Luciano Benetton

CEO, Benetton Group

Real-Time Net Worth

$3.6B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Fashion retail, investments

Industry

fashion-retail

Citizenship

Biography

Luciano Benetton, born in Treviso, Italy, on May 13, 1935, is a prominent figure in the fashion industry and a self-made billionaire. He is best known as the co-founder of the Benetton Group, a global fashion brand recognized for its colorful knitwear and provocative advertising campaigns. Benetton's source of wealth is primarily from fashion retail and investments. He served as the chairman of the Benetton Group from 1978 to 2012. Benetton's career began after leaving school at 14 to work in a clothing store, later leading to the creation of a global fashion empire. His achievements include transforming Benetton into an iconic brand with a network of stores worldwide. As of 2024, his estimated net worth is $3.6 billion.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Luciano Benetton was born in Treviso, Italy, on May 13, 1935. His father had a small business, and Luciano left school at age 14 to work in a clothing shop following his father's death. He saved money to buy a knitting machine and teamed up with his sister to produce a collection of sweaters.

Rise to Success

In 1965, Luciano, along with his siblings Giuliana, Carlo, and Gilberto, founded the Benetton Group. The company initially focused on colorful knitwear. By the 1970s and 1980s, the company expanded rapidly, opening stores across Europe and North America. A key strategy was the innovative use of franchising, allowing for rapid global expansion. Benetton became famous for its innovative and often controversial advertising campaigns, using social issues to promote the brand under the "United Colors of Benetton" slogan.

Key Business Strategies

Benetton's success was built on several key strategies. They introduced colorful knitwear at accessible prices. They utilized a flexible subcontracting production model, outsourcing manufacturing. Franchise retail system. The company also innovated with shock advertising campaigns that sparked conversation and built brand recognition.

Philanthropy

Luciano Benetton is involved in philanthropy. He founded the Imago Mundi Collection in 2006, an art project featuring contemporary art from around the world.

Career Milestones

1965

Co-founded Benetton Group

Founded the fashion brand with his siblings.

1978-2012

Chairman of Benetton Group

Served as chairman, overseeing the company's global expansion.

1992-1994

Italian Senator

Served as a senator in the Italian Republic.

2006

Founded Imago Mundi Collection

Founded an art project featuring contemporary art.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Arts

Imago Mundi Collection

Undisclosed

A collection of contemporary art from around the world.