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Business Mayor
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
The Richest Women In The World 2025: Billionaires Redefining Power & Purpose
At Luxe Digital, we chase the extraordinary. Our Striking Superlatives series dives headfirst into the world's rarest, priciest, and most exclusive treasures—spanning art, assets, and empires—and brings you along for the ride. Curiosity, after all, sparks discovery and ignites conversation. This time, we're spotlighting the world's richest women, whose colossal fortunes reshape industries and redefine power. From inherited dynasties to self-forged empires, these women —from philanthropists to innovators—wield wealth as a force for change. Alice Walton has reclaimed her throne as the world's wealthiest woman, propelled by Walmart's skyrocketing stock, overtaking L'Oréal heiress Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, whose fortune dipped with the market. Meanwhile, Rafaela Aponte-Diamant commands the seas as the richest self-made female billionaire, steering the world's largest shipping empire. Our rankings are meticulously crafted, cross-referencing Forbes' 2025 Billionaires List (April 2025) with Bloomberg's Billionaires 2025 Index, a daily snapshot of global wealth (as of 14 May 2025). Net worths are presented as ranges, capturing the dynamics of ever-shifting markets. Based in the U.S., Melinda French Gates, born in 1964, is a philanthropist and advocate for women's empowerment and gender equity. Formerly married to Bill Gates (the planet's once-richest man), she co-founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Following their 2021 divorce, which included a reported $25 billion settlement, she resigned from the foundation in 2024 to focus on Pivotal Ventures, supporting women-led startups. Net Worth: $15.7–$30.4 billion Age: 60 Country: United States Industry: Technology Source of Wealth: Microsoft, Divorce settlement, Investments Impact: Invested $1 billion in 50+ women-led startups since 2024. Interesting Fact: Authored the New York Times bestselling The Moment of Lift . Gina Rinehart, born in 1954, is the executive chairwoman of Hancock Prospecting, Australia's largest private company. Inheriting a struggling mining firm from her father, Lang Hancock, in 1992, she transformed it into a powerhouse through strategic iron ore expansion and rare-earth ventures. Based in Perth, she also oversees a 9.2 million-acre cattle empire. Rinehart's bold leadership has solidified her status as a dominant force in Australia's mining and agricultural sectors. Net Worth: $26.9–29.3 billion Age: 71 Country: Australia Industry: Metals & Mining, Agriculture Source of Wealth: Inherited, Hancock Prospecting Impact: Major shareholder in MP Materials, advancing green tech. Employs 5,000+ across Australia's largest private company. Interesting Fact: Owns the world's largest cattle station, Anna Creek. Marilyn Simons, born in 1951, is a philanthropist and economist with a PhD from Stony Brook University. She co-founded the Simons Foundation with her late husband, Jim Simons, a hedge fund pioneer who passed away in 2024. The foundation funds STEM and autism research, with her grants empowering scientists worldwide, channeling her inherited wealth into scientific breakthroughs. Net Worth: $31 billion Age: 74 Country: United States Industry: Finance & Investments Source of Wealth: Inherited, Renaissance Technologies Impact: Simons Foundation supports 1,000+ researchers annually. Interesting Fact: Co-founded Math for America to train STEM teachers. Miriam Adelson, born in 1945, is a physician and philanthropist who inherited a majority stake in casino company Las Vegas Sands following her husband Sheldon Adelson's death in 2021. Trained in medicine at Tel Aviv University, she has donated over $1 billion to addiction research. A prominent GOP donor based in the U.S., she also co-owns the American professional basketball team Dallas Mavericks. Adelson leverages her wealth to advance scientific research and shape political landscapes, honoring her husband's legacy while forging her own. Net Worth: $32.1–$34.4 billion Age: 79 Country: United States Industry: Casinos Source of Wealth: Inherited, Las Vegas Sands Impact: Clinics treat 10,000+ addiction patients yearly. Interesting Fact: Owns a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks. Savitri Jindal, born in 1940, is the chairwoman of the Jindal Group, a leading Indian conglomerate in steel, power, and cement. After her husband's death in 2005, she transformed personal tragedy into industrial triumph, significantly expanding the family business. Based in India, she also served as a Haryana minister until 2024. Through her foundation, she supports education and healthcare initiatives, demonstrating a strong commitment to social impact. Net Worth: $30.9–35.5 billion Age: 85 Country: India Industry: Steel, Infrastructure Source of Wealth: Inherited, Jindal Group Impact: Jindal Group employs 50,000+ and funds schools and hospitals. Interesting Fact: Served as a minister in Haryana's government until 2024. Abigail Johnson, born in 1961, is the CEO of Fidelity Investments, a Boston-based firm founded by her grandfather. Joining in 1988, she became CEO in 2014, driving innovation with crypto trading and Bitcoin ETFs. A low-profile leader, she serves on boards like SIFMA, shaping the financial industry. Johnson's strategic vision blends tradition with innovation, solidifying Fidelity's dominance and establishing her as a pioneer in wealth management and fintech. Net Worth: $32.7–39.2 billion Age: 63 Country: United States Industry: Finance, Investments Source of Wealth: Inherited, Fidelity Investments Impact: Manages $5.9 trillion in assets for 40 million investors. Interesting Fact: First woman to serve on the Financial Services Forum board and lead a major mutual fund firm. