By Jaya Pathak
TOP 10 COUNTRIES WITH THE MOST FEMALE BILLIONAIRES 2024
In the realm of global wealth, the spotlight often gravitates towards the trillion-dollar club, predominantly occupied by male tech magnates. However, amidst this narrative, the prominence and distribution of female billionaires across the world have garnered increasing attention.
While the United States leads the pack in terms of the sheer number of female billionaires, followed closely by China, Germany, and Italy, the dynamics of wealth distribution among women paint an intriguing picture. A recent study delves into the geographical distribution and net worth of the world’s wealthiest women, revealing intriguing insights into the concentration of female billionaires.
Unveiling a landscape where the United States hosts a significant proportion of these affluent women, surpassing even China in sheer numbers, the study sheds light on the evolving contours of global wealth.
As we delve into the top 10 countries with the most female billionaires in 2024, it becomes evident that the geographical dispersion of wealth among women underscores the multifaceted nature of economic power and opportunity in the contemporary world.
Countries with the most female billionaires
01. United States – 92
Ranked from 10th to 1st, America’s top female billionaires in 2024 showcase a diverse array of achievements and backgrounds. Diane Goldman Kemper, with a net worth of $3.1 billion, represents real estate wealth inherited from her family’s extensive portfolio.
Despite health setbacks, she remains a significant stakeholder in various developments, notably in the World Trade Center. Christy Walton, widow of a Walmart scion, boasts a fortune exceeding $4 billion, diversifying investments beyond retail into ventures like First Solar. Jin Sook Chang, an immigrant success story, co-founded the global retail brand Forever 21, now worth $4 billion, alongside her family.
Diane Hendricks, a self-made billionaire from Wisconsin, leads ABC Supply, a commercial construction giant, with a net worth nearing $5 billion. Marian Ilitch, renowned for Little Caesars Pizza and investments in sports and gaming, commands a $5 billion fortune, focusing on philanthropy like disaster relief through Love Kitchen.
Blair Parry-Okeden, inheriting Cox Enterprises shares, accumulates $12 billion, primarily engaged in philanthropic endeavors. Abigail Johnson, CEO of Fidelity Investments, amasses $16 billion, emerging as a powerful figure in financial markets. Laurene Powell Jobs, widow of Steve Jobs, orchestrates a $19.4 billion fortune through savvy investments and philanthropic ventures.
Jacqueline Mars, with a net worth of $22 billion, inherits Mars, Inc., navigating family business and philanthropy. Topping the list is Alice Walton, Walmart heiress, commanding an astounding $40.8 billion, renowned for her investments, philanthropy, and art collecting, shaping her legacy as one of the world’s wealthiest and most influential women.
02. China – 46
Leading the roster is Wu Yajun with a staggering net worth of $9.1 billion, recognized for her pivotal role as co-founder and chairperson of Longfor Group, a powerhouse in real estate development. Following closely is Zhong Huijuan, chairperson of Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group, commanding a substantial fortune of $7.6 billion through innovative pharmaceutical ventures.
Yang Huiyan secures the third spot with $6.3 billion, leveraging her inheritance to expand Country Garden Holdings, shaping her as a leading figure in real estate. Zhou Qunfei, founder of Lens Technology, stands at $5.7 billion, revolutionizing the touchscreen industry with her cutting-edge innovations.
Chen Lihua, founder of Fu Wah International Group, boasts $4.2 billion, dominating real estate alongside diverse investments. Fan Hongwei, chairwoman of Hengli Petrochemical, follows with $3.9 billion, steering significant growth in the petrochemical sector. Cheng Xue holds $3.8 billion, as vice chairman of Foshan Haitian Flavouring, a titan in the soy sauce domain.
Zhang Xin, co-founder and CEO of SOHO China, commands $1.2 billion, reshaping Beijing’s skyline with innovative architectural designs. Zhang Yin, founder of Nine Dragons Paper, accumulates $1.1 billion, marking a prominent presence in the international paper manufacturing arena. Finally, Liu Xiaomeng, chairwoman of Daohe Global Group, rounds off the list with $1 billion, focusing on pharmaceuticals and healthcare services.
03. Germany – 32
Susanne Klatten commands the top spot with a staggering $26 billion, leveraging her inheritance from Altana AG to diversify investments across automotive, energy, and technology sectors. Beate Heister, an heir to the ALDI supermarket chain, shares a $16.9 billion fortune, focusing on philanthropy while her brother manages ALDI.
Late Johanna Quandt’s $13.9 billion inheritance from BMW and other holdings emphasizes her philanthropic legacy. Alexandra Schorghuber, with $4.6 billion, retains a significant stake in Schorghuber, a real estate and brewing enterprise. Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler, managing Schaeffler Group with her husband, stands at $2.5 billion, advancing automotive parts innovation.
Anneliese Brost inherits $1.1 billion from WAZ Group, expanding its media reach posthumously. Simone Bagel-Trah, as Henkel’s Supervisory Board Chairwoman, maintains family ties with strategic contributions. Katja Kraus, former Vice President of Hamburger SV, diversifies wealth through media and consulting, marking a notable presence in Germany’s affluent landscape.
