Rafaela Aponte-Diamant Timeline
Rafaela Aponte-Diamant co-founded MSC in 1970 and ownership passed to her children in 2026 17.
Full nameRafaela Aponte-Diamant (née Diamant)
NationalityItaly and Switzerland
Known forCo-founder of MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company)
1945: born
- 1945 · BORNBorn Rafaela Diamant
- 1970 · FOUNDEDCo-founds MSC with Gianluigi Aponte
- 2023 · MILESTONEForbes Middle East calls her the world's richest self-made woman
- 2026 · MILESTONEMSC announces that ownership has passed to her children Diego and Alexa
- 2026 · MILESTONERanked 40th with $46.85 billion on Forbes' real-time list
1960s: meets Gianluigi
On a boat to Capri 6.
1970: MSC
She enters the shipping business with her husband 14.
2023: richest self-made woman
Forbes Middle East calls her the world's richest self-made woman 5.
April 2026: ownership handover
MSC says ownership has passed to Diego and Alexa 7.
Frequently asked questions
In 1970, with her husband Gianluigi.
Sources✓ Verified 14 Nov 2026
1 Powerbase, Rafaela Aponte-Diamant, 20 Oct 2026, Dates
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