In the evolving landscape of wealth and entrepreneurship, the global stage is witnessing an impressive shift as more women ascend the ranks of the world’s richest individuals. As we step into 2023, it’s time to unveil the latest edition of the “Top 10 Richest Women in the World.” This compilation not only highlights their financial achievements but also underscores the diverse sectors and industries these remarkable women have conquered.
From technology moguls to retail magnates, their stories illuminate the limitless potential for success in today’s dynamic business world. Join Top10theworld.com as we delve into the lives and fortunes of these trailblazing women who are reshaping the narrative of wealth and influence on a global scale.
1. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers & family (90 billion USD)
- Age: 67
- Nationality: French
Francoise Bettencourt Meyers is the richest woman in the world and the granddaughter of the founder of L’Oreal. Bettencourt Meyers and family own 33% of L’Oreal, recording its best sales growth in over a decade in 2019. She has served on the board of L’Oreal since 1997 and is the president of the family’s parent company. She became the reigning Heiress of France’s L’Oreal in 2017. At that time, her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, known as the world’s richest woman, died at 94.
Bettencourt Meyers is the president of her family’s charity, which promotes the advancement of the French in the sciences and arts. Together, L’Oreal and the Bettencourt Meyers family have agreed to provide $226 million in funding to repair Notre Dame after the April 2019 fire.
2. Alice Walton (64 billion USD)
- Age: 71
- Nationality: American
Although Alice Walton is the only daughter of Walmart founder – Sam Walton, she has focused on art management. Unlike her siblings Rob and Jim, who are working for Walmart. In January 2020, she aimed at America’s “broken” healthcare system and announced plans to open a holistic health institute in Bentonville.
3. MacKenzie Scott (37.5 billion USD)
- Age: 50
- Nationality: American
MacKenzie Scott is an author and ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, to whom she has been married for 25 years. They divorced in mid-2019. As part of the divorce settlement, Jeff transferred 25% of his Amazon shares to MacKenzie, 4% of the company.
In May 2019, shortly after she announced the divorce terms on Twitter, she signed the Giving Pledge. MacKenzie and Jeff met in 1992 while both were working at hedge fund D.E. Shaw. Their marriage has published two novels, was a student of author Toni Morrison at Princeton, and worked as her research assistant. At the end of July 2020, she announced that she had given away nearly $1.7 billion to 119 nonprofit groups and that she changed her last name from Bezos to Scott.
4. Julia Koch & family (60 billion USD)
- Age: 58
- Nationality: American
Julia Koch and her three children inherited a 42% stake in Koch Industries from her husband, David, who passed away in August 2019 at 79. A native of Iowa, Koch moved to New York City in the 1980s and worked as an assistant to fashion designer Adolfo.
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She has worked with many of his famous clients, including First Lady Nancy Reagan. Along with her husband, she donated $10 million to Mount Sinai Medical Center and $10 million to Stanford Children’s Hospital for food allergy research.
5. Miriam Adelson (35.6 billion USD)
Billion Miriam Adelson, born on October 22, 1945, in Tel Aviv, Israel, is a renowned philanthropist, physician, and political contributor. She co-founded the Adelson Clinic for Drug Abuse Treatment & Research and has been a prominent advocate for medical research and education. Alongside her late husband Sheldon Adelson, she supported various charitable causes, including Birthright Israel and the Yad Vashem Holocaust museum. Her political contributions and advocacy work have also made a significant impact. Despite Sheldon Adelson’s passing in 2021, Miriam Adelson continues their philanthropic legacy, leaving a lasting mark on healthcare, education, and political causes.
6. Jacqueline Mars (39 billion USD)
- Age: 81
- Nationality: American
Jacqueline Mars owns an estimated one-third of Mars, the world’s largest candle maker, founded by her grandfather. She has been with the company for nearly 20 years and served on the board until 2016. Her son, Stephen Badger, is the chairman of Mars’ board of directors. A prominent philanthropist, she served on six boards, including at the Smithsonian and the National Archives.
Her brother John is estimated to own a third of “Mars”; Her late brother, Forrest Jr’s. Four daughters own the rest. In June 2020, Mars announced they would be changing the logo for their Uncle Ben brand.
7. Susanne Klatten (24.8 billion USD)
- Age: 58
- Nationality Germany
Susanne Klatten owns 19.2% of shares in BMW; Her brother, Stefan Quandt, owns 23.7%. Their late mother, Johanna, was the third wife of the legendary industrialist. Johanna’s father was the third wife of legendary industrialist Herbert Quandt, who guided BMW to a dominant position in the luxury car market.
An economist with a Master’s degree in Economics, Klatten helped turn her grandfather’s Altana AG into a world-class specialty chemical/pharmaceutical corporation. Klatten is the sole owner and vice president of Altana, which generates more than $2.5 billion in annual revenue. She also holds shares in wind power company Nordex AG and carbon and graphite producer SGL Group.
8. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant (30.4 billion USD)
Billion Rafaela Aponte-Diamant is a significant figure in the maritime industry. Alongside her husband, Gianluigi Aponte, she co-founded the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), transforming it into one of the world’s largest container shipping firms. Starting with one ship in 1970, their leadership expanded MSC’s fleet and global reach, shaping international trade. Beyond business, Rafaela is known for her philanthropic endeavors, establishing the MSC Foundation for healthcare, education, and culture projects. Her journey from maritime roots to co-leading MSC showcases her determination and impact in both business and community efforts.
9. Gina Rinehart (26.8 billion USD)
Gina Rinehart, born on February 9, 1954, is a prominent Australian businesswoman known for her leadership in the mining industry. As the Executive Chairman of Hancock Prospecting, she has expanded the company into one of Australia’s largest privately-owned mining firms. Rinehart’s focus on iron ore mining, particularly the Roy Hill project, has contributed significantly to Australia’s iron ore exports. Beyond business, she advocates for the importance of the resources sector in Australia’s economy and job creation. With her achievements and wealth, Gina Rinehart stands as a notable figure in the country’s business landscape.
10. Iris Fontbona & family (24.2 billion USD)
- Age: 78
- Nationality: Chile
Iris Fontbona is the widow of Andrónico Luksic, who made a fortune in the mining and beverage sectors before dying of cancer in 2005. He left his business to Fontbona and their three sons: Jean-Paul, Andronico, and Guillermo Luksic (who died of lung cancer in 2013 at 57). Fontbonne and her children control Antofagasta Plc, which owns copper mines in Chile and trades on the London Stock Exchange.
Fontbonne and her children also own a majority stake in Quiñenco, a listed Chilean corporation engaged in banking, beer, and manufacturing. Jean-Paul Luksic is president of Antofagasta, and Andronico Luksic heads Quiñenco.
Conclusion
In a world where opportunities continue to expand and barriers are being shattered, the ascent of these exceptional women to the ranks of the world’s wealthiest is a testament to their unwavering determination, innovation, and business acumen. The stories of these top 10 richest women in 2023 not only inspire but also underscore the critical role that diversity and inclusivity play in driving global economies forward.
As we conclude this exploration of their remarkable journeys, it’s clear that these women are not just amassing fortunes, but also paving the way for generations to come. Their achievements remind us that the pursuit of success knows no gender boundaries, and their impact extends far beyond their balance sheets – igniting inspiration and aspiration across the globe.
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