Billionaire Profile
L
Global Rank
#1636

Image: Reber, Morris B. (Morris Byron), b. 1860 | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Lucy Stitzer

CEO, Cargill
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.577B
Estimated based on Cargill stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
67
Source
Cargill
Industry
food-beverage
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Lucy Stitzer is an American heiress to the Cargill fortune, one of the largest and most significant privately held companies in the United States. Born in January 1959, she is the great-granddaughter of William Wallace Cargill, who founded the agribusiness giant in 1865. Stitzer chairs Waycrosse, Inc., the family office of the Cargill and MacMillan families, where she focuses on ensuring a successful future for both Cargill and the family. She is a key figure in overseeing the family's relationship with the company. With an estimated net worth of $2.6 billion, her wealth stems from her stake in Cargill, a global leader in food, agriculture, and commodities. Her career is defined by generational stewardship and environmental philanthropy.

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Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Background

Lucy MacMillan Stitzer, born in January 1959, is an American businesswoman and heiress to the Cargill fortune. Her lineage traces back to William Wallace Cargill, who established Cargill, Incorporated in 1865. She holds a significant stake in the company, one of the largest private corporations in the United States, and is a fifth-generation family member of Cargill. She earned a B.A. from Princeton University.

Rise to Success

Stitzer's career is marked by her deep commitment to the Cargill culture, emphasizing private ownership and prudent management. She inherited her stake in Cargill, and her role is integral in preserving the family's control and long-term vision. This includes reinvesting a significant portion of the company's earnings back into the business to promote long-term growth.

Key Business Strategies

Stitzer serves as the chairman of Waycrosse, Inc., the family office for the Cargill and MacMillan families, since 2011. Her strategic focus involves ensuring the continued success of both Cargill and the family's interests, particularly through maintaining family control and supporting the long-term goals of the company. She does not participate in the day-to-day operations of Cargill, but plays a key role in its governance.

Philanthropy

In 2016, Stitzer co-founded the blog 'Dirt to Dinner' with three other women to educate consumers about the agricultural supply chain, food ingredients, and dietary trends. She has a focus on environmental philanthropy.

Career Milestones

1992

Cargill Board of Directors

Served on Cargill Inc.'s Board of Directors.

2006

Inherited Stake in Cargill

Inherited an estimated 3% stake in Cargill after the death of her father, W. Duncan MacMillan.

2011

Chairman of Waycrosse, Inc.

Became Chairman of Waycrosse, Inc., the family office for the Cargill and MacMillan families.

2016

Co-founded Dirt to Dinner

Co-founded the blog Dirt to Dinner, which focuses on educating consumers about the agricultural supply chain.