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant, born in 1945, is a Swiss-Italian entrepreneur who co-founded Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) in 1970 with her husband, Gianluigi, using a $200,000 loan. Their meeting on a Capri boat trip sparked a global shipping empire with over 900 vessels. Recognized by Forbes as a Self-Made Woman, she plays a key role in MSC Cruises, overseeing ship designs. Net Worth: $37.7 billion Age: 80 Country: Switzerland Industry: Logistics Source of Wealth: Self-made, MSC Impact: MSC handles 7% of global shipping containers, serving 155+ countries. Interesting Fact: Personally decorates MSC Cruises' luxury liners. Jacqueline Mars, born in 1939, is an heiress to Mars, Inc., the family-owned candy empire behind M&M's and Snickers. The granddaughter of founder Frank Mars, she joined the company in 1982 and inherited a one-third stake. Based in Virginia, she is a passionate advocate for conservation and equestrian causes, dedicating significant resources to protecting vast U.S. landscapes. Net Worth: $42.6–44.6 billion Age: 85 Country: United States Industry: Food & Beverage, Confectionery Source of Wealth: Inherited, Mars, Inc. Impact: Protects 100,000+ acres of U.S. land through grants. Interesting Fact: Her Virginia horse farm trains Olympic medalists' mounts. Julia Koch, born in 1962 in Iowa, is a philanthropist who inherited a 42% stake in Koch, Inc. (formerly Koch Industries), a major private firm in oil, agriculture, and more, following the 2019 death of her husband, industrialist David Koch. Transitioning from a fashion assistant to a prominent steward of the company, she is based in New York and supports cultural institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art while funding medical advancements. Her philanthropy reflects a commitment to cultural and scientific progress. Net Worth: $74.2–78.1 billion Age: 63 Country: United States Industry: Industrial Source of Wealth: Inherited, Koch, Inc. Impact: Donated $75 million to NYU Langone for a Florida medical center. Interesting Fact: Owns 15% stakes in Brooklyn Nets, Liberty, and Barclays Center. Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, born in 1953 in France, is the heiress to L'Oréal, holding a 35% stake in the cosmetics giant behind Maybelline and Lancôme. Inheriting her fortune from her mother, Liliane, in 2017, her wealth persists despite a 20% dip in L'Oréal's stock. An author of mythology books, she combines intellectual pursuits with business acumen. Through her foundation, she funds science and arts, while her mother's life inspired the 2025 Cannes-premiered film The Richest Woman in the World by Thierry Klifa. Net Worth: $81.6–90.4 billion Age: 71 Country: France Industry: Cosmetics, Retail Source of Wealth: Inherited, L'Oréal Impact: Funds 150+ science and art projects annually via Fondation Bettencourt Schueller. Interesting Facts: Donated $226 million to rebuild Notre-Dame after its 2019 fire. First woman to reach $100 billion net worth in 2023. Alice Walton, born in 1949 in Arkansas, is the daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton and a prominent philanthropist. Inheriting a significant Walmart stake in 1992, she founded the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in 2011, showcasing works by artists like Warhol and O'Keeffe. In 2025, she launched the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, advancing equitable healthcare education. Living privately, Walton transforms her retail fortune into cultural enrichment and social impact. Net Worth: $101–115 billion Age: 75 Country: United States Industry: Retail Source of Wealth: Inherited, Walmart Impact: Her museum Crystal Bridges welcomes 600,000 visitors yearly; her medical school promotes equitable healthcare. Interesting Fact: Owns a $25 million art collection, including a $35 million Durand painting. Sold $21 million in Walmart stock in 2024 to fund philanthropy. With over $500 billion in collective wealth, these richest women in the world—nine inheriting wealth, one self-made, and one from a divorce settlement—command retail, logistics, and mining. Their impact—spanning museums, hospitals, and startups—shows wealth's potential to drive change. Read More Star-Studded: 8 Best Valentino Bags To Invest In Self-made successes, though, lag behind inherited empires, highlighting a stark wealth gap. Yet, rising stars like Canva's Melanie Perkins signal a tech-driven future, with slowly more women poised to disrupt the ranks. Celebrities like Oprah Winfrey ($3 billion), the first Black female billionaire since 2003 via her media empire, alongside Rihanna ($1.7 billion), Taylor Swift ($1.6 billion), and Beyoncé ($800 million), underscore entertainment's growing influence—though their wealth pales next to inherited fortunes like Alice Walton's $101 billion. This inspired our separate ranking of the world's richest self-made women, with a spotlight on the under-40 trailblazers shaping the future. List of richest women in the world (Descending order by Net Worth):
TimesLIVE
11-05-2025
- General
- TimesLIVE
To transition is a part of being human
