LeaderPortfolio
Bartelle
Alexandre Grendene Bartelle
Rank #1786
BRAZILFashion & RetailShoes

Alexandre Grendene Bartelle

Net Worth
$2.288B
-0.27% (24h)
Alexandre Grendene Bartelle, a Brazilian billionaire born in 1950, is a prominent figure in the fashion-retail industry. He co-founded Grendene S.A. with his twin brother, Pedro Grendene Bartelle, in 1971, growing it into one of the world's largest sandal manufacturers. His source of wealth stems from his stake in Grendene, and he has expanded his investments into other sectors. As of March 2026, his estimated net worth is 2.3 billion USD, and he remains the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Grendene. He has also invested in real estate in Brazil and Uruguay. Alexandre Grendene Bartelle holds a law degree from the University of Caxias do Sul.

How to read Alexandre Grendene Bartelle's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For Alexandre Grendene Bartelle, we anchor the narrative to Shoes and Shoes, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $2.288B alongside global rank #1786, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (BRAZIL) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life and Education

Alexandre Grendene Bartelle was born on January 2, 1950, in Farroupilha, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. He has a twin brother, Pedro Grendene Bartelle. He studied at the Universidade de Caxias do Sul, graduating with a bachelor's degree in Law.

Rise to Success

In 1971, Alexandre and his twin brother Pedro co-founded Grendene. With financial and personal encouragement from their grandfather, they started with plastic packaging for wine bottles. They soon transitioned to producing plastic components for farm machinery and then to soles and heels for footwear. Grendene produced its first sandal, the Melissa Aranha, in 1979. Over the years, Alexandre played a key role in the company's growth through innovative concepts, technologies, products, and designs. The company is now the world's largest sandal manufacturer.

Key Business Strategies

Alexandre Grendene Bartelle co-founded Grendene, which has become a major player in the fashion-retail industry. He has been instrumental in developing innovative concepts and designs. The company has expanded its operations globally. Grendene owns successful brands, including Melissa, Rider, Grendha, and Ipanema. In 2013, Alexandre stepped down as CEO but remained chairman.

Philanthropy

Alexandre has supported organizations like Instituto Grendene, demonstrating a commitment to community development. In 2015, he donated funds for the construction of a veterinary hospital in Porto Alegre.

Career Timeline

2013

Stepped down as CEO of Grendene

Remained as the company's chairman.

1971

Co-founded Grendene

Co-founded Grendene, a sandal manufacturer, with his brother Pedro Grendene Bartelle.

Philanthropic Impact

HealthcareUndisclosed

Veterinary Hospital Donation

Donated funds for the construction of a veterinary hospital in Porto Alegre in 2015.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
Grendene S.A.41.00%

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life and Education

Alexandre Grendene Bartelle was born on January 2, 1950, in Farroupilha, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. He has a twin brother, Pedro Grendene Bartelle. He studied at the Universidade de Caxias do Sul, graduating with a bachelor's degree in Law.

Rise to Success

In 1971, Alexandre and his twin brother Pedro co-founded Grendene. With financial and personal encouragement from their grandfather, they started with plastic packaging for wine bottles. They soon transitioned to producing plastic components for farm machinery and then to soles and heels for footwear. Grendene produced its first sandal, the Melissa Aranha, in 1979. Over the years, Alexandre played a key role in the company's growth through innovative concepts, technologies, products, and designs. The company is now the world's largest sandal manufacturer.

Key Business Strategies

Alexandre Grendene Bartelle co-founded Grendene, which has become a major player in the fashion-retail industry. He has been instrumental in developing innovative concepts and designs. The company has expanded its operations globally. Grendene owns successful brands, including Melissa, Rider, Grendha, and Ipanema. In 2013, Alexandre stepped down as CEO but remained chairman.

Philanthropy

Alexandre has supported organizations like Instituto Grendene, demonstrating a commitment to community development. In 2015, he donated funds for the construction of a veterinary hospital in Porto Alegre.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Alexandre Grendene Bartelle are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.