Top 10 Richest Women in the World [2024]

The global economic landscape is not only shaped by men but also by a formidable group of women whose wealth and influence rival the most affluent individuals in the world. In the year 2024, the list of the top 10 richest women showcases a diverse array of backgrounds, industries, and entrepreneurial prowess. According to Forbes, 369 out of 2,781 billionaires or 13.3% are women this year, up from 337 in 2023, when women accounted for 12.8% of the list. Together they are worth nearly $1.8 trillion, about $240 billion more than last year.

From heirs to self-made magnates, these women have amassed staggering fortunes through leadership, innovation, and strategic investments. As we delve into the lives and net worth of these financial powerhouses, we uncover a narrative of resilience, acumen, and the ability to navigate the complexities of wealth accumulation in a rapidly evolving global economy. Join us as we explore the stories behind the wealth of the top 10 richest women in the world in 2024, shedding light on their remarkable achievements and the impact they have on the financial landscape.

Who are the top 10 richest women in the world?

Françoise Bettencourt Meyers & family
Alice Walton
Julia Koch & family
Jacqueline Mars
MacKenzie Scott
Savitri Jindal & family
Rafaela Aponte-Diamant
Miriam Adelson & family
Gina Rinehart
Abigail Johnson

Françoise Bettencourt Meyers & family

Net Worth: $99.5 Billion
Age: 70
Source of Wealth: L’Oréal
Citizenship: France

Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, along with her family, holds the top spot on the list of the richest women in the world for 2024. With a net worth of $99.5 billion, she continues to maintain her position as the world’s wealthiest woman for the fourth consecutive year. Bettencourt Meyers inherited a significant portion of her wealth from her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, who passed away in 2017.

The bulk of Bettencourt Meyers’ fortune is tied to her nearly 35% stake in L’Oréal Group, a cosmetics giant with a revenue of $45 billion. The company boasts iconic brands such as Maybelline, Kiehl’s, and Lancôme. L’Oréal Group was founded by Bettencourt Meyers’ grandfather, and she continues to play a prominent role in the company’s affairs.

As the world’s richest woman, Bettencourt Meyers’ influence extends beyond her business interests. She holds a prominent position in the global economic landscape, symbolizing both the legacy of her family’s business empire and her own entrepreneurial acumen.

Alice Walton

Net Worth: $72.3 Billion
Age: 74
Source of Wealth: Walmart
Citizenship: U.S.

Alice Walton ranks as the second richest woman in the world for 2024, with a net worth of $72.3 billion, she holds the title of the wealthiest woman in America. Walton’s wealth saw a significant increase of $15.6 billion over the past year, primarily due to a remarkable 34% surge in Walmart’s share price.

As the only daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, Alice Walton has inherited a substantial stake in the retail giant. Despite not serving on the company’s board like her brothers, she has made her mark through her dedication to art. Notably, Walton founded the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, her hometown. The museum showcases a diverse collection of artworks, including pieces by renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Norman Rockwell, and Mark Rothko.

Julia Koch & family

Net Worth: $64.3 Billion
Age: 61
Source of Wealth: Koch Industries
Citizenship: U.S.

Julia Koch and her family are significant figures in the world of wealth, ranking among the top 10 richest women in the world for 2024. With a net worth of $64.3 billion, Julia Koch slipped from the second to the third richest woman this year. She inherited a substantial 42% stake in Koch Industries, a conglomerate with diverse business interests ranging from oil refining and medical technology to paper towels.

Julia Koch inherited her wealth following the passing of her husband, David Koch, in 2019. Together with her three children, she holds a significant portion of the family’s fortune. Beyond her role as an heiress, Julia Koch is actively involved in various philanthropic endeavors and holds a trustee position at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Jacqueline Mars

Net Worth: $38.5 Billion
Age: 84
Source of Wealth: Candy, pet food
Citizenship: U.S.

Jacqueline Mars stands out as one of the wealthiest women globally, securing the fourth position on the list of the top 10 richest women in the world for 2024. With a staggering net worth of $38.5 billion, she is a prominent figure in the business world. Mars inherited a significant portion of her wealth through her ownership stake in Mars, Incorporated, a multinational company renowned for its candy and pet food products.

Jacqueline Mars co-owns Mars, Incorporated with her brother, John Mars, and her late brother Forrest Jr.’s four daughters. The company boasts an impressive portfolio of iconic brands, including M&Ms, Snickers, Pedigree, and Ben’s Original. Founded by their grandfather, Frank C. Mars, in 1911, Mars, Incorporated has grown into a global powerhouse in the food industry.

In addition to her role in the family business, Jacqueline Mars’ son, Stephen Badger, serves on Mars’ board, further cementing the family’s influence within the company. Jacqueline Mars’ substantial wealth and her family’s enduring legacy in the business world solidify their position as key players in both the confectionery and pet food industries.

MacKenzie Scott

Net Worth: $35.6 Billion
Age: 53
Source of Wealth: Amazon
Citizenship: U.S.

