1. Leonardo Del Vecchio: Topping the list is Leonardo Del Vecchio, the founder of Luxottica Group, the world’s largest eyewear company. With an estimated net worth of $25.1 billion, Del Vecchio is the epitome of rags-to-riches. Born to a poor family, he started his career as an apprentice to a tool and dye maker before venturing into the eyewear industry. Today, Luxottica owns iconic brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley.
2. Giovanni Ferrero: Giovanni Ferrero is the CEO of Ferrero Rocher, the renowned chocolate manufacturer. With an estimated net worth of $24.3 billion, Ferrero has successfully expanded the family business, which was founded by his grandfather, into a global empire. The company also owns brands like Nutella and Kinder.
3. Giorgio Armani: Known for his impeccable taste and timeless designs, Giorgio Armani is a prominent fashion designer. With a net worth of $10.9 billion, Armani has built an empire that includes fragrance, cosmetics, and accessories. His eponymous brand continues to be a symbol of luxury and elegance.
4. Stefano Pessina: A pharmacist by profession, Stefano Pessina is the CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical chains. Pessina’s net worth stands at around $10.6 billion, making him one of Italy’s wealthiest individuals. He has been instrumental in leading various mergers and acquisitions in the pharmaceutical industry.
5. Silvio Berlusconi: Apart from being a prominent politician and media tycoon, Silvio Berlusconi ranks among the wealthiest Italians. With an estimated net worth of $6.3 billion, Berlusconi founded Mediaset, a media conglomerate that includes television networks, radio stations, and publishing companies. His political career included serving as the Prime Minister of Italy multiple times.
6. Massimiliana Landini Aleotti: As the majority owner of Menarini, the largest Italian pharmaceutical company, Massimiliana Landini Aleotti holds a net worth of approximately $5.6 billion. She inherited the business from her late husband and has continued its success through various acquisitions and expansions.
7. Paolo Rocca: Heading the Techint Group, a global holding company focused on steel production and engineering, Paolo Rocca has an estimated net worth of $5.2 billion. Under his leadership, Techint has grown exponentially, becoming one of the largest steel manufacturers worldwide.
8. Diego Della Valle: Known as the founder and owner of the luxury shoe brand Tod’s, Diego Della Valle boasts a net worth of around $2.6 billion. Tod’s is famous for its iconic Gommino loafers and has expanded to include other leather goods, clothing, and accessories.
9. Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce: Fashion designers Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce together created the renowned luxury brand Dolce & Gabbana. With their net worth estimated at $2.1 billion each, their fashion empire continues to thrive, offering apparel, fragrances, and accessories beloved by celebrities and fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
10. Lapo Elkann: Grandson of the famous Italian industrialist Gianni Agnelli, Lapo Elkann is an entrepreneur and style icon. With a net worth of approximately $1.5 billion, Elkann founded Italia Independent, a company focused on luxury lifestyle products.
These Italian billionaires have not only achieved immense wealth but have also made significant contributions to their respective industries. Their success stories are a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity present in Italy. As the country continues to foster innovation and business growth, it is likely that more Italians will join the ranks of the world’s wealthiest individuals in the future.