Valle

Rank #2447

ITALY•Fashion & Retail•Shoes

Diego Della Valle

Net Worth

$1.667B

0% (24h)

Diego Della Valle, born in 1953, is the Chairman of Tod's S.p.A., a luxury goods company. He transformed his family's shoemaking business into a global brand. His career showcases a focus on marketing, innovative strategies, and high-profile collaborations. With an estimated net worth of $1.7 billion (as of 2024), his wealth comes from shoes and other ventures. Della Valle is known for his contributions to Italian business, his involvement in various companies, and his philanthropic endeavors. His journey reflects a fusion of tradition and modern business acumen.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

Diego Della Valle was born on December 30, 1953, in Sant'Elpidio a Mare, Italy. He is the grandson of Filippo Della Valle, who started a shoemaking business in the 1920s. Diego earned a law degree from the University of Bologna in 1975.

Rise to Success

Della Valle joined the family business in 1975 and took over in 1978, renaming it J.P. Tod's. He played a crucial role in expanding the company, transforming it into a global luxury brand. He implemented innovative marketing strategies, including celebrity endorsements, to boost brand recognition.

Key Business Strategies

Della Valle focused on the high quality and craftsmanship. The company's success is attributed to the creation of iconic footwear like the Gommino loafer, as well as the launch of handbags and clothing lines. He also diversified the family business, launching brands like Fay and Hogan and acquiring Roger Vivier. The brand went public on the Milan Stock Exchange in 2000, but was taken private in 2024.

Philanthropy

Della Valle is involved in various philanthropic initiatives. He financed the restoration of the Colosseum in Rome and has supported projects with Save the Children. He also funded a factory in Arquata del Tronto after an earthquake.

Career Timeline

2024

Tod's Privatization

Tod's was taken private following a transaction involving the Della Valle family and L Catterton (backed by LVMH), ending its stock-market listing.

2017

Honorary Degree

Received an honorary degree in Economics and Management from the University of Sannio.

2006

Acquired Schiaparelli

The family holding company acquired the haute couture brand Elsa Schiaparelli.

2002

Bought ACF Fiorentina

Purchased the Tuscan football club ACF Fiorentina, later selling it in 2019.

2000

Chairman and CEO of Tod's S.p.A.

Appointed Chairman and CEO of Tod's Group S.p.A., leading the company's global expansion and listing on the Milan Stock Exchange (until 2024).

1996

Cavaliere del Lavoro

Nominated as Cavaliere del Lavoro (Knight of Labour), the highest honor the Italian Republic bestows for professional achievement.

1978

Took Over Family Business (Tod's)

Took over the family business and renamed it J.P. Tod's, later shortened to Tod's. Started the Gommino leather loafer production.

1975

Joined Family Business

Joined the family shoemaking business, supporting his father in management and gaining experience in high-quality production techniques.

Philanthropic Impact

Cultural Preservation$34M

Colosseum Restoration

Financed the restoration of the Colosseum in Rome.

Disaster Relief and Economic SupportUnknown

Arquata del Tronto Factory

Built a modern factory to support the earthquake-stricken area.