Amancio Ortega

Who Is Amancio Ortega? Age, Biography and Wiki

Amancio Ortega, born on March 28, 1936, is a prominent Spanish business tycoon best known for founding the Inditex fashion group, which includes widely recognized brands such as Zara. As of 2025, Ortega is 89 years old and continues to be an influential figure in the global fashion and retail industry. Despite his immense wealth, Ortega is renowned for his private lifestyle, often shunning the spotlight and maintaining a low profile.

Occupation	Billionaire
Date of Birth	March 28, 1936
Age	89 Years
Birth Place	Busdongo de Arbas, Spain
Horoscope	Aries
Country	Spain

Popularity

Height, Weight & Measurements

Although specific details about Ortega's height and weight aren’t broadly publicized, it is estimated that he stands around 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall. As a private individual, Ortega is not known for sharing details about his physical appearance. However, his enduring presence in the business realm speaks to his resilience and determination.

Family, Dating & Relationship Status

Amancio Ortega has been married twice. His first marriage was to Rosalía Mera, a prominent businesswoman and philanthropist, with whom he had two children, Marta Ortega and Sandra Ortega. The couple divorced in 1986 but maintained a cordial relationship. In 2001, Ortega married his current wife, Flora Pérez Marcote, who has been a significant partner in his personal and professional life. As of 2025, Ortega is happily married to Flora, and they are often seen together at various events, showcasing their strong partnership.

He left school and moved to A Coruña at the age of 14, due to his father’s job as a railway worker. Shortly after, he found a job as a shop hand for a local shirtmaker called Gala, which still sits on the same corner in downtown A Coruña, and learned to make clothes by hand.

Net Worth and Salary

Amancio Ortega is one of the wealthiest individuals in the world, with a net worth estimated at around $70 billion in 2025. His wealth primarily stems from his ownership of a substantial portion of the Inditex fashion group, which has witnessed significant success globally. Ortega’s earnings fluctuate greatly due to stock market values, but his position in the fashion industry ensures consistent financial success.

Amancio Ortega Gaona, OMC (born 28 March 1936) is a Spanish billionaire businessman. He is the founder and former chairman of Inditex fashion group, best known for its chains of Zara and Bershka clothing and accessories shops. He is considered a pioneer in fast fashion.

As of May 2025, Ortega had a net worth of $107 billion, making him the second-wealthiest person in Europe after Bernard Arnault and the 16th-wealthiest in the world.

For a brief period of time in 2015, he was the richest man in the world, surpassing Bill Gates when his net worth peaked to $80 billion as Zara's parent company, Inditex's, stock peaked.

Career, Business and Investments

Amancio Ortega launched his career in the fashion industry in the 1960s, starting with a small store selling bathrobes. He went on to establish Zara in 1974, revolutionizing the fashion retail sector with his "fast fashion" concept, which allowed consumers to buy trendy clothing at affordable prices. Today, Inditex is one of the largest fashion retailers globally, boasting several other successful brands such as Massimo Dutti, Bershka, and Pull&Bear.

Under Ortega's leadership, Inditex has embraced sustainability initiatives, focusing on eco-friendly practices and technologies in its production processes. Ortega’s strategic investments in real estate and sustainable businesses also underscore his vision for the future of fashion and retail.

His public appearance in 2000, as part of the warm-up prior to his company's initial public offering on the stock market in 2001, made headlines in the Spanish financial press. However, he has only ever granted interviews to three journalists.

Social Network

Amancio Ortega is notably private, with minimal engagement on social media platforms. Unlike many contemporary billionaires and celebrities, he prefers to keep his personal life away from the public eye. Most of the information about him comes from business articles, interviews, and media coverage related to Inditex. This deliberate choice contributes to his enigmatic persona, allowing his business achievements to speak volumes.

In July 2017, for its second edition of the AEF awards, the Spanish Association of Foundations awarded Amancio Ortega in the 2017 Philanthropic Initiative category. He also donated 300 million euros to fight cancer across Spain, which were invested in the purchase of 440 machines to detect the disease.

As a result of this, the number of Spanish public hospitals equipped with stereotactic radiotherapy machines has risen from 20 to 70. However, these decisions were not unanimously welcomed and were criticized by some political parties like Podemos.

Recently, news indicate that he has bought the Troy Block complex, known to the public as one of the buildings where Amazon Seattle has its headquarters.

Education

Ortega’s formal education did not extend beyond his early teenage years, as he started working in the clothing business at a young age. His practical experience in the retail sector has been the cornerstone of his astounding success. Ortega’s journey emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience and skill over formal educational credentials in achieving entrepreneurial success.

In conclusion, Amancio Ortega continues to be a pivotal figure in fashion and business, with a remarkable legacy that inspires future generations. As he navigates his 89th year, his life remains a testament to innovation, resilience, and strategic vision in a rapidly evolving industry.

In 2009, Zara was part of the Inditex group (Industrias de Diseño Textil Sociedad Anónima), of which Ortega owned 59.29%, and aside from over 6,000 stores included the brands Zara, Massimo Dutti, Oysho, Zara Home, Kiddy's Class, Tempe, Stradivarius, Pull and Bear, Bershka and has more than 92,000 employees.