SubscribeSign In
LeaderPortfolio
Billionaire Profile
Diego Della Valle
Global Rank
#2448

Image: Simone Ramella from Rome, Italy | CC BY 2.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Diego Della Valle

CEO, Shoes
ITALY
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.681B
Estimated based on Shoes stock value as of April 20, 2026
+0.05% (24h)
Age
72
Source
Shoes
Industry
Fashion & Retail
Citizenship
ITALY

Biography

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.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

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 Milestones

1975

Joined Family Business

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

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.

1996

Cavaliere del Lavoro

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

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).

2002

Bought ACF Fiorentina

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

2006

Acquired Schiaparelli

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

2017

Honorary Degree

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

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.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Cultural Preservation

Colosseum Restoration

$34M

Financed the restoration of the Colosseum in Rome.

Disaster Relief and Economic Support

Arquata del Tronto Factory

Unknown

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

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"When you work too much you are boring–that is possible, but to have a happy life, if you can do several things in the correct way, that is perfect."

Leadership Principles

Focus on Quality and Craftsmanship

Emphasize high-quality materials and traditional craftsmanship to create luxury goods.

Strategic Marketing and Branding

Use innovative marketing strategies, including celebrity endorsements and creating a strong brand identity.

Diversification and Expansion

Expand the business through acquisitions and the creation of new brands.

Support Italian Heritage

Support Italian culture and heritage through restoration projects.

Controversies & Challenges

2005

Calciopoli Scandal

Involved in the Calciopoli match-fixing scandal. Della Valle was convicted of sports fraud.

2024

Roger Vivier Acquisition

Lost a long-running battle with French tax authorities over company's accounting practices during Roger Vivier acquisition.

2025

Supply Chain Probe

Italian prosecutors investigated Tod's supply chain, raising concerns about the 'Made in Italy' reputation and labor practices.

Compare Diego Della Valle

Net Worth Face-off
Diego Della Valle vs Elon Musk
Compare Wealth →
Net Worth Face-off
Diego Della Valle vs Jeff Bezos
Compare Wealth →
Net Worth Face-off
Diego Della Valle vs Mark Zuckerberg
Compare Wealth →