10 Richest Women in the World & How They Became Wealthy

10 Richest Women in the World 

& How They Became Wealthy

As of February 2025, here are the top 10 richest women in the world, their estimated net worths, and the sources of their wealth:

1. Alice Walton  ( $112.5 billion)

   • Source of Wealth: Walmart

   • Background: Alice Walton is the daughter of Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart. While she has not taken an active role in the family business, her substantial wealth comes from her significant stake in the retail giant.
     
     

2. Françoise Bettencourt Meyers & Family ( $74.4 billion)

   • Source of Wealth: L'Oréal

   • Background: Granddaughter of L'Oréal's founder, Eugène Schueller, Françoise Bettencourt Meyers serves as the chairwoman of the family's holding company. The Bettencourt family owns a significant stake in L'Oréal, the world's largest cosmetics company.
     
     

3. Julia Koch & Family ( $74.2 billion)

   • Source of Wealth: Koch Industries

   • Background: Julia Koch inherited her wealth following the death of her husband, David Koch, who was a co-owner of Koch Industries, a conglomerate involved in various industries including manufacturing, energy, and chemicals.
     
     

4. 1. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant – $39.0 billion

   • Source of Wealth: Mars Inc.

   • Background: Jacqueline Mars is an heir to Mars Inc., the world's largest candy maker, known for brands like M&M's and Snickers. She inherited her wealth from her grandfather, Frank C. Mars, who founded the company.
     
     

5. Jacqueline Mars ( $39.0 billion)

   • Source of Wealth: Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Group

   • Background: Rafaela Aponte-Diamant co-founded MSC, one of the world's largest shipping lines, with her husband, Gianluigi Aponte. Their company has expanded into a global shipping and logistics powerhouse.
     
     

6. Abigail Johnson ( $36.0 billion)

   • Source of Wealth: Fidelity Investments

   • Background: Abigail Johnson is the CEO of Fidelity Investments, one of the largest asset management firms globally. She took over the leadership from her father and has been instrumental in modernizing the company.
     
     

7. Savitri Jindal & Family ( $32.3 billion)

   • Source of Wealth: JSW Group

   • Background: Savitri Jindal is the matriarch of the Jindal family, which controls the JSW Group, a conglomerate with interests in steel, power, and infrastructure. She assumed leadership after the death of her husband, Om Prakash Jindal.
     
     

8. MacKenzie Scott ($32.3 billion)

   • Source of Wealth: Amazon

   • Background: MacKenzie Scott acquired her wealth through her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. She has since become known for her philanthropic efforts, donating substantial portions of her wealth to various causes.
     
     

9. Miriam Adelson & Family( $31.5 billion)

   • Source of Wealth: Las Vegas Sands

   • Background: Miriam Adelson inherited a majority stake in Las Vegas Sands, a leading casino and resort company, after the death of her husband, Sheldon Adelson. She has played a significant role in the company's operations and philanthropic activities.
     
     

10. Marilyn Simons & Family ( $31.0 billion)

    • Source of Wealth: Hedge Funds

    • Background: Marilyn Simons is the president of the Simons Foundation, one of the largest charitable organizations in the United States, focusing on education and health. Her wealth is primarily derived from her husband, Jim Simons, a renowned mathematician and hedge fund manager.
      
      

These women have amassed their fortunes through a combination of inheritance, strategic business decisions, and leadership in their respective industries. Their stories highlight the diverse avenues through which significant wealth can be accumulated.

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