Amancio Ortega

Amancio Ortega is considered a revolutionary of the fashion industry and is the richest man in Spain. He began his career in the garment industry at a young age, learning the trade in local shops in La Coruña. In 1975, he opened the first Zara store, introducing a new model of fast fashion that revolutionized the retail industry with its rapid production and distribution processes. Under his leadership, Inditex expanded globally, encompassing several other successful brands like Massimo Dutti, Pull&Bear, and Bershka. Known for his reclusive nature, Ortega has amassed significant wealth, consistently ranking among the world's richest individuals.

Formative experiences and early ventures laid the groundwork for Ortega's future success in the fashion industry.

• Born on March 28, 1936, in Busdongo de Arbás, León, Spain
• Moved to A Coruña, Galicia, Spain, at the age of 14.
• Started working as a delivery boy for a local shirtmaker, Gala.
• Later worked as a sales assistant at La Maja, a clothing store.
• Learned about garment production, design, and sales.
• Began making and selling his own bathrobes with his future wife, Rosalía Mera, in the early 1960s.
• Founded his first company, Confecciones Goa, in 1963, which produced quilted bathrobes.
• Opened the first Zara store in La Coruña in 1975 with wife Rosalía Mera.
• Introduced the concept of fast fashion, emphasizing quick turnaround and affordable pricing.

Ortega has learned different things from both his marriages, and he remains very closely tied to his children.

• Ortega’s first marriage was to Rosalía Mera in 1966. She also co-founded Zara with Amancio Ortega.
• His second marriage was to Flora Pérez Marcote in 2001. She worked with Ortega at Inditex and has been involved in various aspects of the business.
• Ortega had two children with Rosalia Mera, Sandra Ortega Mera and Marcos Ortega Mera; they both work with the family's various charitable foundations.
• His third child was Marta Ortega Pérez, who was born to Flora Pérez Marcote. Her role is heavily involved in Inditex.
• Ortega is known for maintaining a low profile and avoiding public attention.
• Lives in A Coruña, Spain, in a discreet and relatively modest home compared to his wealth.