iron ore, coal, and other natural resources, Gina Rinehart has built a formidable business empire, solidifying her position as one of the most powerful women in the global mining industry. Despite facing challenges such as fluctuating commodity prices and regulatory hurdles, she has demonstrated resilience and vision in steering her company to success.
Beyond her business interests, Gina Rinehart is actively involved in philanthropy, supporting initiatives related to healthcare, education, and rural development in Australia. With an estimated net worth of $30.3 billion, she continues to play a significant role in shaping the Australian economy and fostering economic growth and prosperity.
9. Abigail Johnson — $30.0 Billion
Abigail Johnson is an American businesswoman and the chairperson and CEO of Fidelity Investments, one of the largest and most respected financial services companies in the world. As a member of the Johnson family, Abigail Johnson represents the third generation of leadership within Fidelity Investments, following in the footsteps of her father, Edward C. Johnson II, and grandfather, Edward C. Johnson I.
Under her leadership, Fidelity Investments has continued to thrive, offering a wide range of financial services, including asset management, retirement planning, and brokerage services. Abigail Johnson’s strategic vision and innovative approach have helped Fidelity Investments adapt to the changing landscape of the financial industry, ensuring its continued success and growth.
Beyond her role at Fidelity Investments, Abigail Johnson is actively involved in philanthropy and charitable initiatives, supporting causes related to education, healthcare, and the arts. With an estimated net worth of $30.0 billion, she is recognized as one of the most influential and powerful women in finance, shaping the future of the investment industry and making a significant impact on society.
10. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant — $28.6 Billion
Rafaela Aponte-Diamant is a Swiss-Italian businesswoman and the co-founder of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), one of the largest container shipping companies in the world. Alongside her husband, Gianluigi Aponte, Rafaela Aponte-Diamant established MSC in 1970, starting with a single ship and gradually expanding the company into a global maritime powerhouse.
Under her leadership, MSC has become a leading player in the shipping industry, operating a vast fleet of container vessels and providing comprehensive logistics services to clients worldwide. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant’s business acumen and dedication to excellence have been instrumental in MSC’s success, cementing its position as a dominant force in global trade.
In addition to her role at MSC, Rafaela Aponte-Diamant is actively involved in philanthropy and social initiatives, supporting causes related to education, healthcare, and environmental conservation. With an estimated net worth of $28.6 billion, she is recognized as one of the wealthiest and most influential women in the world, leaving a lasting legacy in both business and philanthropy.
11. Susanne Klatten — $26.4 Billion
Susanne Klatten inherited a substantial stake in BMW from her father, Herbert Quandt, making her one of the wealthiest individuals in Germany.
In addition to her investments in the automotive industry, Susanne Klatten has diversified her wealth through holdings in pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and other sectors. As the owner of Altana AG, a specialty chemicals company, she has demonstrated her business acumen and commitment to innovation.
Beyond her business interests, Susanne Klatten is actively involved in philanthropy, supporting initiatives related to education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. Through the SK Foundation and other charitable endeavors, she seeks to make a positive impact on society and promote sustainable development.
With an estimated net worth of $26.4 billion, Susanne Klatten is recognized as one of the most influential businesswomen in Europe.
12. Iris Fontbona — $25.2 Billion
Chilean businesswoman Iris Fontbona is one of the wealthiest individuals in Latin America and the widow of Andrónico Luksic Abaroa, a prominent Chilean businessman. As the matriarch of the Luksic family, Iris Fontbona inherited a significant portion of her wealth from her late husband’s business empire, which includes holdings in mining, banking, and telecommunications.
Through her family’s conglomerate, the Luksic Group, Iris Fontbona has expanded the family’s interests into various industries, including mining, energy, and transportation. Notably, the Luksic Group owns a controlling stake in Antofagasta PLC, one of the world’s largest copper mining companies, contributing to Iris Fontbona’s substantial net worth.
Beyond her business interests, Iris Fontbona is actively involved in philanthropy and charitable initiatives, supporting causes related to education, healthcare, and social welfare in Chile and beyond. With an estimated net worth of $25.2 billion, Iris Fontbona is recognized as one of the most influential and powerful women in Latin America, playing a significant role in the region’s economy and society.
13. Diane Hendricks — $23.4 Billion
Diane Hendricks is the co-founder and chairperson of ABC Supply, one of the largest wholesale distributors of roofing, siding, and windows in the United States. Born into a modest family, Diane Hendricks began her entrepreneurial journey by co-founding ABC Supply with her late husband, Kenneth Hendricks, in 1982.
Under her leadership, ABC Supply has grown into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise, with a vast network of branches serving contractors and builders across the country. Diane Hendricks’ business acumen and strategic vision have propelled ABC Supply to become a leader in the building materials industry, generating substantial wealth for herself and her family.
In addition to her business endeavors, Diane Hendricks is actively involved in philanthropy and community development initiatives, supporting causes related to education, workforce development, and economic empowerment. With an estimated net worth of $23.4 billion, Diane Hendricks is recognized as one of the wealthiest self-made women in America, exemplifying the entrepreneurial spirit and success that defines the American Dream.
14. Vicky Safra — $20.6 Billion
Vicky Safra, also known as Lily Safra, is a Brazilian-Monacan philanthropist and widow of Edmond Safra, a Lebanese-Brazilian banker and founder of the Safra Group. Following her husband’s passing, Vicky Safra inherited a significant portion of his wealth and became the principal beneficiary of the Safra Group’s extensive holdings, which include banking, real estate, and other investments.
While Vicky Safra largely avoids the limelight, she is known for her philanthropic activities and charitable endeavors. Through the Edmond J. Safra Foundation, she supports a wide range of causes, including medical research, education, and humanitarian aid, making significant contributions to society.
With an estimated net worth of $20.6 billion, Vicky Safra is recognized as one of the wealthiest women in the world, leveraging her wealth for the betterment of communities and individuals around the globe.
15. Renata Kellnerova — $16.5 Billion
Renata Kellnerova, a Czech businesswoman, is the wife of Petr Kellner, the founder of PPF Group, a multinational investment company based in the Czech Republic. As the spouse of Petr Kellner, Renata Kellnerova inherited a substantial stake in PPF Group, contributing to her considerable wealth.
PPF Group is involved in various industries, including finance, telecommunications, real estate, and manufacturing, with operations spanning across Europe, Asia, and North America. Renata Kellnerova’s role within PPF Group is less publicly visible compared to her husband’s, but she is believed to play an active role in the family’s business interests.
In addition to her involvement in PPF Group, Renata Kellnerova is known for her philanthropic activities, supporting initiatives related to education, healthcare, and social welfare in the Czech Republic and beyond.
With an estimated net worth of $16.5 billion, Renata Kellnerova is recognized as one of the wealthiest women in the world, contributing to the success of PPF Group and making a positive impact through her philanthropy.
