Dutch Billionaires See Wealth Surge Amid Economic Challenges – Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken Still on Top

Despite a sluggish economy, the Netherlands’ wealthiest have seen their fortunes grow, with the top 500 individuals amassing a combined wealth of around $273 billion, marking a 5% increase from last year. This growth rate far outpaces the country’s 2023 economic expansion of 0.2% and inflation rate of 4.1%.

Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken, heir to the Heineken legacy, remains the wealthiest individual on the list, with assets totaling almost $13 billion, though her fortune has dropped by 4% since 2023. Overall, 60 individuals in the rankings experienced declines in their assets.

Some prominent figures faced notable losses; Adriaan Mol, founder of the payment platform Mollie, saw his wealth fall by at least $1.6 billion, while Jitse Groen of Thuisbezorgd/Just Eat Takeaway and René Moos of Basic-Fit also faced declining share values. However, the year’s biggest financial gain went to Bunq director Ali Niknam, who increased his fortune by approximately $865 million, largely due to a successful IT investment in Belgium, bringing his net worth to $2.7 billion and raising his position from 28th to 12th in the rankings.

This year’s list includes 52 billionaires, with a minimum asset threshold of around $141 million for qualification. The Brenninkmeijer family, associated with retailer C&A, holds the title of wealthiest family at almost $24 billion, though their wealth declined by 11% from last year. The Van der Vorm family, through Hal Investments, ranks as the second wealthiest family with assets of $9.1 billion, followed by retail dynasties De Rijcke (Kruidvat) and Dreesmann (V&D) in third and fourth places.

Several Dutch celebrities are also represented on the list. Formula 1 star Max Verstappen ranks 322nd with assets of $227 million, up 40% from last year, while Princess Mabel van Oranje-Nassau holds 121st place with $492 million, bolstered by her investments in Adyen. DJ Tiësto’s wealth is estimated at almost $222 million, reflecting an 8% rise over the past year.

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