Dona Bertarelli

Early Life

Dona Bertarelli was born Donata Guichard Bertarelli on March 3, 1968, in Rome, Italy. She is the daughter of Maria Iris Bertarelli and Fabio Bertarelli. Her family moved to Switzerland in 1977. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Boston University's College of Communication.

Rise to Success

Dona Bertarelli inherited Serono, a biotechnology company, with her brother Ernesto. She was Executive Director of Public and Professional Affairs at Serono from 1992 to 1997. The family sold Serono in 2007. She is also a successful sailor, winning the Bol d'Or Mirabaud in 2010 and 2014, and the Fastnet Race in 2013. In 2016, she became the fastest woman to sail around the world.

Key Business Strategies

Dona Bertarelli focuses on long-term value creation as an investor, with assets in hospitality and real estate. She is involved in various philanthropic initiatives. She is the co-chair of the Bertarelli Foundation.

Philanthropy

Dona Bertarelli is deeply involved in philanthropy, particularly in ocean conservation. She co-chairs the Bertarelli Foundation, which supports scientific research and marine conservation. She founded the Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy and the Global Fishing Watch Marine Manager. Bertarelli also supports biodiversity protection through Sports for Nature.