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Billionaire Profile
Giovanni Ferrero
Global Rank
#39

Image: Giovanni Ferrero | CC BY-SA 4.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Giovanni Ferrero

CEO, Nutella
ITALY
Real-Time Net Worth
$48.781B
Estimated based on Nutella stock value as of April 21, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
61
Source
Nutella, chocolates
Industry
Food & Beverage
Citizenship
ITALY

Biography

Giovanni Ferrero, the executive chairman of Ferrero International S.A., is an Italian billionaire businessman known for his leadership in the global confectionery industry. His source of wealth stems from Nutella and other chocolate products. Born in 1964, Ferrero has played a pivotal role in the expansion of Ferrero Group, the world's second-largest chocolate producer, beyond its European origins. His career, which began in the family business after studying marketing, has been marked by strategic acquisitions and innovative product launches. Ferrero's dedication to quality and a forward-thinking approach has solidified Ferrero Group's position in the global market, with key achievements in product development and acquisitions. His net worth is estimated at $48.8 billion.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/21/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Giovanni Ferrero was born on September 21, 1964, in Farigliano, Italy. He is the son of Maria Franca Fissolo and Michele Ferrero, the owner of the multinational confectionery corporation Ferrero. He studied at the European Schools in Brussels and then marketing at Lebanon Valley College in Pennsylvania.

Rise to Success

Giovanni Ferrero joined the family business after completing his studies. In 1997, he became joint CEO of Ferrero with his brother Pietro. After his brother's death in 2011, Giovanni became the sole CEO of the Ferrero Group. Michele Ferrero remained as executive chairman until his death in 2015, leaving Giovanni solely in charge of the company. Ferrero then took over as executive chairman.

Key Business Strategies

As executive chairman, Giovanni Ferrero has focused on long-term strategies, including major acquisitions. He oversaw the acquisition of Nestlé's U.S. confectionery business in 2018 for $2.8 billion. Ferrero also acquired Thorntons in the UK. In 2025, Ferrero acquired WK Kellogg Co..

Philanthropy

Ferrero's philanthropy includes initiatives through the Ferrero Foundation, which supports retired employees and the local community.

Career Milestones

1997

Joint CEO of Ferrero

Became joint CEO of Ferrero with his brother Pietro.

2011

Sole CEO of Ferrero

Became the sole CEO after his brother Pietro's death.

2015

Executive Chairman of Ferrero

Took over as executive chairman.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Community Support

Ferrero Foundation

N/A

Supports retired employees and the local community.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"I strongly believe that attention to employees' needs, to their families, to their life even when they quit working, cements a social cohesion that is mutually beneficial."

Leadership Principles

Focus on Long-Term Strategy

Emphasis on making strategic acquisitions to grow and diversify the company.

Innovation

Investing in new products and expanding into new markets.

Controversies & Challenges

2020

Tax Practices in the UK

Criticism over the company's tax payments in the UK, where it paid a small amount of tax despite significant sales.

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