Table of Contents
20 richest billionaire heirs around the globe, ranked by net worth
In total, these 934 heirs, making up 33.6% of the list, hold a combined wealth of $5 trillion. This is up from 827 heirs last year, constituting 31.3% of the list, with a total worth of $4.1 trillion.
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These individuals owe their fortunes to various industries, ranging from cement to confectionery, leveraging their resources and connections to pursue entrepreneurial ventures, pursue education at prestigious institutions, or simply enjoy the returns from their substantial inheritances.
While most of the world’s wealthiest individuals are considered self-made, having built their fortunes through their own efforts, a notable portion of the top 25 wealthiest individuals started with substantial inheritances, some exceeding $1 billion.
Among them are Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, the wealthiest woman with an estimated net worth of $99.5 billion, who inherited shares in the cosmetics giant L’Oréal from her grandfather, and Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s richest individual with a net worth of $116 billion, who inherited a portion of his father’s textile manufacturing empire.
Ambani is among 572 individuals who have taken their inherited wealth and diligently expanded it. Beginning with an estimated fortune of $2.9 billion from his late father, Dhirubhai Ambani, Mukesh has grown Reliance Industries into a $110 billion revenue powerhouse encompassing telecom, retail, oil, and gas industries.
Conversely, some heirs inherit established empires and choose to take a hands-off approach, allowing others to manage operations. Mark Mateschitz, for instance, became Austria’s wealthiest individual at 30 following his father’s passing, inheriting his stake in the global energy drink company Red Bull. Despite his substantial wealth, Mateschitz announced his intention to refrain from an active role in the company and focus on his position as a shareholder.
The rise in the number of heirs can be attributed to aging billionaires in the Baby Boomer generation transitioning their wealth to the next generation, resulting in a surge of young heirs. This year saw 107 new heirs, marking the first time since 2009 that every billionaire under 30 inherited their fortune.
Among the youngest heirs is Brazilian heiress Livia Voigt, aged 19, who became the world’s youngest billionaire with a net worth of $1.1 billion, thanks to her minority stake in WEG, an electrical equipment producer founded by her grandfather in 1961.
Similarly, Swedish sisters Sofia and Marta Schörling Högberg, new billionaires, inherited a majority stake in Melker Schörling AB, an investment firm established by their late father, Melker Schörling, who passed away the previous year.
20. Stefan Quandt
Age: 57 | Citizenship: Germany | Source of Wealth: BMW| Net Worth: $27.3 Billion
Ranked at number 20 is Stefan Quandt, a 57-year-old citizen of Germany. He has a net worth of $27.3 billion, primarily derived from his ownership stake in BMW. Quandt inherited 23.6% of BMW from his late father, Herbert Quandt, who was a successful German industrialist until his passing in 1982. Currently, Stefan Quandt serves as the deputy chairman of BMW’s supervisory board. (It’s worth noting that his sister, Susanne Klatten, is also a billionaire.)
19. Germán Larrea Mota Velasco & family
Age: 70 | Citizenship: Mexico | Source of Wealth: Mining | Net Worth: $27.9 Billion
At number 19, we have Germán Larrea Mota Velasco and his family. Germán, aged 70 and a citizen of Mexico, possesses a net worth of $27.9 billion. The primary source of their wealth is mining. They hold approximately 60% ownership in Grupo México, a mining conglomerate established by Germán’s father, Jorge Larrea Ortega, who passed away in 1999. Germán, serving as president and CEO, has diversified the company into infrastructure and rail transportation. Today, Grupo México, with a revenue of $14.4 billion in 2023, stands as one of the largest copper producers globally.
18. Lukas Walton
Age: 37 | Citizenship: U.S. | Source of Wealth: Walmart | Net Worth: $28 Billion
Ranked at number 18 is Lukas Walton, a 37-year-old citizen of the United States. He boasts a net worth of $28 billion, predominantly amassed from Walmart. Lukas inherited his wealth following the tragic passing of his father, John Walton, in a plane crash in 2005. (It’s worth noting that his mother, Christy Walton, is also a billionaire.) Lukas is involved in investing in startups that focus on environmental causes and social change through his family office, Builders Vision.
17. Abigail Johnson
Age: 62 | Citizenship: U.S. | Source of Wealth: Fidelity Investments | Net Worth: $29 Billion
Ranked at number 17 is Abigail Johnson, a 62-year-old citizen of the United States, with a net worth of $29 billion. She holds the position of CEO at Fidelity, a mutual fund giant managing assets worth $4.9 trillion, which was established by her grandfather in 1946. Abigail assumed the top role in 2014, succeeding her father, Edward “Ned” Johnson III, who passed away in 2022. She possesses an estimated 28.5% stake in the firm and also took on the role of chairman in 2016.
16. Miriam Adelson
Age: 78 | Citizenship: U.S. | Source of Wealth: Casinos | Net Worth: $32 Billion
At number 16, we have Miriam Adelson, aged 78 and also a citizen of the United States, with a net worth of $32 billion. She inherited the majority ownership of the publicly traded Las Vegas Sands Corp., the world’s largest casino operator, following the passing of her husband, Sheldon Adelson, the company’s founder and chairman, in 2021 at the age of 87. In November 2023, Miriam sold $2 billion worth of Las Vegas Sands shares and acquired a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks NBA team from fellow billionaire Mark Cuban. Miriam, like Julia Koch, met her late husband through a blind date.
