Alice Walton Becomes the Richest Woman in the World
Alice Walton has surpassed Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, the L'Oréal heiress, to become the richest woman in the world. This rise is attributed to the significant increase in Walmart's stock value, which has risen by 47% since the beginning of the year. Alice Walton's fortune is currently estimated at $89.1 billion, while Bettencourt Meyers' fortune stands at $88.4 billion.
As the daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, Alice Walton now ranks 21st in the list of the world's richest people, according to Forbes' real-time data. Despite selling over $22 billion worth of Walmart shares over the past decade and donating over $11 billion, the Walton heirs still hold nearly 46% of the company. This significant stake is partly due to share buybacks that have prevented dilution of their share in the retail giant. Alice's brothers, Jim and Rob Walton, have respective fortunes of $95.9 billion and $94.2 billion.
According to Forbes, the Walton family has undergone significant changes in recent years, including Rob Walton's departure from Walmart's board of directors after over 40 years of service. Alice Walton, after a brief stint at Walmart, has primarily focused on her passion for art and philanthropy. She founded the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, and has invested billions in charitable projects. More recently, she created the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, which is set to welcome its first students in 2025.
