Early Life and Education
Dona Bertarelli was born in Rome, Italy, on March 3, 1968. Her parents are Maria Iris and Fabio Bertarelli. She and her brother, Ernesto Bertarelli, inherited Serono, a biotechnology company founded in 1906 by their grandfather. Dona holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Boston University's College of Communication.
Rise to Success
Bertarelli's wealth is primarily derived from biotech and investments, particularly the sale of the family's biotechnology company, Serono, in 2007. She served as the Executive Director of Public and Professional Affairs at Serono in the 1990s. The Bertarelli family sold Serono to Merck for over $13 billion. Dona and her brother Ernesto split ownership of the family assets.
Key Business Strategies
Dona Bertarelli co-chairs the Bertarelli Foundation, which focuses on marine conservation and life sciences research. The family's B-Flexion Group invests in diverse areas, including commercial real estate, technology, and drug companies. She also founded Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy, which supports initiatives in advocacy, education, science, technology, and community-driven projects, with a strong focus on environmental conservation.
Philanthropy
Bertarelli is deeply involved in philanthropy, co-chairing the Bertarelli Foundation, which promotes scientific, social, and economic knowledge in reproductive health and infertility. In 2021, the Bertarelli Rare Cancers Fund supported $15 million in research projects. She also founded the Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy, working with The Pew Charitable Trusts to advance ocean conservation.