Forbes, the respected US business magazine, has released its most recent list of the richest female billionaires for 2024. This year, women account for 13.3% of the entire billionaire population, up slightly from 12.8% the previous year.
The top richest women have a combined net worth of about $1.8 trillion, a significant increase of $240 billion from previous year. Here, we take a deeper look at these extraordinary women who have made their mark in a variety of areas, including cosmetics, retail, technology, and mining.
1. Françoise Bettencourt Meyers
Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, a 70-year-old French businesswoman and philanthropist, remains the world’s richest woman for the fourth year in a row. With a remarkable net worth of $99.5 billion, her fortune is mostly derived from her almost 35% ownership in L’Oréal, the cosmetics conglomerate founded by her grandfather. Bettencourt Meyers’ riches exemplifies L’Oréal’s enduring legacy, with annual revenues of $45 billion and iconic brands such as Maybelline and Lancôme.
2. Alice Walton
Alice Walton, the 74-year-old Walmart heiress, is the world’s second richest woman, valued $72.3 billion. Unlike her siblings, Walton prioritized art over the family business, founding the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas. Her fortune has grown by $15.6 billion over the last year, thanks to a 34% increase in Walmart’s stock price.
3. Julia Koch
Julia Koch, David Koch’s widow, has a fortune of $64.3 billion, making her the third richest woman. She and her children inherited 42% of Koch Industries, a conglomerate with operations ranging from oil refineries to paper towels. Koch’s philanthropic initiatives include serving as a trustee at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
4. Jacqueline Mars
Jacqueline Mars, the 84-year-old heir to Mars Inc., is worth $38.5 billion, making her the world’s fourth richest woman. Mars Inc. is a global leader in confectionery and pet food, with well-known brands such as M&Ms and Pedigree. Jacqueline owns the company alongside her family and is committed to carrying on her grandfather’s history.
5. MacKenzie Scott
MacKenzie Scott, Jeff Bezos’ 53-year-old ex-wife, is the sixth richest woman, valued $35.6 billion. Following her divorce, she committed to donate the majority of her wealth, including a 4% interest in Amazon. Scott’s generosity has been demonstrated by her recent $640 million donation to 361 organizations.
6. Savitri Jindal
Savitri Jindal, the 74-year-old chairman of the Jindal Group, has a net worth of $33.5 billion, making her the sixth richest woman. Following her husband’s death, she and her sons successfully expanded the group’s interests into steel, power, and cement. Jindal’s money has dramatically increased, driving her up the Forbes list.
7. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant
Rafaela Aponte-Diamant, the 79-year-old co-founder of MSC, is the seventh richest woman, worth $33.1 billion. She and her husband founded the world’s largest shipping line with a small loan, and she now plays an important part in the company’s cruise operations.
8. Miriam Adelson
Miriam Adelson, the 78-year-old casino tycoon, is ranked ninth with a net worth of $32 billion. She inherited the majority interest in Las Vegas Sands from her late husband, Sheldon Adelson. Adelson, a medical doctor by training, has donated more than $1 billion to medical research.
9. Gina Rinehart
Gina Rinehart, the 70-year-old chair of Hancock Prospecting Group, is the ninth richest woman, valued $30.8 billion. Rinehart inherited the firm from her father and has grown its mining and agricultural interests, retaining her position as Australia’s wealthiest individual.
10. Abigail Johnson
Abigail Johnson, Fidelity Investments’ 62-year-old CEO, closes out the top ten with a net worth of $29 billion. Under her leadership, Fidelity has thrived, managing assets totaling $4.9 trillion. Johnson’s ownership in the corporation, created by her grandpa, has cemented her place among the wealthiest women.