While names like Elon Musk, Bernard Arnault, and Jeff Bezos dominate discussions on the world’s wealthiest, it’s time to shine a spotlight on Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, the current title holder as the world’s richest woman, and others like her. Get ready to be informed and inspired as we delve into the stories of numerous female billionaires across Europe.

Forbes’ latest ranking reveals an increase in the number of women billionaires to 337, up from 327 in 2022. Their share of the billionaire population has also slightly grown, now standing at 13% compared to 12% in the previous year.

Let’s take a look into some facts and figures about world female billionaires.

• There are 337 female billionaires globally, with 32 in Germany, 16 in Italy, 8 each in Switzerland and Spain, 7 in Sweden, 6 in France, and 4 in Denmark.
• Françoise Bettencourt Meyers of France has held the title of the world’s wealthiest woman since 2021.
• As per a 2021 billionaire census, women constitute 11.9% of billionaires, with over half of female billionaires inherited their wealth.
• Approximately 30% of female billionaires globally have amassed wealth through a mix of inheritance and personal achievements.
• In the broader female billionaire community, 16.9% are self-made, and 53.5% have acquired wealth through a combination of inheritance and self-made success, as of 2017.

Now, let’s take a look at the top 5 richest women and female billionaires in Europe.

Françoise Bettencourt Meyers and Family 

Born on July 10, 1953, Françoise Bettencourt Meyers is a French businesswoman, philanthropist, writer, and billionaire heiress. As of November 2023, Forbes estimates her net worth at US$97.7 billion, making her the world’s wealthiest woman. 

Françoise, the sole heiress of Liliane Bettencourt and granddaughter of L’Oréal founder Eugène Schueller, saw her fortune triple after her mother’s passing in September 2017. Holding 33% of L’Oréal stock alongside her family, she has been a board member since 1997 and currently chairs the family holding company. 

Notably, she played a pivotal role in the philanthropic effort to donate $226 million for the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral after the April 2019 fire. Françoise has maintained the title of the world’s richest woman for three consecutive years.

Rafaela Aponte-Diamant

Rafaela Aponte-Diamant, the second on our list, is recognized as the world’s wealthiest self-made woman, as per Forbes’ 2023 Billionaires list. The 78 year old who is a Swiss-Israeli national holds a prominent position in the shipping industry, primarily due to her 50% ownership of the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Group, the largest shipping line globally. 

This substantial fortune was built alongside her husband, Gianluigi, starting in 1970 with the purchase of a ship using a $200,000 loan. Rafaela is acknowledged for her role in decorating ships for MSC Cruises, while Gianluigi serves as MSC’s executive chairman, and their son, Diego, holds the position of MSC’s president. Forbes estimates her net worth to be $28.5 billion as of December 2023. 

Susanne Klatten

Susanne Hanna Ursula Klatten, born on 28 April 1962, is a German billionaire heiress and the daughter of Herbert and Johanna Quandt. As of December 2023, she is considered the richest woman in Germany and the 50th wealthiest individual globally, with a net worth of $24.9 billion, according to Forbes. 

Klatten, who owns 19% of BMW, played a significant role in the success of the German automaker, given her lineage as the daughter of the renowned industrialist Herbert Quandt. In addition to her automotive interests, she is the owner of Altana, a pharmaceutical company founded by her grandfather, boasting over $2.5 billion in annual sales. 

Holding an MBA in economics, Klatten also serves as the deputy chair of Altana. Furthermore, she has investments in Entrust, specializing in digital identity and data security, and SGL Group, a carbon and graphite producer.

Miuccia Bianchi Prada

If you’re a lover of fashion, the brand “Prada” is probably a household name you’re familiar with. Miuccia Bianchi Prada, born on May 10, 1949, is a renowned Italian billionaire fashion designer and businesswoman, recognized for her association with the iconic brand “Prada.” 

Serving as the head designer of Prada and the founder of its subsidiary Miu Miu, she assumed leadership of the family-owned luxury goods manufacturer in 1978. Notably, under her guidance, Prada expanded its portfolio by acquiring brands like Jil Sander and Helmut Lang, along with Church & Co, a notable shoemaker. 

In 2002, Prada ventured into the realm of contemporary art with the opening of her own museum. As of December 2023, Forbes estimates her net worth to be $5.4 billion.

Alessandra Garavoglia

Alessandra Garavoglia, a 63-year-old Italian, serves as a board director at Campari Group, a leading global alcoholic beverage company. Inheriting her stake from her parents, she holds approximately 24% of the company, which has been listed on the Milan Stock Exchange since 2001. 

Following her late father Domenico’s legacy, who took over as the last remaining heir of the Campari family, Forbes estimates Garavoglia’s net worth at $3.4 billion as of December 2023.