We often hear about the wealthiest men shaping the global economy, but what about the richest women in the world? These women have not only inherited massive fortunes. They have also played crucial roles in expanding, diversifying, and managing multi-billion-dollar empires. From tech to retail, mining to luxury brands, they command influence across industries and continents.
The richest women in the world are a mix of heiresses and self-made billionaires. They all have compelling stories of wealth, power, and business acumen. Some, like Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, carry forward a family legacy, turning age-old enterprises into modern business empires. Others, like Gina Rinehart, transformed struggling businesses into thriving global giants. Whether by inheritance or strategic leadership, these women control companies that affect millions of lives.
This article dives deep into the most richest women in the world. It highlights the richest women in the world and their source of income. Who are they? What industries do they dominate? And how have they used their wealth to shape industries and societies? Let’s find out.
See also: 10 Richest Self-Made Women in the World
Top 10 Richest Women in the World and Their Businesses
The top 10 richest women in the world hold stakes in businesses that touch every aspect of daily life. From beauty to retail, and from energy,and food, to real estate. Some have inherited generational wealth and used it to scale their family businesses. Others have strategically built their own financial empires. Regardless of how they got there, one thing is clear: these women are shaping economies, and leaving legacies that will last for generations.
Let’s meet the women who rule the world of wealth.
1. Françoise Bettencourt Meyers – L’Oréal
Date of Birth: 10 July 1953
Place of Birth: Neuilly-sur-Seine, France
Industry: Beauty & Cosmetics
Business Influence: Heiress to L’Oréal, the world’s largest cosmetics company.
Françoise Bettencourt Meyers is not just the richest woman in the world—she is the queen of the beauty industry. As the granddaughter of Eugène Schueller, the founder of L’Oréal, she inherited an empire that dominates the global cosmetics market. But rather than just preserving her family’s fortune, she has expanded it.
Under her leadership, L’Oréal has grown into a $250 billion corporation, acquiring major brands like Maybelline, Lancôme, Garnier, and NYX. The company is also at the forefront of sustainability and innovation, pushing boundaries in skincare, haircare, and beauty technology.
Beyond business, Bettencourt Meyers is an author, philanthropist, and patron of the arts. Through the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation, she funds scientific research, humanitarian efforts, and cultural initiatives. She also played a key role in the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral, donating millions after the devastating fire in 2019.
Her wealth is not just about cosmetics. It is about influence, vision, and the power to shape an industry that impacts millions.
2. Alice Walton – Walmart
Date of Birth: 7 October 1949
Place of Birth: Newport, Arkansas, USA
Industry: Retail
Business Influence: Heiress to Walmart, the world’s largest retail chain.
While Alice Walton could have easily stepped into a leadership role at Walmart, the global retail giant founded by her father. She chose a different path, one of art, culture, and philanthropy.
As the most richest woman in the world outside the beauty industry, she holds a massive stake in Walmart. The company that revolutionized retail and made everyday essentials more affordable for millions. Walmart operates over 10,000 stores worldwide and generates hundreds of billions in revenue annually.
However, Walton’s true passion lies in art and education. She founded the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, a world-renowned museum that showcases works by artists like Andy Warhol and Georgia O’Keeffe. She has also invested heavily in educational reforms and rural healthcare, ensuring that her fortune contributes to the well-being of underserved communities.
Despite staying out of Walmart’s day-to-day operations, her financial influence is undeniable. As Walmart continues to grow, embracing e-commerce and digital transformation, Alice Walton’s fortune remains one of the most stable in the world.
3. Julia Koch – Koch Industries
Date of Birth: 12 April 1962
Place of Birth: Indianola, Iowa, USA
Industry: Energy & Manufacturing
Business Influence: Inherited Koch Industries, one of the largest privately-owned conglomerates in the world.
Born into a modest household in Iowa, Julia Koch’s early life was far removed from the world of billionaires. Her journey to wealth and influence began when she married David Koch, the former vice president of Koch Industries. David played a crucial role in expanding the company into a global powerhouse, with vast interests in oil refining, chemicals, consumer goods, and finance.
When David passed away in 2019, Julia inherited a 42% stake in Koch Industries, instantly making her one of the richest women in the world. Rather than remaining in the background, she stepped into an active role in preserving and growing the Koch legacy. Under her oversight, the company has continued its expansion into new sectors, investing heavily in technology, energy, and sustainable business practices. She ensures that the Koch empire remains competitive, focusing on innovation while maintaining its dominance in traditional industries.