In The Next Day, Melinda French Gates opens up about the big decisions she made in her life, and offers a new perspective on dealing with transitions. We asked her a few questions about her new book: This book is much different than The Moment of Lift. What drove you to write this particular book now? You're right, it's much more personal than my first book. I never expected to be writing something like this, but there's a lot that's happened in my life lately that I didn't see coming. Over the past few years I've had a lot of opportunity to think about transitions and how there is something to be gained from even the ones we didn't ask for. Last year, I gave a graduation speech at the university my two daughters went to, and when I spoke to the class presidents beforehand, it dawned on me that these young people were grappling with some of the same challenges around change that I was. This topic is relevant to all of us — so I thought that in writing about what's been helpful to me through the transitions I've experienced, maybe I could offer something helpful those going through a transition of their own. Transitions seems very different to changes in that there is a deeper involvement of making choices and having a responsibility to yourself. What does transition mean to you? A transition is the space between an ending and a new beginning. The part in the middle where you're wondering who you are now that one chapter of your life has ended and you're not sure what your next one will look like. I think of it as a clearing in your life — a big wide-open space. There's a lot of uncertainty there, but also a lot of possibility. Do you think women at a certain age experience a midlife crisis? If so, how is this different to men, and why? And should we call it something else? I wouldn't presume to speak for all women, but my personal theory is that for women who choose to become mothers, it's such an identity shift that many of us have our midlife crises then. All of a sudden, you're living life in a different body, and your whole world revolves around a brand-new set of priorities. It's a beautiful thing but it definitely changes you, and maybe it inoculates you against some of the identity crises that set in later. Could you expand for us what 'The Next Day' is after a transition has been made, and how this presented itself to you. All of our lives are a series of transitions. We don't get to choose what happens to us, but we do get to choose our response. What we do the next day is what makes us who we are and how we make our lives our own. And by focusing our efforts there, we focus on what we can control instead of what we can't. You honour your parents in the book wonderfully; how is it different viewing them now at the age you're at? I am very lucky that both of my parents are still living, so our relationship continues to change and grow. When I want to get back in touch with myself and my values, I go see my parents. Sometimes, it's what they say, but quite often it's just being in their presence. You write about how 'in moments of transition, we step into a clearing in our lives'. Could you expand a little bit on this and how it pertained to your recent transitions of divorce and leaving The Foundation? Yes. During times of transition, we step out of the thicket of our ordinary routines and into an unfamiliar space. It's important to find the courage to linger in this space and see what it has to tell you. I'm trying to pay attention to the people and ideas that enter my life in this season of transition, and see where they could lead me. Your intention is made clear that you will write about why you left Bill, but not exactly what he has done. Why is that? You know, I think questions about Bill are for Bill to answer. I write about the divorce because it would be totally disingenuous to write a book about the major transitions in my life without mentioning it. But I tried to walk the careful line of writing only about my experience of that painful event, not anyone else's. Taking the pressure off, not sticking to that to-do list, not being the perfect parent, friend, spouse, is what we need to do to grow. How do you struggle with that in terms of publishing a book? You're right. I write in the book that over time, I've finally learnt to stop cramming my life with to-do lists and goals and to leave some room for spontaneity. I guess the book is an example of that spontaneity. Like I say at the beginning, I never expected to be writing a book like this! This was not in my plans. You write that the best advice you got from your mom is to 'set your own agenda or someone else will set it for you', and this has become one of your mantras. Can you give one example of when you had to use this in a practical sense. Definitely. If there is one thing I've heard over and over again in my work as an advocate for women and girls, it's: 'Now is not the right time to talk about gender equality.' I've been told that if I talk about gender equality, world leaders won't take me seriously. I've been told that if I talk about gender equality, I'll come across as out-of-touch or irrelevant or whatever else. And I am very proud that again and again, I've refused to take that advice. That was one way I set my own agenda — and it's because I want to make it possible for other women around the world to set their own agendas, too. Is there any regret leaving The Foundation, especially seeing what is happening now? And also, can you explain what you are doing now? What is Pivotal? I'm not sure that there has ever been a more important moment to be fighting for women and girls, and I think I'm exactly where I need to be to contribute as much to fighting for women as possible. I started Pivotal in 2015 to work on issues including expanding women's power and influence and supporting adolescent mental health in the US. Today, we're also investing in women's health around the world. The things I care about — building women's power, creating a more equal future, protecting women's health and nurturing their potential — haven't changed at all. I'm just working on them from a different building and taking a slightly different approach. You include quite a bit of poetry in your book. Was poetry always something you enjoyed and felt inspired by? Do you have a favourite poem? I've always been a reader, and yes, I think poetry has a special power to translate experience into understanding. Different moods propel me toward different poems, but one of my favourites is the one I open the book with, The Journey by the incredible Mary Oliver. It's about hearing your inner voice and finding the courage to follow it, something that has been extremely important to me in my own personal journey.
