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Billionaire Profile
Maria Franca Fissolo
Global Rank
#1691

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Maria Franca Fissolo

CEO, Ferrero Group
IT
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.3B
As of December 2025
Age
86
Source
Nutella, chocolates
Industry
food-beverage
Citizenship
IT

Biography

Maria Franca Fissolo, born in Savigliano, Italy, in 1939, is the widow of Michele Ferrero, who built the Ferrero Group into a global confectionery powerhouse. Known for her discretion and private life, she is the owner of the second-largest confectionery company in Europe. The Ferrero Group is best known for iconic brands such as Nutella, Kinder chocolates, and Tic Tac mints. Maria Franca, along with her late husband, instilled family values, faith, and community into the Ferrero corporate culture. She has been actively involved in the Ferrero Foundation, which supports cultural, educational, and health-related initiatives. With a net worth of $2.3 billion as of December 5, 2025, Maria Franca Fissolo maintains a modest public profile while contributing significantly to the Ferrero legacy.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Maria Franca Fissolo was born in Savigliano, Piedmont, Italy, in 1939. Details about her early life are scarce, as she has always maintained a private profile. In the early 1960s, she met Michele Ferrero, the son of Pietro Ferrero, the founder of the Ferrero company. They married in 1962.

Rise to Success

Maria Franca Fissolo's contribution to the Ferrero legacy is primarily through her steadfast partnership with Michele Ferrero and her quiet philanthropy. She married into the family that created popular brands like Nutella, Kinder chocolates, and Tic Tac mints. She is the widow of Michele Ferrero, who was instrumental in transforming the company into a global confectionery leader. Michele Ferrero passed away in February 2015, leaving the majority of the business to his and Maria's son, Giovanni.

Key Business Strategies

While Maria Franca is not directly involved in the business operations, her family's success is attributed to key strategies. These strategies include a focus on product innovation, such as developing Nutella, and strategic market expansion. Moreover, the Ferrero Group has maintained a commitment to quality and has built strong brand recognition through iconic products.

Philanthropy

Maria Franca Fissolo is actively involved in philanthropy, particularly through the Fondazione Ferrero, established by her husband in 1983. This foundation supports initiatives in Italy related to culture, education, and health. It focuses on benefiting the elderly and local communities in the Piedmont region. Maria Franca has also received recognition for her philanthropic work, including the NIAF award.

Career Milestones

1962

Marriage to Michele Ferrero

Married Michele Ferrero, son of Ferrero founder Pietro Ferrero, and began a long-standing partnership that shaped the Ferrero legacy.

1983

President of Fondazione Ferrero

Became the president of the Piera, Pietro and Giovanni Ferrero Foundation, which supports cultural, educational, and health-related initiatives.

2015

Inherited Wealth

Inherited a minority stake in Ferrero SpA and significant cash assets upon the death of her husband, Michele Ferrero.

2024

Knight of the Grand Cross in the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic

Awarded for her commitment to philanthropy in the United States.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Culture, Education, Health

Fondazione Ferrero

$XB

Supports cultural, educational, and health-related initiatives in Italy, especially benefiting the elderly and local communities in the Piedmont region.

Childcare

Ferrero Nursery

$XB

Created the Ferrero Nursery, a state-of-the-art nursery intended as “a place for children” to observe and promote their growth, and to enhance the range of experiences and potential of each child.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"“I've been lucky, but I lost Pietro, who was only 47, and to lose a son is inhuman, it feels like living in black and white.”"

"“It was love at first sight.”"

Leadership Principles

Family Values

Instilled values of faith, family, and community within the Ferrero corporate culture.

Philanthropy

Committed to supporting cultural, educational, and health initiatives, especially benefiting the elderly and local communities.