Beyond business, Julia is a committed philanthropist. She oversees the David H. Koch Foundation, which has contributed millions to medical research, education, and cultural institutions. Her impact is visible in leading hospitals, university research programs, and world-renowned art institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Julia Koch’s story is one of transformation—from a socialite to a powerful businesswoman and philanthropist, proving that the new generation of billionaire women is shaping both commerce and society.
4. Jacqueline Mars – Mars, Inc.
Date of Birth: 10 October 1939
Place of Birth: Washington, D.C., USA
Industry: Food & Confectionery
Business Influence: Co-owner of Mars, Inc., one of the world’s largest food and pet care companies.
Few brands are as deeply woven into everyday life as Mars, Inc., and Jacqueline Mars has been instrumental in maintaining its global dominance. As an heir to the company founded by her grandfather, she holds significant influence over a business empire that spans candy, pet food, and packaged foods, with products enjoyed by millions around the world.
Though she no longer plays an active role in daily operations, Jacqueline spent years within the company, helping expand its product lines and distribution channels. Under her family’s leadership, Mars, Inc. has evolved into a multinational conglomerate, ensuring that its brands remain market leaders in their respective categories. Beyond its confectionery dominance, the company is a powerhouse in pet nutrition and food manufacturing, controlling some of the biggest names in the industry.
Jacqueline is also a passionate philanthropist, with a deep commitment to environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and animal welfare. She has funded major sustainability projects aimed at eco-friendly food production and ethical sourcing, ensuring that Mars, Inc. remains a leader in responsible corporate practices. Her wealth isn’t just about business—it’s about using her position to advocate for sustainable and ethical entrepreneurship in a changing world.
5. Miriam Adelson – Las Vegas Sands
Date of Birth: 10 October 1945
Place of Birth: Tel Aviv, Israel
Industry: Casino & Entertainment
Business Influence: Majority shareholder of Las Vegas Sands, a global casino and resort empire.
Miriam Adelson’s journey to becoming one of the richest women in the world is unlike most others. Born in Israel, she first built a career as a physician and addiction specialist, dedicating much of her life to medical research and treatment for drug dependency. Her life took a dramatic turn when she married Sheldon Adelson, a business titan who built Las Vegas Sands into one of the largest casino and resort empires in the world.
After Sheldon’s passing in 2021, Miriam inherited a controlling stake in the company, securing her place among the wealthiest women globally. While casinos and entertainment are the face of Las Vegas Sands, its influence extends far beyond the glittering resorts of Las Vegas and Macau. The company owns luxury hotels, integrated resorts, and high-end entertainment properties, drawing millions of visitors annually. Under her leadership, Las Vegas Sands continues to expand internationally, particularly in Asia and emerging tourism markets, ensuring its dominance in the gaming industry.
Despite being best known for her casino empire, Miriam’s true passion remains in medicine and philanthropy. She has donated billions to medical research, hospitals, and drug rehabilitation programs,using her fortune to combat opioid addiction and improve global healthcare initiatives. She is also a significant political donor, using her wealth to shape policies that align with her vision for both business and society.
Miriam Adelson’s story is a compelling mix of medicine, business, and philanthropy, proving that wealth can serve both profit and purpose. Her ability to manage a global hospitality empire while continuing her lifelong commitment to healthcare and social change sets her apart in the billionaire world.
6. Susanne Klatten – BMW & Altana
Date of Birth: 28 April 1962
Place of Birth: Bad Homburg, Germany
Industry: Automotive & Pharmaceuticals
Business Influence: Major shareholder in BMW and owner of Altana, a global pharmaceutical and chemical company.
Susanne Klatten is a force in both the automotive and pharmaceutical industries, holding significant stakes in BMW, one of the world’s leading luxury car manufacturers, and Altana, a highly profitable chemical and pharmaceutical company. Unlike many heirs to vast fortunes, she is an economist and trained business strategist, taking an active role in managing and expanding her family’s wealth.
