Early Life
Alain Taravella was born on May 24, 1948, in Falaise, Calvados, France. He exhibited an early interest in real estate and business. He pursued a degree at HEC Paris, graduating in 1971. During his studies, he financed his education by engaging in real estate transactions, particularly focusing on the sale of apartments.
Rise to Success
In 1975, Taravella joined the Brémond group, a real estate development company, becoming head of the leisure division. In 1985, he became CEO of Pierre & Vacances, a leading French tourism and real estate company. Taravella founded Altarea in 1994, a shopping center development company. A landmark achievement came in 1999 when he spearheaded the Bercy Village development project in Paris, enhancing urban renewal and modern retail experiences. Under his leadership, Altarea was listed on the stock exchange in 2004. In 2007, Taravella oversaw the acquisition of Cogedim, a prominent real estate developer.
Key Business Strategies
A key strategy for Taravella has been the acquisition of land during market downturns, allowing Altarea to expand its portfolio strategically. The listing of Altarea on the stock exchange in 2004 was a major milestone, as were acquisitions like Cogedim (2007) and Cap 3000 (2010). These moves expanded Altarea's reach into residential and retail sectors. Taravella has also focused on creating innovative urban solutions, integrating retail and leisure to create vibrant community spaces.
Philanthropy
Taravella is known for his passion for art and culture and actively participates in philanthropic initiatives focused on education and social causes.