[imagesource:wikimediacommons]

In the mix of the world’s 10 richest women are the CEO of Fidelity Investments and the heiresses to the L’Oréal, Mars, and Walmart fortunes.

This is all per the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which notes that they’ve all each amassed fortunes of more than $27 billion, and are worth over a staggering $500 billion combined at the time of writing.

While four of the 10 women have seen their net worths shrink this year, the group’s collective wealth has jumped by an impressive $37 billion or so.

Let’s have a look at the list of the 10 wealthiest women on the planet.

In first place, there’s Alice Walton, the only daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, worth an amazing $96.6 billion.

Alice Walton, 74, inherited her wealth from her father, but unlike her brothers Jim and Rob, who’ve been more directly involved in Walmart’s operations, Alice has focused on the arts and charitable activities, including promoting education and conservation.

Alice is the highest-ranking woman on Bloomberg’s list in 17th place, just behind her brothers.

2. Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, with a net worth of $90 billion, ranks 19th on Bloomberg’s rich list.

Bettencourt Meyers, now 71, comes from a legacy steeped in both business and beauty. Her grandfather, Eugène Schueller, was the visionary behind the global cosmetics empire, L’Oréal, and through her mother, she inherited a formidable one-third stake in the company. Yet, Bettencourt Meyers is far more than a billionaire heiress. Known for her sharp intellect, she has authored works delving into Greek mythology and biblical commentary. Her philanthropic spirit shines through the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation, which tirelessly supports groundbreaking scientific research, the arts, and a host of humanitarian endeavors.

3. Julia Flesher Koch — $75.5 billion

Julia Flesher Koch’s life has been intertwined with one of America’s most powerful industrial legacies. Her father-in-law, Fred Koch, laid the foundation for the industrial giant Koch Industries. She married Fred’s son, David, and upon his passing in 2019, she inherited a vast fortune, securing her place among the world’s billionaires. At 62, Julia’s impact extends far beyond wealth. She is a dedicated philanthropist, championing causes in education, medical research, and the arts, while also lending her expertise as a board member for various charitable organizations.

4. Jacqueline Badger Mars — $50.3 billion

Jacqueline Badger Mars hails from a lineage steeped in confectionery and pet care, as her grandfather was the visionary behind the illustrious Mars company, renowned for its diverse offerings. The Mars family, known for their reclusive nature and aversion to the spotlight, maintains an air of mystery around their immense fortune.

At 84, Jacqueline has played a significant role in shaping the company’s direction as a member of the Mars board of directors. Her influence extends to her participation on the boards of the National Archives and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. A devoted mother, she shares three children with her ex-husband, David Badger, including their son Stephen, who has been contributing to the Mars board since 2010.

5. Abigail Johnson — $36.1 billion

At 62, Abigail Johnson stands at the helm of Fidelity Investments, one of the globe’s largest financial powerhouses, a legacy established by her grandfather. Inheriting a one-third stake in its parent company, FMR, she took over as CEO in 2014, succeeding her father and solidifying her role in the family’s illustrious history.

A Harvard Business School MBA graduate, Abigail is not just a leader in finance; she is a fierce advocate for women’s opportunities in the industry, pushing boundaries and inspiring change in a traditionally male-dominated field.

6. MacKenzie Scott — $36 billion

MacKenzie Scott, the former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, made headlines in 2019 when her divorce settlement granted her a staggering $38 billion. Now 54, she has emerged as a transformative force in philanthropy, donating billions to diverse causes such as racial equality, LGBTQ+ rights, public health, and education. Her impactful giving has been described as “revolutionizing philanthropy” by the CEO of a charity that benefitted from her generosity.

In addition to her philanthropic efforts, Scott is also an accomplished author, having penned two novels that reflect her literary talent.

7. Savitri Jindal — $34.1 billion

Savitri Jindal, a formidable figure at 74, is at the forefront of one of India’s largest conglomerates, the Jindal Group, which encompasses vast interests in steel, mining, power, and infrastructure. As the widow of the group’s founder, O.P. Jindal, she inherited a substantial portion of his wealth following his passing in 2005, securing her place as the 48th richest person on the Bloomberg list.

Beyond her business acumen, Jindal is actively engaged in the political arena, having served as a member of the Haryana state’s Legislative Assembly, where she has championed various initiatives and made her mark on the region’s governance.

8. Miriam Adelson — $32.8 billion

Miriam Adelson, 78, is a prominent figure who inherited a substantial portion of the fortune amassed by her late husband, casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, after his passing in 2021. A passionate advocate for social causes, she co-founded a clinic dedicated to treating substance abuse and has been a steadfast supporter of medical research and Jewish initiatives.

Known for her influential political contributions, Adelson has notably backed conservative and pro-Israel groups, solidifying her reputation as a key player in American philanthropy and politics. In recognition of her efforts, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Donald Trump in 2018, highlighting her significant impact on both charitable and political landscapes.

9. Iris Fontbona — $30.8 billion

Iris Fontbona, 82, was married to Andrónico Luksic, a titan of Chile’s business world and one of the country’s wealthiest individuals. After his passing in 2005, she inherited a substantial stake in Antofagasta, the prominent copper-mining giant, along with significant positions in his banking and beverage enterprises. Fontbona’s inheritance positioned her as a formidable player in the Chilean economy, continuing her late husband’s legacy in the country’s thriving industries.

10. Susanne Klatten — $27.5 billion

Susanne Klatten, one of Germany’s wealthiest individuals, wields considerable influence in the automotive industry as the owner of approximately 20% of BMW, a stake she inherited from both her parents. Additionally, she carries forward her father’s legacy through her inherited share in Altana, a leading pharmaceuticals and chemicals manufacturer.

At 62, Klatten actively engages in various leadership roles within her family’s expansive business empire, steering its continued growth and innovation. Beyond her business pursuits, she is also committed to philanthropy, channelling her resources through the SKala Initiative, her philanthropic foundation that supports a range of charitable causes.

[source:yahoo!finance]