As of March 7, 2025, 12 women are among the world’s 100 richest people, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. From retail empires to industrial giants, these women have shaped industries and amassed enormous wealth.
1. Alice Walton ($114 Billion)
Alice Walton, daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, is the richest woman globally and ranks 13th overall. She has a background in economics and finance, having worked as an equity analyst and options trader. She also founded the Llama investment bank in 1988. A passionate art collector, she established the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas.
2. Julia Flesher Koch ($73.8 Billion)
Widow of David Koch, Julia inherited a massive stake in Koch Industries, one of the largest privately held companies in the US. She also has minority ownership in the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty basketball teams. Before her marriage, she worked as an assistant to fashion designer Adolfo Sardina.
3. Jacqueline Badger Mars ($45.9 Billion)
Jacqueline Mars co-owns Mars Inc., the world’s largest confectionery company, known for brands like M&Ms, Snickers, and Pedigree. She continues to serve on the company’s board and supports equestrian sports through philanthropic efforts.
4. Abigail Johnson ($40.3 Billion)
CEO of Fidelity Investments’ parent firm, FMR, Abigail Johnson took over the family business after working as an intern in 1980. She holds a degree in art history and an MBA from Harvard University.
5. Miriam Adelson ($35.2 Billion)
Miriam Adelson, majority shareholder of Las Vegas Sands, was born in Tel Aviv to Holocaust survivors. She studied microbiology and earned a medical degree before shifting her focus to casino operations and philanthropic efforts in addiction treatment.
6. Iris Fontbona ($32.6 Billion)
Matriarch of Chile’s richest family, Iris Fontbona controls Antofagasta, one of the world’s largest copper producers. Her family also owns multiple media and beverage businesses in Chile.
7. Savitri Jindal ($30.4 Billion)
India’s richest woman, Savitri Jindal, chairs OP Jindal Group, a conglomerate involved in steel, power, and infrastructure. She took over the company after her husband’s death in 2005 and remains active in politics.
8. Susanne Klatten ($26.3 Billion)
A major shareholder of BMW, Susanne Klatten also has investments in Altana, SGL Carbon, and Nordex. She holds degrees in business and an MBA, having worked in banking and consulting before joining BMW’s supervisory board.
9. Elaine Marshall ($25 Billion)
Elaine inherited a 15% stake in Koch Industries from her late husband, E. Pierce Marshall. Her fortune represents a decades-long partnership between the Marshall and Koch families.
10. Lyndal Stephens Greth ($22.5 Billion)
Lyndal owns a significant stake in Diamondback Energy, an oil and gas company. With a law degree from Baylor University, she worked as an attorney before joining Endeavor’s board in 2013.
Conclusion
These women have built and inherited vast fortunes, leading industries across retail, manufacturing, and finance. Their success stories highlight resilience, smart investments, and entrepreneurial vision.