Her influence in BMW extends beyond ownership—she has been instrumental in strengthening the company’s research into electric vehicles and sustainable mobility, ensuring that the brand stays ahead in an evolving automotive market. Meanwhile, under her leadership, Altana has grown into a global leader in specialty chemicals, producing high-tech materials for the pharmaceutical and industrial sectors.
Despite her immense wealth, Susanne Klatten maintains a low profile, preferring to focus on business expansion, research, and philanthropy rather than the public spotlight. She invests heavily in renewable energy, innovative medical treatments, and education, reinforcing her status as one of the most richest women in the world who is deeply committed to future-driven industries.
7. Gina Rinehart – Hancock Prospecting
Date of Birth: 9 February 1954
Place of Birth: Perth, Australia
Industry: Mining & Resources
Business Influence: Chairperson of Hancock Prospecting, a global mining powerhouse.
Gina Rinehart is one of the most powerful figures in Australia’s mining industry, having transformed Hancock Prospecting from a struggling business into a global leader in iron ore production. She inherited the company from her father, Lang Hancock, but it was under her leadership that the business expanded dramatically, securing multi-billion-dollar deals in iron ore exports, particularly with China.
Known for her sharp business acumen and aggressive expansion strategies, Rinehart has turned Hancock Prospecting into Australia’s largest private mining company, contributing significantly to the country’s economy. She has also diversified into agriculture, investing in cattle stations and food production, ensuring that her influence extends beyond mining.
Despite her business success, Rinehart is a controversial figure, known for outspoken views on economic policies, taxation, and government regulations. She actively lobbies for reduced business restrictions and greater incentives for industrial growth, making her one of the most politically influential billionaires in Australia.
Beyond business, she is a strong advocate for philanthropy in medical research and rural community development, proving that her vision extends beyond corporate boardrooms. Rinehart’s ability to strategically navigate global commodity markets while maintaining her dominance in Australian industries secures her place as one of the richest women in the world.
8. MacKenzie Scott – Amazon
Date of Birth: 7 April 1970
Place of Birth: San Francisco, California, USA
Industry: Technology & Philanthropy
Business Influence: Gained wealth through Amazon, now one of the largest philanthropists in history.
MacKenzie Scott’s journey to immense wealth began as a key figure in the early days of Amazon, which she helped build alongside her former husband, Jeff Bezos. As one of the original employees, she played a critical role in Amazon’s early development, managing business operations and writing the company’s first business plan. When she divorced Bezos in 2019, she received a 4% stake in Amazon.
However, what sets MacKenzie Scott apart is her unparalleled commitment to philanthropy. Rather than focus on expanding her wealth, she has dedicated her fortune to charitable causes, donating billions of dollars to non-profits, education programs, climate initiatives, and social justice organizations. Unlike traditional billionaires who set up long-term foundations, Scott donates quickly and without restrictions, allowing charities to use funds as they see fit.
Her approach has disrupted the philanthropy sector, proving that extreme wealth can be rapidly redistributed to improve society in real-time. By prioritizing education, racial equality, and public health, she has positioned herself as one of the most impactful billionaires in modern history, proving that influence is not just about business—it’s about changing lives on a global scale.
9. Iris Fontbona – Antofagasta PLC
Date of Birth: 1942
Place of Birth: Santiago, Chile
Industry: Mining & Media
Business Influence: Controls Antofagasta PLC, one of the world’s largest copper mining companies.
Iris Fontbona became one of the richest women in the world after inheriting Antofagasta PLC, a global mining giant specializing in copper extraction. Her late husband, Andrónico Luksic, built the business into one of Chile’s most valuable companies, and after his passing, Fontbona took over the reins. Under her leadership, Antofagasta has expanded its mining operations, securing major contracts in South America and beyond.
Beyond mining, Fontbona’s family empire includes media and financial services, making her one of the most powerful businesswomen in Latin America. She holds significant investments in banking, beverages, and shipping, ensuring her influence extends beyond raw materials and commodities.
Despite her vast fortune, Fontbona is known for her private and low-profile lifestyle, focusing on business expansion and philanthropy rather than public appearances. She has donated heavily to healthcare and education initiatives in Chile, ensuring that her wealth benefits future generations. Her ability to strategically grow her empire while maintaining a humble public presence makes her an intriguing figure in the world of billionaires.
