The world’s second richest woman, Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, holds an impressive fortune of £68.5 billion (or $92.4 billion) despite her relative anonymity among the public. Aged 72, she inherited the L’Oréal empire established by her grandfather, Eugene Paul Louis Schueller. Serving on the company’s board of directors from 1997 until recently, she succeeded her mother as the heir to the cosmetics giant after her passing in 2017. Bettencourt Meyers’ legal battle for her inheritance, which involved accusations of exploitation against her mother, ended with eight individuals convicted.
Ranked 20th on Forbes’ global billionaire list, Bettencourt Meyers directs her family’s charitable foundation towards supporting scientific research and artistic initiatives. Her family also contributed $226 million towards the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral after the devastating 2019 fire. Despite her vast wealth, she claims her friendships have endured over time, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections. In an interview with Le Monde, she highlighted her approach to parenting, focusing on instilling values in her two sons and shielding them from an excessive focus on money.
The wealthiest woman globally is Alice Walton, aged 75, holding the 16th spot on Forbes’ billionaire rankings with a fortune of around £84 billion ($112.5 billion). As the daughter of Walmart’s founder, Sam Walton, she has established herself as an esteemed art curator, overseeing the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas. Walton is dedicated to promoting access to the arts, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for all.
Julia Koch and her family rank 22nd on the billionaires list. Aged 63, she acquired a 42% stake in Koch Inc. alongside her children following her husband’s passing in 2019, amassing a net worth of approximately £55.3 billion ($74.2 billion).