Jeff Bezos' ex-wife, MacKenzie Scott, currently owns a 4% stake in Amazon. This significant share was part of her divorce settlement from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
MacKenzie Scott, born April 7, 1970, is an American novelist and philanthropist, and notably, a co-founder of Amazon. Her substantial ownership in the e-commerce giant makes her one of the wealthiest individuals globally.
Understanding Her Stake
When Jeff Bezos and MacKenzie Scott divorced in 2019, she received a quarter of his Amazon shares, which amounted to a 4% stake in the company. This made her one of Amazon's largest individual shareholders.
Here's a quick overview of her stake:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Share Percentage | 4% |
| Company | Amazon (AMZN) |
| Source of Shares | Divorce settlement from Jeff Bezos |
| Current Net Worth | US$42.1 billion (as of December 2024) |
| Primary Occupation | Philanthropist, Novelist |
MacKenzie Scott's Philanthropic Endeavors
Beyond her Amazon ownership, MacKenzie Scott is widely recognized for her significant philanthropic contributions. Since her divorce, she has committed to giving away the majority of her wealth to various charitable causes. Her approach to philanthropy is often lauded for its "no-strings-attached" nature, providing large, unrestricted grants to organizations working on issues like:
- Racial equity
- Public health
- Climate change
- Economic mobility
As of December 2024, her net worth is estimated at US$42.1 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, a figure that fluctuates with Amazon's stock performance and her ongoing charitable giving. Her strategic and substantial donations have had a profound impact on hundreds of non-profit organizations across the United States and beyond.
