Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#1756

Image: Andreas Trepte | CC BY-SA 2.5 | via Wikimedia Commons

Maria Franca Fissolo

CEO, Nutella

ITALY

Real-Time Net Worth

$2.346B

Estimated based on Nutella stock value as of March 6, 2026

0% (24h)

Age

Source

Nutella, chocolates

Industry

Food & Beverage

Citizenship

ITALY

Biography

Maria Franca Fissolo, born in 1938, is an Italian businesswoman best known as the widow of Michele Ferrero, the visionary who built the Ferrero confectionery empire, including Nutella, Ferrero Rocher, Kinder, and Tic Tac. With a current estimated net worth of $2.4 billion as of February 2, 2026, she is a prominent figure in the world of Italian business. Maria Franca is known for her discretion and has largely remained out of the public eye. She has served as the President of the Piera, Pietro, and Giovanni Ferrero Foundation since its establishment in 1983, dedicated to supporting former Ferrero employees through various initiatives. Her career has been marked by her support for her husband's business and her commitment to philanthropic endeavors. She was awarded the Knight of the Grand Cross in the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 2024.

Fact Checked

Verified by Editorial Team

Live Data

Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Maria Franca Fissolo was born in 1938 in Savigliano, Italy, and grew up near Alba, where the Ferrero family business originated. Details about her early life are scarce, reflecting her preference for privacy. She attended the School of Interpreters at the Carlo Bo University in Milan and became fluent in Italian, English, French, and German.

Rise to Success

In 1962, Maria Franca married Michele Ferrero, the son of the company's founder. She played an active role in the Ferrero Group. After her husband's death in 2015, she inherited a portion of his stake in the business, with her son Giovanni Ferrero assuming full control of the company.

Key Business Strategies

Maria Franca’s main influence was in the background. She supported her husband in his business ventures. She also managed the institutional relations of the Ferrero Group with various political, economic, and social counterparts.

Philanthropy

Maria Franca Fissolo has been the President of the Piera, Pietro, and Giovanni Ferrero Foundation since 1983. The foundation supports former Ferrero employees and their families with various activities, including art, science, history, literature, and health assistance.

Career Milestones

1962

Married Michele Ferrero

Married Michele Ferrero, and became an integral part of the Ferrero business.

1983

President of the Piera, Pietro and Giovanni Ferrero Foundation

Became President of the foundation dedicated to supporting former Ferrero employees.

2024

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

Awarded the Knight of the Grand Cross for her contributions.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Employee Support

Piera, Pietro and Giovanni Ferrero Foundation

Undisclosed

Supports former Ferrero employees with health assistance and social programs.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"“We have achieved things that I am very proud of, such as offering a quality of later life to all those who have worked with us.”"

Leadership Principles

Discretion and Privacy

Maintained a private life throughout her career.

Family Values

Embodied loyalty to family values, and commitment to social responsibility.

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