2024 Forbes Ranking Reveals Netherlands' Wealthiest Individuals

The wealthiest individuals in the Netherlands for the year 2024 have been unveiled by the American business magazine Forbes. Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken, who holds a 25 percent controlling stake in the Heineken brewing company as the great-granddaughter of its founder Gerard Adriaan Heineken, retains her position as the country's richest entrepreneur.

Forbes' latest annual list reveals a surge in the number of billionaires worldwide, reaching 2,781 this year. This marks an increase of 141 individuals compared to 2023 and surpasses the previous record set in 2021 by 26 billionaires. The total wealth amassed by these billionaires has also risen substantially, reaching $14.2 trillion USD, an increase of $2 trillion from 2023 and $1.1 trillion from the previous record set in 2021.

The United States leads the world in the number of billionaires, with 813 residing there, followed by China with 473 billionaires. India claims the third spot with 200 billionaires, a record for the country.

Dutch billionaires have accumulated their wealth through various avenues. While Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken's fortune stems from Heineken, Frits Goldschmeding ranks second with a net worth of $6.2 billion from his temp agency business. Jean-Louis van der Velde takes third place with a net worth of $3.9 billion amassed from the cryptocurrency sector. Other Dutch billionaires have made their fortunes in software, manufacturing, real estate, and shipbuilding, among other industries. Notably, Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken remains the sole woman on the Netherlands' billionaire list.

Here are the top 10 richest individuals in the Netherlands based on net worth:

1. Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken and family

2. Frits Goldschmeding

3. Jean-Louis van der Velde

4. Wim van der Leegte and family

5. Arnout Schuijff

6. Hans Melchers

7. Krommer Damen

8. Pieter van der Does

9. Lesley Bamburger

10. John de Mol