Early Life
Gwendolyn Sontheim Meyer was born in 1961/62 in the United States. She is the great-great-granddaughter of William Wallace Cargill, who founded Cargill in 1865. Her mother was Marion MacMillan Pictet. Meyer grew up with a life of privilege and wealth, inheriting a substantial fortune from her family's long history in the business world.
Rise to Success
Meyer's success is tied to her inheritance and her passion for equestrian sports. She inherited an estimated 8% stake in Cargill. As an equestrian, she won the Prix Credit Suisse at the Geneva International Horse Show in 2011. She has invested in breeding, training, and competing with high-quality sport horses at her Coral Reef Ranch in Rancho Santa Fe, California.
Key Business Strategies
While Meyer's wealth comes from Cargill, a privately held company, she is not directly involved in its operations. Instead, she focuses on her equestrian career and philanthropic endeavors. The Cargill family has always maintained a low profile and carefully guarded its finances.
Philanthropy
Meyer is known for her significant philanthropic contributions. She has supported education, conservation, and animal welfare, often focusing on equestrian and agricultural initiatives. She has donated over $12 million to Democratic-leaning campaigns and organizations. She has supported healthcare initiatives and community development.