04. Italy – 16
In Italy’s billionaires’ realm, noteworthy women include Massimiliana Landini Aleotti & family, with a fortune of $7.3 billion, stemming from pharmaceuticals. Alongside, Miuccia Prada stands at $4.5 billion, renowned for her fashion empire. Also, Nicoletta Zampillo enters the elite circle with $4.0 billion, contributing significantly to Italy’s affluent landscape.
These women, amidst Italy’s wealthy elite dominated by men, exemplify resilience and success in diverse sectors, from pharmaceuticals to fashion, showcasing Italy’s rich entrepreneurial spirit and the rising influence of women in its economic landscape.
05. Australia – 9
In the realm of Australia’s wealthiest women, Gina Rinehart reigns supreme with a staggering net worth of $30.77 billion, securing her position as a global heavyweight. Following closely is Melanie Perkins, with a substantial fortune of $3.62 billion, showcasing her entrepreneurial prowess in the tech industry.
Fiona Geminder follows with a net worth of $2.75 billion, a testament to her business acumen in the pharmaceutical sector. Meanwhile, Heloise Pratt commands a significant wealth of $2.21 billion, reflecting her family’s legacy in the manufacturing and packaging industry. The list continues with Ginia Rinehart and Bianca Rinehart, each with a net worth of $2.15 billion and $2.14 billion, respectively, inheriting their wealth from Australia’s mining magnate.
Also notable is Hope Welker at $2.14 billion, showcasing diverse sources of wealth among Australia’s affluent women. Finally, Gretel Packer and Angela Bennett round out the list with fortunes of $1.67 billion and $1.28 billion, highlighting their significant contributions to Australia’s economic landscape.
06. India – 9
Topping the list is Savitri Jindal, with a staggering net worth of $29.1 billion, attributed to her association with the Jindal Group, where her leadership has propelled the conglomerate to unprecedented heights. Following closely is Rohiqa Cyrus Mistry at $8.7 billion, while Rekha Jhunjhunwala holds the third position with $8.0 billion, boasting substantial stakes in Titan Company Limited and other ventures.
Among the top 10, Vinod Rai Gupta stands at $4.2 billion, affiliated with Havells, followed by Smita Crishna-Godrej at $3.3 billion, representing the legacy of the Godrej Group. Leena Tewari commands $3.2 billion through USV Pharma, while Falguni Nayar makes her mark with Nykaa at $3.0 billion.
Anu Aga holds $2.8 billion through Thermax, while Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw follows closely at $2.5 billion with Biocon. Finally, Radha Vembu rounds off the list at $2.1 billion, showcasing her influence through Zoho Corporation.
07. Hong Kong – 9
Kwong Siu-hing leads the list with a substantial net worth of $12.0 billion, followed closely by Pansy Ho with $3.7 billion. These women are followed by Zeng Fangqin at $4.0 billion, demonstrating their significant presence in Hong Kong’s financial corridors.
Their influence is further underscored by Li Ping with $4.5 billion, showcasing the diverse industries and sectors where women are making significant strides. Amidst the elite group, Ruan Liping and Ruan Xueping share a combined net worth of $11.2 billion, highlighting their prowess in the business world.
Wang Laichun commands $7.5 billion, while Law Kar Po follows closely at $7.0 billion, embodying the resilience and determination of Hong Kong’s female billionaires. The list is completed by Zhou Qunfei, a prominent figure with $6.4 billion, reflecting the diversity and dynamism of Hong Kong’s business landscape, where women continue to play pivotal roles in shaping its future trajectory.
08. Spain – 8
Leading the group is Sandra Ortega Mera with a substantial net worth of $8.5 billion, showcasing her prominence in the business world. Followed closely are remarkable women like Isak Andic & family at $3.9 billion, Miguel Fluxa Rossello with $3.4 billion, and Maria Del Pino with $3.2 billion, demonstrating their impact across various sectors.
Hortensia Herrero and Alicia Koplowitz share a net worth of $3.1 billion, highlighting their influence and success. The list is rounded out by accomplished women such as Sol Daurella with $2.4 billion, embodying the resilience and determination of Spain’s female billionaires.
09. Switzerland – 8
Among the prominent women billionaires of Switzerland, Rafaela Aponte-Diamant and Magdalena Martullo-Blocher stand out with their significant net worth. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant holds a substantial fortune of $31.1 billion, showcasing her profound influence in the economic landscape. Alongside her, Magdalena Martullo-Blocher commands a notable net worth of $6.6 billion, reflecting her remarkable achievements in business.
Additionally, Rahel Blocher shares the same net worth as Magdalena Martullo-Blocher, further emphasizing the presence of influential women in Switzerland’s billionaire ranks. These women, amidst a list dominated by male counterparts, symbolize the growing role and impact of female entrepreneurs and leaders in Switzerland’s business and financial sectors.
WORLD’S TOP 10 RICHEST WOMEN BILLIONAIRES 2024
- Francoise Bettencourt-Meyers (France): $96.7 billion
- Alice Walton (United States): $61.0 billion
- Julia Koch (United States): $58.9 billion
- MacKenzie Scott (United States): $38.9 billion
- Jacqueline Mars (United States): $38.5 billion
- Miriam Adelson (United States): $33.6 billion
- Gina Rinehart (Australia): $33.3 billion
- Savitri Jindal (India): $28.3 billion
- Abigail Johnson (United States): $27.9 billion
- Susanne Klatten (Germany): $24.5 billion
