Early Life
Amancio Ortega was born on March 28, 1936, in Busdongo de Arbas, León, Spain. His childhood was marked by modest means; his father was a railway worker, and his mother worked as a maid. He moved to A Coruña at the age of 14, where he began working for a local shirtmaker.
Rise to Success
Ortega's career took off when he co-founded Zara with his then-wife, Rosalía Mera, in 1975. They opened the first Zara store in A Coruña. Zara's innovative fast-fashion model, which quickly responded to trends, revolutionized the industry. In 1985, he officially incorporated Inditex as the parent company of Zara. The company expanded rapidly, opening stores worldwide and launching brands like Massimo Dutti and Bershka.
Key Business Strategies
Ortega's key strategies included a short supply chain, minimal advertising, and rapid stock turnover. Zara's design-to-store turnaround was exceptionally fast, with new styles appearing in stores within weeks. Ortega's focus was on customer preference and delivering designs quickly and affordably.
Philanthropy
In 2001, Ortega established the Amancio Ortega Foundation, which supports education and social welfare. The foundation runs scholarship programs and has made significant donations to healthcare, including substantial contributions for cancer treatment and equipment. Ortega's philanthropic efforts reflect his commitment to giving back to society.