These 10 women have built incredible fortunes through business, inheritance, and investments, shaping industries and economies.
This article highlights the stories of the world’s richest women and how they’ve secured their positions among the global elite.
10. Gina Rinehart
Net Worth: $27 billion
Industry: Mining
Country: Australia
Gina Rinehart is the executive chairman of Hancock Prospecting, a privately-owned mineral exploration and extraction company. She is the richest person in Australia and has built her wealth primarily through the iron ore industry.
9. Iris Fontbona
Net Worth: $28 billion
Industry: Mining
Country: Chile
Iris Fontbona inherited her wealth from her late husband, Andronico Luksic, who founded one of the world’s largest copper mining companies. She now controls the Luksic Group, with interests in mining, banking, and beverages.
8. Susanne Klatten
Net Worth: $29 billion
Industry: Pharmaceuticals, Automobiles
Country: Germany
Susanne Klatten is Germany’s richest woman, owning stakes in BMW and the pharmaceutical company Altana. She is an influential figure in the automotive and pharmaceutical industries, and her strategic investments have significantly boosted her wealth.
7. Miriam Adelson
Net Worth: $35 billion
Industry: Casinos
Country: United States
Miriam Adelson inherited a vast fortune from her late husband, Sheldon Adelson, who was the founder and CEO of Las Vegas Sands, the largest casino company in the world. Miriam continues to manage the family’s philanthropic and business interests.
6. Jacqueline Mars
Net Worth: $37 billion
Industry: Confectionery
Country: United States
Jacqueline Mars is an heir to Mars Inc., the world’s largest candy company, known for brands like M&M’s, Milky Way, and Snickers. She owns a third of the company along with her two brothers and remains one of the most low-profile billionaires.
5. Yang Huiyan
Net Worth: $38 billion
Industry: Real Estate
Country: China
Yang Huiyan is the majority shareholder of Country Garden Holdings, one of China’s largest real estate developers. She inherited the company from her father, and her fortune has grown along with China’s booming real estate market.
4. MacKenzie Scott
Net Worth: $45 billion
Industry: Amazon, Philanthropy
Country: United States
MacKenzie Scott, formerly married to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, gained a significant share of Amazon stock in the divorce settlement. She has since made headlines for her extensive charitable donations, giving away billions of dollars to various causes.
3. Julia Koch
Net Worth: $60 billion
Industry: Koch Industries
Country: United States
Julia Koch and her children inherited a 42% stake in Koch Industries, one of the largest privately held companies in the U.S., following the death of her husband, David Koch. Koch Industries operates in sectors ranging from oil to consumer goods.
2. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers
Net Worth: $90 billion
Industry: Cosmetics
Country: France
Francoise Bettencourt Meyers is the richest woman in Europe and the world’s second-richest woman overall. She is the granddaughter of the founder of L’Oréal, and her family controls about 33% of the cosmetics giant. Her wealth continues to grow with L’Oréal’s global expansion.
1. Alice Walton
Net Worth: $93 billion
Industry: Walmart
Country: United States
Alice Walton, the daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, is the richest woman in the world. Although she has no direct involvement in the retail giant’s day-to-day operations, she has focused on curating one of the largest art collections in the U.S. and has been heavily involved in philanthropy.
These women have built their fortunes through diverse industries, from retail to real estate, mining, and cosmetics.
Their influence continues to grow as they expand their business empires or contribute significantly to philanthropic causes.
