World's Richest Heirs 2024: From Mukesh Ambani To Giovanni Ferrero; Check All The Names Here

‘The World's Richest Heirs 2024 List,’ released on April 2, gives insights into the wealthiest inheritors globally, showcasing individuals who have inherited substantial fortunes from their families

Some people burn themselves up to create a lifestyle they once dreamt of, and some people are born with a silver spoon in their mouth that others can only dream of. We have seen around the world how generational wealth plays a significant role in shaping one’s future. While some wealthy heirs may choose to continue the family legacy by managing inherited businesses or investments, others may pursue their own interests or philanthropic endeavours. 

‘The World's Richest Heirs 2024 List,’ released on April 2 by Forbes, gives insights into the wealthiest inheritors globally, showcasing individuals who have inherited substantial fortunes from their families.

1. Mukesh Ambani

Mukesh Ambani and Anil Ambani inherited India’s largest fortune from their late father, Dhirubhai Ambani. After their father’s death, the brothers' struggle for company control resulted in a division. Anil experienced a decline in his billionaire status as several of his enterprises encountered bankruptcy, while Mukesh, whose conglomerate includes petrochemicals, oil and gas, telecommunications, and retail, currently holds the title of Asia's wealthiest individual. Mukesh Ambani's net worth stood at $116 billion as of April 2, 2024.

2. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers And Family

As of April 2, 2024, 70-year-old Bettencourt Meyers's net worth was $99.5 billion. For the fourth consecutive year, she has maintained her status as the wealthiest woman globally, thanks to her 33 per cent ownership stake in L'Oreal, the renowned cosmetics and beauty conglomerate established by her chemist grandfather Eugène Paul Louis Schueller, in 1909. 

Meyers serves as the vice chair of L'Oreal’s board of directors and the chairwoman of her family’s investment firm, Tethys Invest.

3. Jim Walton

The youngest son of Sam Walton possesses an approximate 12 per cent stake in Walmart established by his father in 1962. His net worth stands at $78.4 billion as of April 2, 2024. Having served on Walmart's board of directors for over a decade, Jim Walton forwarded his position in 2016, passing the torch to his son Steuart, who now directs his attention towards overseeing the family's Arvest Bank.

4. Rob Walton

The eldest Walton heir retains a position on the board of directors of Walmart. Additionally, he is the principal individual owner of the NFL's Denver Broncos, which he acquired along with a consortium in June 2022 for a whopping $4.7 billion. His net worth stands at $77.4 billion as of April 2, 2024.

5. Alice Walton

Sam Walton's only daughter’s net worth stands at 73.3 billion as of April 2, 2024. Alice has largely avoided involvement in the family business. Instead, she has devoted her efforts to 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.

6. David Thomson

The 66-year-old David Thomson took the sixth spot as his net worth stood at $67.8 billion as of April 2, 2024. After his father passed away in 2006, Thomson took the role of chairman at Thomson Corporation, the media conglomerate headquartered in Toronto, established by his grandfather Roy Thomson. 

In 2008, he spearheaded the merger between his family's Thomson Corporation and the renowned news agency Reuters. Since then, the family's net worth has surged, tripling from $22 billion to over $66 billion.

7. Julia Koch

In 2019, after her husband David Koch passed away, Julia Koch ascended to one of the wealthiest individuals globally upon inheriting David's 42 per cent share of the company alongside their three children—David Jr., Mary Julia, and John. Julia holds a seat on the board of directors at Koch Industries and assumes the role of president at the David H. Koch Charitable Foundation. Julia’s net worth stood at $64.3 billion as of April 2, 2024.

8. Giovanni Ferrero

Giovanni Ferrero inherited an estimated 75 per cent stake in his family's eponymous confectionery enterprise following the passing of his father, Michele Ferrero, in 2015. His net worth was $48.8 billion as of April 2, 2024. The Ferrero Group traces its origins back to 1946 when his grandfather, Pietro Ferrero, invented the hazelnut spread that would later gain fame as Nutella. 

Giovanni took the role of co-CEO alongside his late brother Pietro. He Ferrero led the company for two decades before stepping down in 2017. Presently, he is serving as the executive chairman of the Ferrero Group.

9. Mark Dietrich Mateschitz

After Red Bull's co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz passed away, his sole son, Mark Dietrich Mateschitz, inherited his father's 49 per cent stake in the energy drink company. Additionally, he received a mix of cash, real estate, and a share in the Red Bull F1 Racing Team. Over the previous year, he garnered $630 million in Red Bull dividends (pre-tax).

10. John Franklyn Mars

John was co-president of Mars beginning in 1975 with his late brother. They spearheaded the company's growth into a diversified global conglomerate encompassing confectionery, pet food, and chewing gum. His net worth stood at $38.5 billion as of April 2, 2024.