Forbes has named Rafaela Aponte the world’s richest self-made woman after her and her husband Gianluigi’s fortunes increased a combined $46 billion this past year. Born in Naples, Italy, in 1948, Rafaela Aponte is a prominent businesswoman and philanthropist who has made a significant impact in the shipping industry.
Rafaela is the wife of Gianluigi Aponte, the founder of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), which is currently the second-largest container shipping company in the world. She initially joined MSC upon graduation and quickly became a valuable asset to the company with her knowledge of the maritime sector. As the company scaled its operations and grew, Rafaela also climbed the ranks, becoming the Vice President and later the Executive Director of the MSC Group. In these leadership positions, she helped lead the expansion of MSC's global network of ports and terminals, which helped to establish the company's reputation as a leading player in the shipping space.
In addition to her valuable leadership at MSC, Rafaela has also been a huge contributor to numerous foundations and organizations that promote sustainable development and provide aid in disaster situations. She is a founding member of the MSC Foundation, which has also invested heavily in educational opportunities in developing countries, as well as in medical research.
Rafaela Aponte is a remarkable role model for all women who strive to make a difference. She has proven her worth through the growth of MSC which would not have achieved the success that it has without her leadership and guidance. She has helped transform the company into one of the largest and most successful shipping countries in the world. On top of this, she has demonstrated her selflessness and desire to leave a positive impact on society through her various philanthropic endeavors. Rafaela Aponte is an inspiration to many and well deserving of her recent title of the world’s richest self-made woman.