Early Life
Hortensia Herrero Chacón was born on May 20, 1950, in Valencia, Spain. She graduated with a degree in Economics from the University of Valencia. Her early life laid the foundation for her future success in business and philanthropy.
Rise to Success
Herrero's career is largely defined by her significant role in Mercadona. Since 1990, she, along with her husband Juan Roig, became the majority shareholders of Mercadona. She serves as Vice President of Mercadona. Mercadona, founded in 1977, has grown to become one of the largest supermarket chains in Spain. In 2024, the company's net profit was €1.38 billion. Hortensia Herrero's ownership of 28% of Mercadona has significantly contributed to her wealth.
Key Business Strategies
While not directly involved in day-to-day operations, Herrero's influence on Mercadona's strategic direction is significant. The company's focus on "Always Low Prices" and its commitment to quality have been key factors in its success. Mercadona also prioritizes its employees, sharing profits and investing in training and development.
Philanthropy
Hortensia Herrero is deeply involved in philanthropy through the Hortensia Herrero Foundation. The Foundation's main focus is to recover, develop, and share the historical and cultural heritage of the Comunitat Valenciana. Notable projects include the restoration of historic buildings and support for art and culture, including the opening of the Hortensia Herrero Art Centre, which houses a collection of contemporary art. Herrero has invested significantly in restoring historic buildings and supporting local art and culture.
