The future is female: Forbes Top 10 Richest Women in the World

#1. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers - L'Oreal

Net Worth: $80.5 Billion

For the third consecutive year, the L'Oréal heiress maintains her position as the wealthiest woman globally, buoyed by a remarkable 12% surge in the cosmetics company's stock compared to the previous year. Alongside her commitment of $230 million alongside L'Oréal for the reconstruction of Notre Dame Cathedral, she has demonstrated further business acumen by appointing a managing director to oversee operations at Téthys Invest, her investment firm. Through Téthys Invest, she continues to support impactful projects such as backing the French private hospital operator Elsan.

#2. Julia Koch- Koch Industries

Net Worth: $59 Billion

The widow of David Koch, who passed away in 2019, holds a significant 42% stake in the conglomerate Koch Industries, in partnership with her three adult children. Alongside her family responsibilities, she directs the David H. Koch Foundation, which has generously contributed around $1.8 billion to various causes, including addressing poverty, addiction-related challenges, criminal justice reform, and education initiatives. Notably, she recently assumed the role of trustee at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, further extending her commitment to philanthropy and cultural enrichment.

#3. Alice Walton- Walmart

Net Worth: $56.7 Billion

Having inherited a stake in Walmart from her father, the late cofounder Sam Walton (d. 1992), she is prominently recognized in the family's native state of Arkansas. Renowned for her cultural contributions, she established the esteemed Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in their hometown of Bentonville. This museum showcases a remarkable collection of artworks by renowned artists such as Warhol, Rockwell, and Rothko, solidifying her legacy as a patron of the arts and a champion of cultural enrichment in the community.

#4. Jacqueline Mars- Mars(Candy, Pet Food)

Net Worth: $38.3 Billion

The sibling duo of Mars and her brother, John Mars, collectively hold an estimated one-third ownership stake in Mars Inc., a global powerhouse in the candy and pet food industries. Mars Inc. is renowned for producing beloved confectionery staples such as M&M's, Hubba Bubba, and Snickers. Their grandfather, Frank C. Mars, laid the foundation for this iconic company in 1911, and their continued involvement underscores the family's enduring legacy in the business world.

#5. Miriam Adelson

Net Worth: $35 Billion

Adelson assumed the role of majority shareholder of Las Vegas Sands, the premier global casino operator, following the passing of her husband, the influential Republican Party figure Sheldon Adelson, in 2021. In addition to her business interests, she is a respected medical professional, having pursued a career as a medical doctor. Forbes estimates reveal her remarkable philanthropic contributions, with nearly $1 billion donated over her lifetime to support medical research and advancements in drug discovery, solidifying her impact beyond the realm of business.

#6. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant

Net Worth: $31.2 Billion

Aponte-Diamant ascends to the ranks of the top 10 wealthiest women globally this year, following Forbes' reevaluation of MSC, a titan in the shipping industry co-founded by her and her husband, Gianluigi, in 1970 with just one vessel. Notably, Rafaela and Gianluigi were previously listed jointly; however, Forbes' 2023 update now recognizes them as individual billionaires, reflecting a comprehensive reassessment of how shared wealth is categorized.

#7. Susanne Klatten

Net Worth: $27.4 Billion

Susanne Klatten holds a substantial 19% stake in the renowned German automaker BMW. She is the daughter of the third wife of the legendary industrialist Herbert Quandt, whose visionary leadership steered BMW to dominance in the luxury automotive sector. With a background in economics and an MBA to her credit, Klatten also commands ownership of Altana, a distinguished chemicals company established by her grandfather, further cementing her prominent role in both the automotive and chemical industries.

#8. Gina Rinehart

Net Worth: $27 Billion

The Australian tycoon leads as chairperson of the mining and agriculture conglomerate Hancock Prospecting Group, an enterprise she inherited from her father, Lang Hancock, following his passing in 1992. Despite facing an 11% decline in her fortune since March 2022, primarily attributed to the downturn in iron ore prices, she retains her position as the wealthiest individual in Australia, a testament to her enduring influence and success in the industry.

#9. MacKenzie Scott

Net Worth: $24.4 Billion

Following her divorce from Jeff Bezos in 2019, she inherited a 4% stake in Amazon, which she has since been divesting at a rapid pace. Through her Yield Giving organization, she has embarked on a remarkable philanthropic journey, donating over $14 billion to approximately 1,600 charities. Her dedication to giving back demonstrates a profound commitment to making a positive impact on society through her immense wealth.

#10. Iris Fontbona

Net Worth: $23.1 Billion

Fontbona, recognized as the wealthiest woman in Latin America, was married to the Chilean tycoon Andrónico Luksic until his passing in 2005. Luksic, known for his ventures in mining and beverages, left behind a substantial legacy. Fontbona, along with her two sons, oversees and chairs Antofagasta plc, a prominent Chilean mining company renowned for its expertise in copper production. Additionally, they possess a considerable interest in Quiñenco, a publicly traded holding company engaged in various sectors including manufacturing, banking, and beverages, further solidifying their influential presence in the region's business landscape.