Amancio Ortega's Biography

Amancio Ortega Gaona is a renowned Spanish billionaire and the founder of Inditex, the world’s largest fashion retailer and parent company of the iconic Zara brand. Born on March 28, 1936, in Busdongo de Arbás, Spain, Ortega rose from humble beginnings, leaving school at age 14 to work as a shop hand. His early exposure to garment manufacturing led him to establish his own company, Confecciones Goa, in 1963, specializing in bathrobes. Ortega’s first big break came in 1975 when he opened the first Zara store in La Coruña, revolutionizing the fashion industry with a new model of fast fashion and vertical integration. Under his leadership, Inditex expanded globally, owning major brands like Massimo Dutti, Pull&Bear, and Bershka. Ortega is known for his exceptional business acumen, reclusive lifestyle, and significant real estate investments. Despite his immense wealth, he shuns the spotlight and rarely gives interviews, preferring a private life focused on family and philanthropy. With an estimated net worth of $98 billion in 2024, Ortega remains one of the richest individuals in the world and a key figure in the global fashion business. His story is an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to make a mark in retail and beyond.