MacKenzie Bezos, the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, walked away with a substantial sum as part of their divorce settlement in 2019. The exact amount she received was $36 billion, making her one of the wealthiest women in the world overnight.
This settlement came after 25 years of marriage, during which MacKenzie played an integral role in supporting Jeff's career and the growth of Amazon. The couple announced their divorce in early 2019, and after a months-long process, they finalized their settlement agreement later that year.
In addition to the $36 billion, MacKenzie also received 25% of the couple's Amazon stock, which equated to approximately 4% of the company's total outstanding shares at the time. This made her one of the largest individual shareholders in the company and solidified her financial independence.
It's important to note that MacKenzie's settlement with Jeff was amicable, with both parties expressing their commitment to co-parenting their four children and maintaining a positive relationship post-divorce. This collaborative approach to their separation likely played a significant role in the size of the settlement and the division of assets.
One key aspect of MacKenzie's settlement was her decision to sign the Giving Pledge, a commitment by wealthy individuals to give away the majority of their wealth to philanthropic causes during their lifetime. By signing the pledge, MacKenzie has signaled her intention to use her newfound wealth to make a positive impact on society and address pressing global issues.
In the years since the divorce, MacKenzie has focused on establishing herself as an independent philanthropist and entrepreneur. She has launched her own venture capital fund, BZ Ventures, which seeks to invest in companies that align with her values and vision for the future.
MacKenzie Bezos's settlement with Jeff Bezos was one of the largest divorce settlements in history, highlighting the significant role she played in the success of Amazon and the importance of equitable distribution of assets in high-net-worth divorces. Her focus on philanthropy and social impact reflects her commitment to using her wealth for the greater good, setting an example for other wealthy individuals to follow suit.
