The list of the richest women in the world is a testament to the immense wealth generated from diverse sectors like retail, cosmetics, finance, and technology. While some inherited their fortunes, others are self-made entrepreneurs who have built global empires. This article delves into the lives of the top 10 richest women in the world for 2025, exploring their backgrounds and the sources of their extraordinary wealth.
1. Alice Walton
Net Worth: $108 billion
Alice Walton, the richest woman in the world, is the daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton. Her immense wealth is primarily derived from her family’s substantial stake in the retail giant. Unlike her brothers, she has not been actively involved in the day-to-day operations of Walmart. Instead, she has passionately pursued her interest in art, culminating in the opening of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in her hometown of Bentonville, Arkansas. Her philanthropic endeavors and contributions to the art world have made her a significant figure beyond her status as one of the richest women in the world.
2. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers
Net Worth: $74 billion
Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, the granddaughter of L’Oréal founder Eugène Schueller, is another prominent name among the richest women in the world. She inherited her vast fortune from her mother, Liliane Bettencourt. The continued success and high valuation of L’Oréal, the world’s largest cosmetics company, have significantly contributed to her growing wealth. As the head of her family’s holding company, she plays a crucial role in steering the direction of the beauty empire, solidifying her position as one of the richest women in the world.
3. Julia Koch
Net Worth: $74 billion
Julia Koch and her family rank high on the list after she inherited a significant stake in Koch Industries from her late husband, David Koch. Koch Industries is a multinational conglomerate with interests in manufacturing, refining, and distribution of chemicals, energy, and more. Julia Koch is also a notable philanthropist, serving as the president of the David H. Koch Foundation, which donates to medical research, education, and the arts, ensuring her legacy extends beyond being one of the richest women in the world.
4. Jacqueline Mars
Net Worth: $42 billion
Jacqueline Mars is a member of the Mars family, the founders of the confectionary and pet food giant Mars, Inc. As one of the richest women in the world, her fortune comes from her inherited stake in the company. Known for its iconic brands like M&M’s, Snickers, and Pedigree pet food, Mars, Inc. has been a family-run business for generations. Jacqueline Mars worked for the company for nearly two decades and continues to be a guiding force, making her a formidable presence among the richest women in the world.
5. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant
Net Worth: $38 billion
Rafaela Aponte-Diamant is a self-made billionaire and one of the richest women in the world who co-founded the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) with her husband, Gianluigi. What started with a single ship has grown into one of the largest shipping companies globally. Her story is a remarkable example of entrepreneurship and hard work, setting her apart from many others on the list of the richest women in the world who inherited their wealth.
6. Abigail Johnson
Net Worth: $35 billion
Abigail Johnson is the CEO and chairwoman of Fidelity Investments, a leading financial services corporation founded by her grandfather, Edward C. Johnson II. Her position at the helm of one of the world’s largest asset managers solidifies her place among the richest women in the world. Johnson has been instrumental in modernizing the company and embracing new technologies like cryptocurrencies, demonstrating her leadership and vision in the competitive world of finance.
7. Savitri Jindal
Net Worth: $32 billion
Savitri Jindal, the matriarch of the Jindal family, is one of the richest women in the world and the richest woman in India. After the sudden demise of her husband, O.P. Jindal, she took over as the chairperson of the Jindal Group, a conglomerate with interests in steel, power, cement, and infrastructure. Under her leadership, the company has continued to grow, and she has also been actively involved in Indian politics.
8. MacKenzie Scott
Net Worth: $32 billion
MacKenzie Scott, a novelist and the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, became one of the richest women in the world after their divorce settlement, which gave her a significant stake in Amazon. However, she is more renowned for her philanthropic efforts. Scott has donated billions of dollars to a wide range of organizations, often with a focus on equity and social justice, setting a new standard for large-scale charitable giving among the richest women in the world.
9. Miriam Adelson
Net Worth: $31.5 billion
Miriam Adelson and her family inherited their wealth from her late husband, Sheldon Adelson, the founder of the Las Vegas Sands casino empire. As one of the richest women in the world, she is a physician who specializes in addiction and has co-founded research centers for substance abuse. The family’s fortune is tied to the global casino and resort business, making them influential figures in the entertainment and hospitality industry.
10. Marilyn Simons
Net Worth: $31 billion
Marilyn Simons, along with her husband James Simons, is a co-founder of the Simons Foundation, a charitable organization that supports research in mathematics and basic sciences. Their wealth comes from James Simons’s successful hedge fund, Renaissance Technologies. Marilyn Simons is a powerful advocate for science and education, and her philanthropic work has had a significant impact on advancing human knowledge, making her a unique figure among the richest women in the world.