The richest woman in Europe has a fortune estimated at $76 billion; meet the 5 richest women on the continent – TK

The richest woman in Europe has a fortune estimated at $76 billion; meet the 5 richest women on the continent

The list of the wealthiest women in Europe, compiled by Forbes magazine, highlights billionaires who have built or inherited fortunes in various sectors, such as beauty, tourism, automotive, pharmaceuticals, finance, and telecommunications. These businesswomen and investors not only amass vast wealth but also exert significant influence in their respective fields. In addition to financial success, many of them have a strong philanthropic presence and play essential roles in developing sustainable and innovative businesses.

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The richest woman on the continent is French Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, 71, granddaughter of the founder of the cosmetics giant L’Oréal. With a fortune valued at an impressive $76 billion, Françoise has been the company’s largest shareholder since the death of her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, in 2017. Her role at the company extends far beyond that of an heir: she has been a board member since 1997 and is deeply involved in managing and setting the strategic direction of the business.

L’Oréal, founded in 1909, has become the largest cosmetics company in the world, with a global presence and a portfolio that includes renowned brands like Lancôme, Maybelline, Garnier, and Kérastase. Under Françoise’s leadership, the company has invested heavily in research and innovation, including sustainability initiatives and the development of products with a lower environmental impact.

In addition to her corporate influence, Françoise is also known for her commitment to philanthropy. Under her leadership, the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation has funded projects in the arts, science, and education, as well as making a significant donation toward the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris after the 2019 fire.

Recently, Françoise announced her intention to step away from business, with plans to retire later this year. In Forbes’ real-time billionaire rankings, she holds the 20th position globally. When considering only women, she is the second richest in the world, trailing only Alice Walton, Walmart’s heir, who has an estimated fortune of $107.5 billion.

The five richest women in Europe:

Françoise Bettencourt Meyers

  • Fortune: $76 billion
  • Age: 71
  • Country: France
  • Sector: Cosmetics (L’Oréal)
  • Highlights: Largest shareholder of L’Oréal, board member since 1997, strong philanthropic involvement.

Rafaela Aponte-Diamant

  • Fortune: $38.5 billion
  • Age: 79
  • Country: Switzerland
  • Sector: Maritime Transport (MSC)
  • Highlights: Co-owner of MSC, the world’s largest privately owned shipping company. Along with her husband, Gianluigi Aponte, she helped expand the company from a family business into a global conglomerate. Rafaela also plays a strong role in designing and setting the ambiance of MSC Cruises’ luxurious ships. The company is involved not only in maritime tourism but also in cargo transport and international logistics, serving as a pillar of the global economy in the sector.

Susanne Klatten

  • Fortune: $23.3 billion
  • Age: 62
  • Country: Germany
  • Sector: Automotive and Pharmaceuticals (BMW and Altana AG)
  • Highlights: Heir to BMW, holding 19% of shares, and Altana AG, a pharmaceutical company founded by her grandfather. With a background in economics and an MBA, Susanne invests in cutting-edge technology, data security, and advanced materials, such as carbon composites used in the automotive and aerospace industries. Under her influence, BMW has focused on fleet electrification and sustainable mobility solutions, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and lead the transition to more eco-friendly vehicles.

Renata Kellnerova

  • Fortune: $17.3 billion
  • Age: 57
  • Country: Czech Republic
  • Sector: Finance and Telecommunications (PPF Group)
  • Highlights: Widow of Petr Kellner, founder of the PPF Group conglomerate, which operates in various industries including telecommunications, banking, and real estate investments. Since her husband’s death in a helicopter crash in 2021, Renata has taken the helm of the company and also chairs the Kellner Family Foundation, focused on education. PPF has expanded its operations in Europe and Asia, solidifying its position as one of the largest financial groups in the region.

Beate Heister

  • Fortune: $14.7 billion
  • Age: 74
  • Country: Germany
  • Sector: Retail (Aldi)
  • Highlights: Daughter of Karl Albrecht Sr., co-founder of the supermarket chain Aldi, known for its operational efficiency and low-price strategy. Beate, along with her family, controls a significant portion of the Aldi empire, which continues to grow with operations in dozens of countries and a strong presence in the U.S. and Europe. Founded in the 1940s, Aldi revolutionized the concept of affordable and efficient retail, making it one of the greatest success stories in the sector.

The presence of these women at the top of European fortunes reflects the diversification of wealth-generating sectors on the continent, from traditional family-owned companies to innovations in technology and investment management. Beyond managing vast fortunes, many of them play a prominent role in philanthropy and the development of new trends in their markets. The legacy they are building goes far beyond numbers and leaves lasting marks on the global economy. Whether in the cosmetics, transportation, automotive, or retail sectors, these billionaires play a crucial role in building a more sustainable and innovative economic future.

Picture of Aarushi Sharma
Aarushi Sharma

an editor at TK since 2024.

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