The richest woman in the world is Françoise Bettencourt Meyers. As of recent evaluations, her net worth is an estimated $99.5 billion.
Françoise Bettencourt Meyers: A Legacy of Wealth
Françoise Bettencourt Meyers is a French heiress, businesswoman, and philanthropist. Her immense wealth stems primarily from her ownership of a significant stake in L'Oréal, the world's largest cosmetics and beauty company, founded by her grandfather, Eugène Schueller. She serves as the vice-chairwoman of the board of directors of L'Oréal and is also the president of her family's philanthropic foundation, the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation.
The World's Wealthiest Women
Beyond Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, several other prominent women hold significant wealth, contributing to various industries and legacies. Their fortunes are derived from diverse sources, ranging from retail giants to manufacturing and inherited wealth.
Here is a look at the top-ranked richest women globally:
Rank | Name | Net Worth (U.S. dollars) |
---|---|---|
1 | Françoise Bettencourt Meyers | 99.5 billion |
2 | Alice Walton | 72.3 billion |
3 | Julia Koch (and family) | 64.3 billion |
4 | Jacqueline Mars | 38.5 billion |
- Alice Walton is an American heiress to the fortune of Walmart Inc., founded by her father, Sam Walton. She is known for her contributions to the arts and for her involvement in the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
- Julia Koch inherited her fortune from her late husband, David Koch, who was co-owner of Koch Industries, one of the largest privately held companies in the United States. The company has diversified interests in various sectors, including chemicals, energy, and paper.
- Jacqueline Mars is an American heiress and investor. She is an heir to the Mars, Inc. fortune, the global confectionery and pet food company famous for brands like M&M's, Snickers, and Pedigree.
These women represent a diverse range of industries and philanthropic endeavors, showcasing the various paths to substantial wealth accumulation and management globally.