In 2024, Mark Zuckerberg makes a significant comeback to the list of the top 10 richest people in the world, alongside familiar names like Bernard Arnault and Elon Musk. Below is Forbes’ ranking of the leading billionaires and their enormous wealth.
1. Bernard Arnault
- Net Worth: $233 billion
- Source of Wealth: LVMH
- Nationality: France
Bernard Arnault, the CEO and Chairman of luxury goods giant LVMH, tops the list of the world’s richest for the second consecutive year. LVMH owns 75 luxury brands, including Sephora, Tiffany & Co, Givenchy, Christian Dior, Dom Perignon, and Moët Hennessy. Thanks to the booming luxury sector, Arnault’s wealth has surged significantly over the past year.
2. Elon Musk
- Net Worth: $195 billion
- Source of Wealth: Tesla, SpaceX
- Nationality: USA
Elon Musk, founder of Tesla and SpaceX, has seen his wealth increase by $15 billion compared to last year. This rise is primarily attributed to Tesla’s stock, which doubled in 2023, despite a recent drop of over 30% in value. Musk remains one of the most powerful entrepreneurs in the world, driving innovative tech and space ventures.
3. Jeff Bezos
- Net Worth: $194 billion
- Source of Wealth: Amazon
- Nationality: USA
Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, stepped down as CEO in late 2021 but continues to serve as Executive Chairman. Under his leadership, Amazon has continued to thrive, with stock prices rising 76% over the past year. His wealth currently stands at $194 billion.
4. Mark Zuckerberg
- Net Worth: $177 billion
- Source of Wealth: Facebook
- Nationality: USA
Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook), returns to the top 10 richest list after a three-year absence. His wealth has more than doubled compared to last year, driven by a resurgence in Meta’s business, with profits increasing nearly 70% and stocks rising 130% in the past year.
5. Larry Ellison
- Net Worth: $141 billion
- Source of Wealth: Oracle
- Nationality: USA
Larry Ellison, Chairman and CTO of Oracle, continues to hold a position among the world’s richest. He owns about 35.4% of this software giant, with his wealth increasing by $34 billion compared to last year, reaching $141 billion.
Conclusion
The year 2024 continues to witness significant fluctuations in the rankings of the world’s richest individuals. Leading entrepreneurs like Bernard Arnault, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg maintain substantial wealth, demonstrating their considerable influence in the global market.