The Richest Families in The World 2023

1. Walton Family- $247 Billion

First, we’ve got the Waltons, who owe their staggering $247 billion net worth to the global retail powerhouse, Walmart. It’s a classic example of the American Dream, with Sam Walton’s small Arkansas store transforming into a worldwide retail phenomenon. His children continue to reap the benefits of this mammoth enterprise.

As of April 2023, the net worth of each living Walton child is as follows:

1. Jim Walton: Jim, the youngest son of Sam Walton, had an estimated net worth of $64 billion. He’s been involved in the family business, serving on Walmart’s board until 2016, and is the CEO of his own company, Arvest Bank.
2. Alice Walton: Alice, the only daughter of Sam Walton, had a net worth of $61.8 billion. Unlike her brothers, Alice never took an active role in running Walmart, instead focusing her attention on curating art, and she’s known for her philanthropic work. She is currently the wealthiest woman in the United States.
3. Rob Walton: Rob, the eldest son, had a net worth of $62.7 billion. He was chairman of Walmart from 1992 to 2015, following his father’s footsteps. (All net worths are according to Forbes).

The combined net worth of the Walton children has grown over the years with the continued success of Walmart. Their wealth was relatively evenly distributed among them as the source of their wealth was the same, their inheritance of Walmart stock from their father, Sam Walton, reflecting their shared inheritance and the continued growth of the value of their equity ownership in the original family business.

2. Mars Family- $160 Billion

Now, who doesn’t have a sweet tooth for Mars bars? Well, the Mars family has a sweet tooth for business. With a $160 billion net worth, they’ve turned a passion for confectionery into a fortune. Their diverse interests have paid off, from chocolate bars to pet food.

Mars was ranked as the fourth-largest privately held company in the United States by Forbes. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, the company is entirely owned by the Mars family.

3. Koch Family- $128.8 Billion

Next, the Koch family is a testament to the power of diversification. From oil refineries to ranching, their diverse business empire spans several sectors. It’s a potent reminder that spreading your bets can yield vast rewards.

4. Al Saud Family- $105 Billion

The Al Saud family’s $95 billion fortune comes from the vast oil reserves of Saudi Arabia. They prove that when managed effectively, natural resources can generate enormous wealth.

5. Hermes Family- $94.6 Billion

The Hermès family, known as the Dumas family, is the powerhouse behind the world-renowned luxury brand Hermès. Their net worth comes primarily from their controlling stake in Hermès International.

The Dumas family had a net worth of around $94.6 billion, making them one of the wealthiest families in France and the world. This wealth originates from the high-end luxury goods produced by Hermès, which include leather goods, lifestyle accessories, perfumery, and ready-to-wear items, among others.

The family’s wealth is distributed among several family members, including Axel Dumas, the CEO of Hermès, and Pierre-Alexis Dumas, the artistic director. Both are sixth-generation family members involved in the business.

Hermès, known for its craftsmanship, exclusivity, and enduring style, symbolizes ultimate luxury. Its iconic products, such as the Birkin and Kelly handbags, often appreciate over time, creating a unique business model that sustains and grows the family’s wealth.

The net worth and distribution among family members can fluctuate based on the company’s performance, individual investments, and other financial decisions or changes in the market.

6. Ambani Family- $84.6 Billion

From the heart of India, the Ambani family’s $84.6 billion fortune comes from a potent mix of telecoms, petrochemicals, and media. Mukesh Ambani, the family patriarch, turned a textile business into a conglomerate. They’re the poster family for strategic diversification.

7. Wertheimer Family – $79 billion

The Wertheimer family, owners of the iconic French luxury brand Chanel, have an impressive estimated net worth of $79 billion.

The source of the Wertheimer family’s wealth traces back to Pierre Wertheimer, who entered a business venture with Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel in the early 20th century. Coco Chanel was an already renowned fashion designer, especially famous for her “Chanel No. 5” perfume. However, she needed financial backing to expand her operations, leading to the partnership with Pierre Wertheimer.