MacKenzie Scott is a notable figure on the list of the top 10 richest women in the world for 2024. With a net worth of $35.6 billion, she has established herself as a prominent billionaire philanthropist. Scott’s wealth stems primarily from her 2019 divorce from Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, through which she acquired a 4% stake in the company.

MacKenzie Scott has pledged to give away the majority of her wealth, demonstrating a strong commitment to philanthropy. In March, Scott made headlines by awarding $640 million to 361 organizations that had applied for funding through a competition. Her lifetime giving totals an impressive $17.3 billion, consisting of numerous no-strings-attached donations that often come as surprises to recipients.

Scott’s philanthropic endeavors have earned her widespread recognition and admiration, positioning her as a leading advocate for social change and equality. Her approach to charitable giving, characterized by its direct impact and support for organizations addressing a wide range of societal issues, reflects her dedication to making a positive difference in the world.

Savitri Jindal & family

Net worth: $33.5 Billion
Age: 74
Source of Wealth: Steel
Citizenship: India

Savitri Jindal and her family hold a significant position among the world’s wealthiest individuals, particularly in India. With a combined net worth of $33.5 billion, Savitri Jindal, at the age of 74, chairs the Jindal Group, a conglomerate with interests in steel, power, cement, and infrastructure.

Savitri Jindal inherited the leadership of the Jindal Group following the tragic passing of her husband, Om Prakash Jindal, in a helicopter crash in 2005. The Jindal Group was founded by her late husband and has since become one of India’s leading business entities.

After Om Prakash Jindal’s demise, the group’s companies were divided among their four sons, who now independently run them. Despite this division, Savitri Jindal’s leadership and guidance continue to play a crucial role in the success and growth of the Jindal Group.

Rafaela Aponte-Diamant

Net Worth: $33.1 Billion
Age: 79
Source of Wealth: Shipping
Citizenship: Switzerland and Italy

Rafaela Aponte-Diamant is a notable figure in the shipping industry and is among the top 10 richest women in the world for 2024. With a net worth of $33.1 billion, she holds a prominent position as a co-founder of MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company), the world’s largest shipping line.

Aponte-Diamant, along with her husband Gianluigi Aponte, started MSC in 1970. They began their journey in the shipping industry with a modest $200,000 loan used to purchase a ship. Through their vision, determination, and strategic decision-making, MSC has grown into a global shipping powerhouse, with operations spanning continents and a fleet of vessels traversing the world’s oceans.

In addition to her role in the business, Rafaela Aponte-Diamant is responsible for overseeing the decoration of ships for MSC Cruises, a subsidiary of MSC specializing in passenger cruises.

Miriam Adelson & family

Net Worth: $32 Billion
Age: 78
Source of Wealth: Casinos
Citizenship: U.S.

With a combined net worth of $32 billion, Miriam Adelson and her family, owns more than half of Las Vegas Sands, one of the world’s largest casino operators. Adelson inherited a significant stake in Las Vegas Sands following the passing of her husband, Sheldon Adelson, in 2021. Sheldon Adelson was a longtime Republican Party kingmaker and a highly successful entrepreneur in the casino industry.

Miriam Adelson, herself a physician, has been actively involved in philanthropy, having donated over $1 billion throughout her lifetime to fund medical research and drug discovery. Her philanthropic efforts have had a profound impact on various medical initiatives and institutions.

Gina Rinehart

Net Worth: $30.8 Billion
Age: 70
Source of Wealth: Mining
Citizenship: Australia

Gina Rinehart is the richest woman in Australia and the 9th richest woman in the world for 2024. With a net worth of $30.8 billion, she chairs the Hancock Prospecting Group, which operates in the mining and agriculture sectors.

Rinehart inherited the business from her father, Lang Hancock, who was a pioneering figure in the Australian mining industry. Under Rinehart’s leadership, Hancock Prospecting Group has continued to thrive, solidifying its position as a major player in the Australian economy.

Rinehart’s wealth has seen a notable increase of 14% since March 2023, and she remains the wealthiest person in Australia. Her business acumen, coupled with strategic investments in the mining sector, has contributed to her remarkable success and prominence in the business world.

Abigail Johnson

Net Worth: $29 Billion
Age: 62
Source of Wealth: Fidelity Investments
Citizenship: U.S.

Abigail Pierrepont Johnson is a businesswoman, and the granddaughter of late Edward C. Johnson II, the founder of Fidelity Investments. With a net worth of $29 billion, she holds the 10th position of richest women in the world for 2024.

Johnson took over as CEO of Fidelity Investments in 2014, succeeding her father, Edward “Ned” Johnson III, who passed away in 2022. She owns an estimated 28.5% stake in the company, which was founded by her grandfather in 1946.

Under Abigail Johnson’s leadership, Fidelity Investments has continued to thrive, managing assets worth $4.9 trillion. Her strategic vision and commitment to innovation have propelled the company to the forefront of the financial services industry.