15. Savitri Jindal & family
Age: 74 | Citizenship: India | Source of Wealth: Steel | Net Worth: $33.5 Billion
Ranked at number 15 is Savitri Jindal and her family. Savitri, aged 74 and a citizen of India, boasts a net worth of $33.5 billion. She holds the position of chair at the Indian steel giant, Jindal Group, which she inherited along with her family following the demise of her husband, founder Om Prakash Jindal, in 2005. The conglomerate, with interests in power, cement, and infrastructure, sees each of Savitri’s four sons managing different segments of the business. The family’s wealth has surged by $16 billion compared to the previous year, attributed partly to a 14% rise in the shares of its primary asset, JSW Steel, and the September 2023 IPO of JSW Infrastructure, led by Savitri’s son Sajjan.
14. MacKenzie Scott
Age: 53 | Citizenship: U.S.| Source of Wealth: Amazon| Net Worth: $35.6 Billion
Ranked at number 14 is MacKenzie Scott, a 53-year-old citizen of the United States, with a net worth of $35.6 billion. She acquired a 4% stake in Amazon upon her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in 2019 after 25 years of marriage. Known for her extensive philanthropy, Scott has already donated nearly half of her shares. Recently, she distributed $640 million to 361 organizations through an “Open Call” for grant applications, initially intending to donate $250 million.
13. Alain Wertheimer (joint)
Age: 75 | Citizenship: France| Source of Wealth: Chanel | Net Worth: $36.8 Billion
Number 13 on the list is Alain Wertheimer. He is 75 years old and holds French citizenship. His wealth comes from Chanel, with a net worth of $36.8 billion. Alain, along with his brother Gerard, inherited ownership of the luxury brand from their grandfather Pierre, who founded it with Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel in the 1920s. Alain resides in New York and serves as the chairman of Chanel. The siblings experienced a significant increase in their wealth, adding $5.2 billion in the past year due to Chanel’s revenue rising by 17% to $17.2 billion. Additionally, they shared a $1.7 billion dividend before taxes.
12. Gerard Wertheimer (tie)
Age: 73 | Citizenship: France | Source of Wealth: Chanel | Net Worth: $36.8 Billion
Ranked at number 12 is Gerard Wertheimer, aged 73, and a citizen of France. His wealth, amounting to $36.8 billion, is derived from Chanel, where he serves as the co-owner alongside his brother Alain Wertheimer. Gerard resides in Switzerland and oversees Chanel’s watch division. Apart from their ownership in Chanel, the reclusive brothers jointly own several vineyards across France and the Napa Valley. Additionally, they operate a thoroughbred horse racing and breeding enterprise known as Wertheimer et Frère.
11. Jacqueline Mars (tie)
Age: 84 | Citizenship: United States | Source of Wealth: Candy, pet food | Net Worth: $38.5 Billion
Number 10 on the list is Jacqueline Mars. She is 84 years old and holds United States citizenship. Jacqueline’s wealth comes from her involvement in the candy and pet food industries, with a net worth of $38.5 billion. She, along with her two brothers, John, and the late Forrest Jr., inherited approximately one-third of Mars Inc. from their father Forrest Sr. when he passed away in 1999. The candy business was originally founded by their grandfather, Frank Mars, in 1911 and has since grown into America’s fourth-largest private company. Jacqueline, known for her prominence in the equestrian world, spent nearly 20 years working on Mars before retiring in 2016.
10. John Mars (tie)
Age: 88 | Citizenship: United States | Source of Wealth: Candy, pet food | Net Worth: $38.5 Billion
Ranked at number 10 is John Mars. He is 88 years old and holds United States citizenship. John’s wealth, totaling $38.5 billion, originates from his involvement in the candy and pet food industries. Like his sister Jacqueline, John has maintained a low public profile. He spent many years working in the family business and, along with his late brother Forrest Jr., served as co-president of Mars starting in 1975. Together, they oversaw the expansion of Mars into a diversified global empire encompassing sweets, pet food, and chewing gum. A 1992 Washington Post article depicted how the three Mars siblings worked in the same office and shared a secretary.
9. Mark Mateschitz
Age: 31 | Citizenship: Austria| Source of Wealth: Red Bull | Net Worth: $39.6 Billion
At number 9 is Mark Mateschitz, a 31-year-old citizen of Austria. His wealth, totaling $39.6 billion, is derived from Red Bull, the energy drink company. Mark inherited his father’s 49% stake in Red Bull, along with some cash, real estate, and a share in the Red Bull F1 Racing Team, following his father’s passing in October 2022. Over the past year, Mark earned $630 million in dividends from Red Bull before taxes.