10. Savitri Jindal – O.P. Jindal Group
Date of Birth: 20 March 1950
Place of Birth: Tinsukia, Assam, India
Industry: Steel, Power & Infrastructure
Business Influence: Matriarch of the O.P. Jindal Group, a leading steel and energy conglomerate.
Savitri Jindal is India’s richest woman, overseeing the vast O.P. Jindal Group, a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate engaged in steel, power, infrastructure, and cement manufacturing. Her story is one of resilience and leadership—she took over the business after the tragic passing of her husband, Om Prakash Jindal, in 2005.
Under her guidance, the Jindal Group has expanded its steel production capacity, making it one of India’s top industrial powerhouses. The company plays a key role in building infrastructure across the country, producing steel for bridges, buildings, and transportation networks. Jindal has also overseen the company’s diversification into renewable energy, ensuring it remains relevant in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Apart from business, Jindal has had a significant political career, serving as a minister in the Haryana state government and advocating for economic policies that benefit industrial development. She is also deeply involved in philanthropy, supporting education, healthcare, and rural development programs across India.
Her leadership in business, politics, and social welfare makes her a unique billionaire, proving that industry and governance can go hand in hand to create long-term impact.
Key Takeaways
- The richest women in the world are not just heirs to vast fortunes, they are business leaders, strategists, and innovators who have expanded and modernized multi-billion-dollar empires across industries like beauty, retail, mining, energy, and technology.
- While some inherited their wealth, they have actively shaped their industries, making bold investments in sustainability, digital transformation, and global expansion to secure long-term success.
- The top 10 richest women in the world hold stakes in businesses that impact millions of lives, from Walmart’s global retail dominance to BMW’s advancements in electric vehicles and L’Oréal’s leadership in the beauty industry.
- Philanthropy plays a critical role in their legacies. Many of these women, including MacKenzie Scott, Julia Koch, and Miriam Adelson, have donated billions of dollars to medical research, education, climate action, and social justice initiatives, proving that wealth can be a force for positive global change.
- Their influence goes beyond business, some have shaped public policy, invested in national economies, and played a role in shaping future industries, demonstrating that women are now key players in global wealth and decision-making.
- The rise of women in high-stakes industries signals a power shift in global business, with more women taking control of corporate empires, financial markets, and entrepreneurial ventures, paving the way for a new generation of female billionaires.
- These women are rewriting the rules of wealth and power, proving that fortune is not just about inheritance—it’s about vision, strategy, and impact on the world.
Conclusion
The richest women in the world are not just figures of wealth; they are industry leaders, investors, and philanthropists shaping global economies. Whether through innovation, expansion, or strategic decision-making, they have proven that wealth is not just about inheritance. it is about influence, leadership, and vision.
Their businesses span multiple industries, ensuring they remain at the forefront of economic, technological, and industrial advancements. Beyond their financial success, these billionaires have used their wealth for philanthropy, funding groundbreaking research, education, and humanitarian efforts. Their legacies extend beyond profits and corporate boardrooms, shaping the world for future generations.
The rise of women in business and wealth management signals a new era of leadership, where women are not just participants but key decision-makers in global economies. As industries evolve, these women and many others following in their footsteps will continue to redefine business, wealth, and power.
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FAQs
Who is the richest woman in the world?
The richest woman in the world is Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, the heiress to L’Oréal. She controls the world’s largest cosmetics company. L’Oréal owns brands like Lancôme, Maybelline, and Garnier.
How do the richest women in the world make their money?
The richest women in the world generate wealth from industries such as retail, beauty, energy, pharmaceuticals, technology, and mining. Some inherited family businesses, while others expanded and diversified existing wealth to maintain and grow their fortunes.
Which industries have created the most female billionaires?
Industries such as beauty and cosmetics (L’Oréal), retail (Walmart), mining (Hancock Prospecting), pharmaceuticals (Altana), and manufacturing (BMW, Koch Industries) have produced some of the most richest women in the world.
What philanthropic causes do these billionaires support?
Many of the richest women in the world are active philanthropists, funding medical research, education, climate change initiatives, poverty eradication, and the arts. MacKenzie Scott, Julia Koch, and Miriam Adelson have given billions in donations to various causes worldwide.
What is the significance of women in global wealth?
The rise of female billionaires highlights shifting business dynamics where women are major decision-makers and investors in global industries. Their influence is expanding beyond business, shaping policy, research, and humanitarian efforts.
