The World’s Richest Women in 2024

Analysis and themes

• Françoise Bettencourt Meyers & Family – Net Worth: $89.9 billion
  Source of Wealth: L’Oréal (cosmetics)
  Country: France
  Details: Françoise Bettencourt Meyers is the granddaughter of L’Oréal’s founder and has been listed as the world’s wealthiest woman since 2021.
• Alice Walton – Net Worth: $95.7 billion
  Source of Wealth: Walmart (retail)
  Country: United States
  Details: Alice Walton, daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, has become the world’s richest woman, surpassing L’Oréal heiress Françoise Bettencourt Meyers.
• Julia Flesher Koch & Family – Net Worth: $63 billion
  Source of Wealth: Koch Industries (conglomerate)
  Country: United States
  Details: Julia Flesher Koch inherited her fortune as the widow of billionaire tycoon David Koch.
• Jacqueline Mars – Net Worth: $55 billion
  Source of Wealth: Mars Inc. (confectionery, pet food)
  Country: United States
  Details: Jacqueline Mars is the daughter of Forrest Edward Mars, Sr., and granddaughter of Frank C. Mars, founders of Mars Inc.
• Miriam Adelson – Net Worth: $35 billion
  Source of Wealth: Las Vegas Sands (casinos)
  Country: United States
  Details: Miriam Adelson inherited a fortune from her late husband, Sheldon Adelson, who was the CEO and chairman of Las Vegas Sands.
• Gina Rinehart – Net Worth: $23 billion
  Source of Wealth: Hancock Prospecting (mining)
  Country: Australia
  Details: Gina Rinehart is an Australian mining heiress and the richest person in Australia.
• Abigail Johnson – Net Worth: $21.2 billion
  Source of Wealth: Fidelity Investments (finance)
  Country: United States
  Details: Abigail Johnson is the Chairman, CEO, and President of Fidelity Investments, a company founded by her grandfather.

Legacy as a Double-Edged Sword

Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, heiress to the L’Oréal empire, represents the quintessential inheritor of generational wealth. Her story, however, is far from idyllic. Familial disputes, including a contentious lawsuit against a confidant accused of exploiting her mother, underscore the complexities of inherited riches. Similarly, Jacqueline Mars, co-heir of Mars Inc., oversees a confectionery empire entangled in debates about health and ethical business practices. Their journeys reflect a universal truth: inheritance is not merely a gift but a test of stewardship. What does it mean to honor a legacy while forging one’s own identity?

Self-Made Fortunes and the Pursuit of Purpose

MacKenzie Scott, a writer turned philanthropist, exemplifies the transformative potential of wealth. Following her divorce from Jeff Bezos, she emerged as a pioneer in reshaping philanthropy through swift, unrestricted giving. Likewise, Gina Rinehart, who transformed her father’s mining business, illustrates the grit required to sustain and grow wealth amidst legal disputes and public criticism. These narratives challenge the notion that wealth defines worth; instead, they highlight the relentless pursuit of purpose that often accompanies self-made success.

Controversy as a Catalyst for Reflection

Wealth does not insulate one from controversy, as seen in the lives of Alice Walton and Miriam Adelson. Walton, known for her association with Walmart, has faced public scrutiny for incidents ranging from DUIs to labor practices at her family’s corporation. Adelson, a medical professional and philanthropist, has drawn criticism for her political donations and affiliations. These controversies evoke a deeper inquiry: Does immense wealth heighten moral responsibility, and how should society hold the affluent accountable?

Philanthropy and the Redistribution of Power

Philanthropy emerges as a common thread among these women, yet its motivations and impacts vary. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant, co-founder of one of the world’s largest shipping companies, quietly supports cultural and humanitarian initiatives. Abigail Johnson, at the helm of Fidelity Investments, has leveraged her influence to promote diversity and financial literacy. While their giving undoubtedly creates positive change, it also raises philosophical questions about the power dynamics embedded in philanthropy. Is charity an act of genuine altruism, or does it perpetuate inequality by centralizing power in the hands of the few?

A Broader Philosophical Inquiry

The narratives of these women compel us to confront broader societal questions. Is wealth inherently good or neutral, contingent on its use? How do privilege and opportunity shape our perceptions of success? Most importantly, how can those with immense resources balance personal fulfillment with societal obligation?

Corporate performance

L’Oréal (Françoise Bettencourt Meyers)

L’Oréal achieved a significant milestone in 2023, surpassing €40 billion in sales for the first time, marking an 11% increase to €41.18 billion. This growth reflects the company’s robust position in the beauty industry. The global beauty market expanded by 10% in 2023, reaching $446 billion in retail sales. E-commerce continues to be a pivotal growth channel, with expectations of a 12% annual increase between 2022 and 2027.

Walmart (Alice Walton)

Under CEO Doug McMillon’s leadership, Walmart has diversified into e-commerce, advertising, and membership services, resulting in a 231% stock increase over 11 years, outperforming the S&P 500. The retail sector faces challenges like inflation and supply chain disruptions, but Walmart’s adaptability positions it favorably. The global retail outlook for 2024 indicates potential growth for retailers navigating these challenges effectively.

Amazon (MacKenzie Scott)

Amazon’s stock price stands at $227.03 as of December 9, 2024, reflecting its resilience and adaptability in the e-commerce sector. The company continues to innovate and expand its services, maintaining a strong market presence.

Hancock Prospecting (Gina Rinehart)

Hancock Prospecting remains Australia’s largest private company, with revenues rising to $14.9 billion in the 2024 financial year.  Despite pressures on iron ore prices, the company has maintained its top position, indicating robust performance in the mining sector.

Las Vegas Sands (Miriam Adelson)

Las Vegas Sands’ stock price is $53.99 as of December 9, 2024, reflecting its position in the gaming and hospitality industry. The company continues to navigate the sector’s challenges and opportunities.

Conclusion: The Human Dimension of Wealth

Beyond numbers and accolades, the stories of these affluent women reveal their humanity—flawed, resilient, and striving for meaning. Wealth, as these narratives show, is neither a shield nor a curse but a magnifier of choices. Their lives invite us to reflect not just on what we have, but on what we give, and the legacy we leave behind. In a world enamored with success, perhaps the most profound question is not how much we accumulate, but how much we transcend.