Net Worth: $5.49 billion, up 32.3 percent
LAST YEAR: $4.15 billion
AGE: 54
RESIDENCE: Malibu
SOURCE OF WEALTH: Inheritance, real estate
THE MONEY: Largest shareholder of Glendale self-storage giant Public Storage Co., with 11 percent of shares; benefited greatly as stock price shot up 40 percent in past year. Value of retail real estate portfolio also increased; upped stake in American Homes 4 Rent, making extent of investment public for first time.
THE BUZZ: Now firmly established as L.A.’s richest woman thanks to shares in Public Storage transferred to Gustavson by her father, 82-year-old company founder B. Wayne Hughes. Rarely appears in public. Spent most of adult life in various management positions at Public Storage. In recent years, has focused on American Commercial Equities Management, private real estate investment firm started by brother, B. Wayne Hughes Jr. ACEM’s portfolio, estimated to be worth more than $750 million, includes more than 80 retail and mixed-use properties in Central and Southern California as well as Honolulu. She sold some shares of Public Storage last year and used proceeds to up stake in American Homes 4 Rent, single-family rental company started by father in 2012. Elected to alma mater USC’s board of trustees in 2010. Close friend of USC President Max Nikias. Has two children with husband, Eric. Couple lives in Escondido Beach section of Malibu.