Billionaire Profile
Gwendolyn Sontheim Meyer
Global Rank
#692

Image: Unsplash Contributor | Unsplash License | via Unsplash

Gwendolyn Sontheim Meyer

CEO, Cargill
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$5.991B
Estimated based on Cargill stock value as of March 6, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
64
Source
Cargill
Industry
food-beverage
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Gwendolyn Sontheim Meyer is an American billionaire and philanthropist, recognized as an heiress to the Cargill fortune. As of February 2, 2026, her real-time net worth is estimated at $5.5 billion. Born in 1961 or 1962, Meyer is the great-great-granddaughter of W.W. Cargill, the founder of the Cargill food corporation. Her wealth originates from her estimated 8% stake in Cargill, the largest privately held company in the United States, which had $154 billion in sales in 2025. Residing in Rancho Santa Fe, California, Meyer is also an accomplished equestrian, known for training show-jumping horses and her support for dressage. Meyer is divorced and has two children. She is actively involved in philanthropy, donating to Democratic-leaning campaigns and organizations.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Gwendolyn Sontheim Meyer was born in either 1961 or 1962. She is the great-great-granddaughter of William Wallace Cargill, who founded Cargill in 1865. Her mother was Marion MacMillan Pictet. Meyer's early life was shaped by her family's substantial wealth and their involvement in the food and agriculture industry.

Rise to Success

Meyer inherited an estimated 8% stake in Cargill. Her stake in Cargill, the largest private company in the United States, is the primary source of her wealth. She has leveraged her position to support various philanthropic causes. Meyer's passion for equestrian sports has led her to achieve significant success in the field, including winning the Prix Credit Suisse at the Geneva International Horse Show in 2011.

Key Business Strategies

While Meyer is not actively involved in the day-to-day operations of Cargill, her wealth management and strategic decisions are likely influenced by the company's overall performance and her family's long-term interests. The Cargill family is known for reinvesting a significant portion of the company's profits back into the business.

Philanthropy

Gwendolyn Sontheim Meyer is actively involved in philanthropy, particularly in the areas of political donations and community development. She has contributed over $12 million to Democratic-leaning campaigns and organizations. She founded Feeding San Diego in 2007 and serves as the board chair for the food-bank administration group Aqualia International Foundation. In 2024, Meyer donated $1 million to pro-abortion advocacy groups in Oklahoma. Her philanthropic efforts reflect her commitment to both political causes and community well-being.

Career Milestones

2011

Prix Credit Suisse

Won the Prix Credit Suisse at the Geneva International Horse Show

2007

Feeding San Diego

Founded community group Feeding San Diego and served as board chair

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Political Donations

Democratic Campaigns and Organizations

$12.1M+

Donated to national political campaigns and political committees.

Community Development

Feeding San Diego

Unknown

Founded and served as board chair of a food bank

Political Donations

Pro-abortion advocacy groups

$1M

Donated to pro-abortion advocacy groups