8. Giovanni Ferrero
Age: 59 | Citizenship: Italy | Source of Wealth: Nutella, chocolates | Net Worth: $43.8 Billion
Ranked at number 8 is Giovanni Ferrero, a 59-year-old citizen of Italy. His wealth, totaling $43.8 billion, comes from Nutella and chocolates, which are the main products of his family’s confections business, the Ferrero Group. Giovanni inherited approximately 75% of the stake in the family business following the passing of his father, Michele Ferrero, in 2015.
The Ferrero Group, founded in 1946 by his grandfather Pietro Ferrero, gained prominence with the invention of the hazelnut spread Nutella. Giovanni, along with his late brother Pietro (who passed away in 2011), served as co-CEO of the company from a young age. He led the company for two decades before stepping down in 2017, though he continues to serve as the executive chairman of the Ferrero Group.
7. Julia Koch
Age: 61 | Citizenship: U.S. | Source of Wealth: Koch Industries | Net Worth: $64.3 Billion
Number 7 on the list is Julia Koch, a 61-year-old citizen of the United States. Her wealth, totaling $64.3 billion, originates from Koch Industries. Julia inherited a significant portion of Koch Industries, specifically her late husband David Koch’s 42% stake, following his passing in 2019. Alongside her three children—David Jr., Mary Julia, and John—she became one of the wealthiest individuals globally. Julia holds a seat on the board of directors at Koch Industries and serves as the president of the David H. Koch Charitable Foundation. There are rumors suggesting that she is in discussions to acquire a 10% stake in the Brooklyn Nets NBA team.
6. David Thomson
Age: 66 | Citizenship: Canada | Source of Wealth: Media | Net Worth: $67.8 Billion
Ranked at number 6 is David Thomson, a 66-year-old citizen of Canada. He derives his wealth, totaling $67.8 billion, from the media industry. David assumed the role of chairman of Thomson Corporation, a Toronto-based media empire founded by his grandfather Roy Thomson, following his father’s passing in 2006. In 2008, he played a pivotal role in orchestrating the merger between Thomson Corporation and the news agency Reuters. As a result of this merger, the family’s net worth has tripled, soaring from $22 billion to over $66 billion today.
5. Alice Walton
Age: 74 | Citizenship: U.S. | Source of Wealth: Walmart | Net Worth: $72.3 Billion
Taking the fifth spot is Alice Walton, a 74-year-old citizen of the United States. Her wealth, totaling $72.3 billion, stems from her association with Walmart. Despite being the daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, Alice has largely refrained from involvement in the family business. Instead, she has focused her efforts on pursuits such as horse breeding and art collecting. Notably, she established the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in her hometown of Bentonville, Arkansas, in 2011.
4. Rob Walton
Age: 79 | Citizenship: U.S. | Source of Wealth: Walmart | Net Worth: $77.4 Billion
The eldest Walton heir retains a position on the company’s board of directors. Additionally, he holds the distinction of being the largest individual owner of the NFL’s Denver Broncos. In June 2022, a consortium led by him purchased the team for a historic sum of $4.7 billion. Presently, the team’s value is estimated to be $5.1 billion.
3. Jim Walton
Age: 75 | Citizenship: U.S. | Source of Wealth: Walmart | Net Worth: $78.4 Billion
At number 3 is Jim Walton, a 75-year-old citizen of the United States. His wealth, totaling $78.4 billion, comes from his ownership stake in Walmart. As the youngest son of Sam Walton, Jim owns approximately 12% of the retail giant founded by his father in 1962. Alongside his siblings Rob and Alice, who also own the same portion, Jim saw a remarkable increase of $58 billion in his fortune over the past year, driven by a nearly 20% surge in Walmart’s shares. After serving on Walmart’s board of directors for over a decade, Jim passed his seat to his son Steuart in 2016. Presently, he focuses on managing the family’s Arvest Bank business.
2. Françoise Bettencourt Meyers & family
Age: 70 | Citizenship: France | Source of Wealth: L’Oréal | Net Worth: $99.5 Billion
In the second position is Françoise Bettencourt Meyers and her family, with a combined net worth of $99.5 billion. At 70 years old and holding French citizenship, Bettencourt Meyers maintains her status as the wealthiest woman globally for the fourth consecutive year. This achievement is attributed to her ownership of a 33% stake in L’Oréal, the renowned cosmetics and beauty company established by her chemist grandfather, Eugène Paul Louis Schueller, in 1909. Beyond her role as the vice chair of L’Oréal’s board of directors, she also serves as the chairwoman of her family’s investment firm, Téthys Invest. Bettencourt Meyers made her debut on Forbes’ billionaires list in 2018, following the passing of her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, the previous year.
1. Mukesh Ambani
Age: 66 | Citizenship: India | Source of Wealth: Diversified | Net Worth: $116 Billion
Taking the top spot is Mukesh Ambani, aged 66, hailing from India. With a net worth of $116 billion, Ambani, along with his wife Nita Ambani, commands the spotlight. Inherited from their father Dhirubhai Ambani, Mukesh and his brother Anil share India’s largest fortune. However, a contentious battle for company control resulted in a split between the siblings. While Anil experienced a decline in wealth as several of his businesses faced bankruptcy, Mukesh thrived. His diversified empire encompasses petrochemicals, oil and gas, telecom, and retail sectors, propelling him to become the wealthiest individual in Asia.
