A definitive ranking of the most powerful, wealthy, and influential women shaping global business today.
1. Alice Walton – The Artful Retail Heiress
Net Worth: $101 billion
As the sole daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, Alice has parlayed her inheritance into cultural clout. Founder of Arkansas’s Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, she’s expanded world‑class exhibitions into rural America and remains a leading philanthropist in arts and education.
2. Françoise Bettencourt Meyers – L’Oréal’s Visionary Heiress
Net Worth: $81.6 billion
At the helm of the world’s largest cosmetics empire, Françoise has driven L’Oréal’s expansion across Asia and championed sustainable beauty lines. As chair of her family’s holding company, she also funds scientific research and cultural initiatives worldwide.
3. Julia Koch – The Low‑Profile Powerbroker
Net Worth: $74.2 billion
Inheriting a major stake in Koch Industries, Julia has stepped into boardroom prominence, guiding one of America’s largest private firms. A dedicated philanthropist, she supports education, medical research, and the arts—quietly yet decisively shaping multiple sectors.
4. Abigail Johnson – Wall Street’s Fintech Pioneer
Net Worth: $38 billion
As CEO of Fidelity Investments—managing over $4.5 trillion in assets—Abigail has transformed the century‑old family firm into a fintech powerhouse. Under her leadership, Fidelity has embraced crypto, ESG investing, and cutting‑edge digital platforms.
5. Gina Rinehart – Australia’s Mining Maverick
Net Worth: $30 billion
Turning her father’s faltering mining enterprise into Hancock Prospecting, Gina commands Australia’s iron ore and gas industries. A fierce voice on economic policy, she’s one of the nation’s richest and most influential industrialists.
6. MacKenzie Scott – Philanthropy’s Disruptor
Net Worth: $26.7 billion
Since her divorce from Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, MacKenzie has redefined billionaire giving—donating over $19 billion to 2,000+ organizations across racial equity, LGBTQ+ rights, and education. Her fast, unrestricted grants model is reshaping global philanthropy.
7. Diane Hendricks – Self‑Made Construction Queen
Net Worth: $22.3 billion
From real estate agent and single mother to co‑founder of ABC Supply, Diane built America’s largest roofing distributor. A trailblazer in construction and conservative politics, her story exemplifies grit, vision, and entrepreneurial tenacity.
8. Safra Catz – Oracle’s Strategic Powerhouse
Net Worth: $2.6 billion
As co‑CEO of Oracle, Safra has driven landmark acquisitions—PeopleSoft, Sun Microsystems, NetSuite—and steered the company’s cloud computing ambitions. Known for her fiscal acumen and decisive leadership, she ranks among tech’s most powerful executives.
9. Rihanna – From Pop Icon to Beauty Billionaire
Net Worth: $1.4 billion
Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty shattered industry norms with 40+ foundation shades, while Savage X Fenty pioneered inclusive lingerie. Crowned the world’s youngest female billionaire in 2022, she stands at the intersection of entertainment, fashion, and commerce.
10. Oprah Winfrey – The Empathy‑Driven Media Mogul
Net Worth: $3 billion
From her groundbreaking talk show to OWN network and Harpo Productions, Oprah built a multimedia empire. Her savvy investments—from WeightWatchers to Apple TV+—and her philanthropic initiatives continue to inspire and empower millions globally.
These ten women exemplify the diverse paths to business success—inheritance turned cultural stewardship, self-made empires, and philanthropic innovation—each reshaping industries and setting new standards for female leadership in 2025.