The Wertheimer family ended up with a significant stake in the company, and over the decades, Chanel has grown into a global luxury powerhouse. The brand is renowned for its haute couture, luxury goods, and fashion accessories, and the Chanel No. 5 perfume remains a timeless and best-selling product.

Today, the family business is in the hands of brothers Alain and Gérard Wertheimer, grandsons of Pierre Wertheimer. They maintain a low profile, while the brand they own continues to be a symbol of elegance and luxury worldwide.

As with all fortunes, the Wertheimer family’s net worth can fluctuate due to various factors, including the performance of Chanel and the broader luxury goods market.

8. Cargill and Macmillan Family- $42.9 Billion

The Cargill and Macmillan family’s $42.9 billion fortune stems from the agriculture industry. They’ve turned grain storage and trading into a goldmine. It’s a shining example of how essential services can be lucrative.

The Cargill and MacMillan family’s wealth is closely tied to Cargill Inc., the largest privately held corporation in the United States in revenue. This colossal agribusiness company was founded back in 1865 by William W. Cargill.

Cargill Inc.’s operations span multiple industries, including trading, purchasing, and distributing grain and other agricultural commodities, food processing, and financial and industrial products and services. Its extensive reach in the global food supply has allowed the company to generate massive revenues.

The MacMillan family entered the picture through marriage into the Cargill family in the early 20th century. Over the years, several family members have held key positions within the company, helping to guide and grow the business.

The Cargill and MacMillan family collectively owns 88% of the company, and their wealth stems mainly from the profits of this vast and diversified agribusiness empire. They are recognized as one of the wealthiest families in the world due to their significant ownership in this highly successful company.

9. Thomson Family – $53.9 Billion

The Thomson family hails from Canada and is known for their ownership of Thomson Reuters, a multinational media conglomerate. Their impressive net worth of $53.9 billion stems primarily from this media and information firm.

The family’s wealth began with Roy Thomson, who accumulated newspapers and television stations in the mid-20th century. His son, Kenneth Thomson, continued to expand the business into a global information data giant. Today, David Thomson, the 3rd Baron Thomson of Fleet, represents the third generation to oversee the family’s interests.

Thomson Reuters provides professionals with the intelligence, technology, and expertise to find trusted information in the legal, tax, accounting, and media fields. The company’s broad reach and substantial impact across numerous industries have significantly influenced the Thomson family’s wealth accumulation.

10. Hoffmann, Oeri Family – $45.1 Billion

The Hoffmann-Oeri family is one of the wealthiest families in Switzerland, thanks to their significant stake in the pharmaceutical giant Roche. Their collective net worth was approximately $45.1 billion.

Roche, founded in 1896 by Fritz Hoffmann-La Roche, has grown into one of the world’s leading healthcare companies, with innovative contributions in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. Maja Oeri, a prominent family member, owns about 5% of the shares in Roche.

Roche’s success and continuous growth have contributed significantly to the family’s wealth. The company’s persistent focus on innovation, particularly in oncology, virology, and diagnostics, has helped it maintain its position at the forefront of global healthcare, driving the Hoffmann-Oeri family’s financial success.

Key Takeaways

• The Waltons are proof of the American Dream, turning a small store into a retail giant.
• The Mars family turned confectionery into a billion-dollar business.
• The Koch family’s diversified interests illustrate the value of spreading investments.
• The Al Saud family’s wealth showcases the financial power of natural resources.
• The Wertheimer family highlights the profitability of luxury fashion.
• The Ambani family exemplifies the rewards of strategic diversification.
• The Cargill and Macmillan family’s fortune represents the profitability of essential services.
• Family patriarchs that create family businesses leave a legacy for future generations.
• It’s up to the children and grandchildren to preserve and grow the wealth their parents and grandparents created.

Conclusion

These families have turned passion, strategic investments, natural resources, and sharp business acumen into colossal fortunes. They’ve leveraged various industries, from retail and confectionery to luxury fashion and pharmaceuticals. Their stories reinforce the importance of vision, diversification, and persistence. So, whether you’re starting small like Sam Walton or sitting on a wealth of resources like the Al Saud family, building a business that lasts generations is possible.