Below is a list of the world’s top ten richest women in 2023. These wealthy ladies have amassed tremendous fortunes through diverse avenues, showcasing their intelligence, perseverance, creativity, and sometimes inheritance. In this article, we explore the lives and achievements of these women and how they become so rich.
#1. Françoise Bettencourt Meyers & family $94.4 Billion net worth
#2. Alice Walton $61.1 Billion net worth
#3. Julia Koch & Family $59.0 Billion net worth
#4. Jacqueline Mars $38.3 Billion net worth
#5. Miriam Adelson & family $37.5 Billion net worth
#6. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant $31.3 Billion net worth
#7. MacKenzie Scott $28.2 Billion net worth
#8 Gina Rinehart $27.0 Billion net worth
#9. Susanne Klatten $24.6 Billion net worth
#10. Iris Fontbona & Family $22.9 Billion net worth
#1. Françoise Bettencourt Meyers & family
Our journey begins with Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, heiress to the vast L’Oréal fortune. She secured her position as the world’s richest woman after her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, died. Françoise currently chairs the family holding company, Téthys, which controls a significant stake in L’Oréal. Her devotion to the family business and preserving their immense wealth is inspiring. She is currently the richest woman in the world. You can read her full story in an article I wrote here.
#2. Alice Walton
Alice Walton, the only daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, is next on our list. With a fortune tied to the retail giant’s success, she has forged her path as a philanthropist and art collector. Her Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a testament to her passion for art and her desire to share it with the world. She is currently the richest woman in the United States. You can read her full story in an article I wrote here.
#3. Julia Koch & family
Julia Koch is another heiress who inherited her wealth from her late husband, David Koch. He was the co-owner of Koch Industries, a diversified multinational corporation involved in various industries such as energy, manufacturing, and trading. After his passing, Julia and her children inherited a substantial stake in the company. She’s proven to be a capable businesswoman, effectively managing her inherited fortune.
#4. Jacqueline Mars
Jacqueline Mars, the granddaughter of Frank C. Mars, founder of Mars, Incorporated, has built her wealth through the candy and pet food empire. As a significant shareholder, she’s had an active role in steering the family business. Her dedication to the company and her philanthropic endeavors in various sectors, including education and environmental conservation, is remarkable.
#5. Miriam Adelson & family
Miriam Adelson’s fortune stems from her marriage to Sheldon Adelson, the casino mogul behind the Las Vegas Sands Corporation. She played a crucial role in the company’s expansion into Asia, where the enterprise flourished. Miriam’s intellect and medical background have also led her to establish research centers focusing on drug addiction and substance abuse.
#6. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant
Rafaela Aponte-Diamant is an astute entrepreneur who, along with her husband, founded MSC Group, a global shipping and logistics powerhouse. Rafaela’s keen business acumen and unwavering dedication to the company have been instrumental in its meteoric rise to prominence in the industry. She is a true testament to the power of hard work and determination.
#7. MacKenzie Scott
MacKenzie Scott, a novelist and philanthropist, became one of the wealthiest women globally following her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. As part of their divorce settlement, she received a significant portion of Amazon stock. Since then, MacKenzie has been known for her tremendous philanthropic efforts, donating billions of dollars to various charities and organizations.
In 2005, Scott wrote her debut novel, The Testing of Luther Albright, for which she won an American Book Award in 2006. She said it took her ten years to write as she was helping Bezos build Amazon, give birth to three children, and raise them. Her second novel, Traps, was published in 2013. According to NPD BookScan, sales of her books were modest. [3]
#8. Gina Rinehart
Gina Rinehart, the mining magnate from Australia, inherited her father’s company, Hancock Prospecting. She transformed it into a global mining powerhouse through strategic investments and acquisitions. Gina’s determination and bold vision have propelled her to the top of the world’s wealthiest women list.
#9. Susanne Klatten
Susanne Klatten, the daughter of Herbert and Johanna Quandt, inherited a significant stake in BMW, the luxury automobile manufacturer, and Altana, a specialty chemicals company. She has proven to be an adept businesswoman, actively managing both companies. Susanne’s wealth reflects her business understanding and commitment to her family’s legacy.
#10. Iris Fontbona & family
Iris Fontbona, a Chilean businesswoman, inherited her wealth from her late husband, Andrónico Luksic Abaroa, who built a massive fortune through the mining, banking, and beverage industries. Today, the Luksic Group, controlled by Iris and her family, is one of the most influential conglomerates in Chile. Her dedication to preserving her husband’s legacy and expanding the family business is commendable.
Key Takeaways
- Diverse sources of wealth: These women have acquired their wealth through various avenues, including inheritance, entrepreneurship, and marriage.
- Business acumen: Each woman on this list has demonstrated exceptional business acumen by preserving inherited fortunes or growing their enterprises.
- Philanthropy: Many of these wealthy women are also known for their philanthropic efforts, using their resources to impact the world positively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Top 10 World’s Richest Women in 2023 have demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and perseverance in building and preserving their fortunes. Each woman on this list is an inspiring example of what can be achieved with hard work, determination, and a keen business sense. Furthermore, many of these women have used their wealth to improve the world through philanthropy, showcasing the power of using resources to create positive change.