Get to know Livia Voigt, the world’s youngest billionaire
LIVIA VOIGT – The Brazilian student is considered the world’s youngest billionaire, according to the Forbes Billionaires List 2024. She has a net worth of US$1.1 billion at the age of 19.
Livia is also the largest individual shareholder of WEG, the largest manufacturer of electrical motors in Latin America. WEG is a publicly traded multinational company with factories in more than 10 countries worldwide. In 2022, the company’s earnings were estimated at US$6 billion.
Her grandfather, Werner Ricardo Voigt, along with other billionaires Eggon Joao da Silva and Geraldo Werninghaus, founded WEG. The company’s name was taken from the first letter of the names of the three founders. Werner passed away at the age of 85 in 2016.
According to the company’s website, WEG provides global solutions for electric motors, variable frequency drives, soft starters, controls, panels, transformers, and generators. Currently, Livia is still studying psychology at a university in Brazil. She does not yet hold a board seat or an executive position at WEG. Despite her immense wealth, Livia is determined to complete her education.
Aside from Livia, her grandfather also bequeathed shares in WEG to her sister and cousins. Currently, WEG has a value of approximately US$31.45 billion.
Meanwhile, the Forbes Billionaires List of 2024 showcases the world’s wealthiest individuals, with Bernard Arnault & family leading the pack with a net worth of $233 billion in the fashion and retail industry. Following closely behind are notable names such as Elon Musk in the automotive industry, Jeff Bezos in technology, and Mark Zuckerberg, also in technology.
The list also includes new billionaires like Michael Dell in technology and Francoise Bettencourt Meyers & family in fashion & retail, as well as notable figures such as Taylor Swift, Magic Johnson, and Christian Louboutin. Additionally, the ranking highlights the rising prominence of women on the list, with the top 10 richest women wealthier than ever before. The Forbes Billionaires List offers insights into the diverse industries and individuals shaping the global economy and serves as a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of wealth and success.