In a world where most billionaires dominate headlines, Sherry Brydson remains a striking exception. With a net worth of $17.9 billion in 2025, according to Forbes, Brydson is the richest woman in Canada yet one of its most private and discreet figures. As the largest individual shareholder of Woodbridge, the Thomson family’s investment company, she quietly commands immense power in the media and financial services industries.
The Thomson Legacy: Built on News and Global Information
Sherry Brydson is the granddaughter of Roy Thomson, the legendary Canadian media baron who built a newspaper empire and earned the title of Baron Thomson of Fleet. The Thomson family’s media influence continued through Thomson Reuters, a global provider of legal, financial, and professional information, which was formed after merging Thomson Corporation with Reuters in 2008.
Today, Woodbridge, the family’s Toronto-based private holding company, owns approximately 55% of Thomson Reuters. Brydson is believed to control about 23% of Woodbridge, making her one of the key power brokers behind the scenes of a company that employs thousands and influences business decisions worldwide.
$17.9 Billion Net Worth in 2025
As of mid-2025, Forbes estimates Sherry Brydson’s net worth at $17.9 billion, based on her indirect ownership in Thomson Reuters and other diversified assets. While Bloomberg has at times listed her higher, Forbes’ valuation is built on public share prices and conservative private investment estimates. This massive fortune places her not just at the top of Canada’s wealth rankings but also among the richest women in the world. Remarkably, she has managed to maintain her wealth and grow her influence without the constant public exposure that comes with billionaire status.
Low Profile, High Impact
What makes Brydson unique is her deliberate privacy. Unlike many heirs who take on public roles or become media personalities, she has consistently avoided the spotlight. Media outlets have often noted her refusal to comment on financial matters or corporate decisions. But despite her quiet demeanor, her leadership in Woodbridge shapes strategic decisions at Thomson Reuters and other major holdings. Her low profile extends into her lifestyle. There are no sprawling celebrity mansions or extravagant shows of wealth. Instead, Brydson has focused her attention on causes she believes in and business operations that align with the long-term vision of the Thomson dynasty.
Philanthropy and Personal Values
While Sherry Brydson does not boast about her philanthropy, she has quietly contributed to multiple causes over the years. These include affordable housing initiatives, women’s rights organizations, Canadian Indigenous art repatriation, and environmental sustainability projects. Her commitment to these causes aligns with a broader ethos of responsible stewardship. She’s not just maintaining family wealth; she’s using it thoughtfully and intentionally.
Conclusion
In 2025, Sherry Brydson’s $17.9 billion net worth is a testament to generational wealth, careful planning, and quiet leadership. She proves that influence doesn’t always require a microphone or a public stage. With a firm grip on one of Canada’s most important companies and a portfolio of values-driven investments, she remains one of the most powerful yet understated figures in global business.
