Billionaire Profile
Nicola Bulgari
Global Rank
#1697

Image: Ggia | CC BY-SA 3.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Nicola Bulgari

CEO, Luxury goods
ITALY
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.479B
Estimated based on Luxury goods stock value as of April 20, 2026
-0.21% (24h)
Age
85
Source
Luxury goods
Industry
Fashion & Retail
Citizenship
ITALY

Biography

Nicola Bulgari, born in Rome in 1941, is an Italian businessman and philanthropist. As the grandson of Sotirios Bulgari, the founder of the luxury brand Bulgari, he became the vice chairman of Bulgari S.p.A. in 1984, contributing significantly to its global expansion. The family sold its controlling stake to LVMH in 2011. Beyond his business acumen, Bulgari is known for his passion for vintage American automobiles, founding the NB Center for American Automotive Heritage. His current estimated net worth is $2.4 billion, as of March 25, 2026, and he continues to support philanthropic causes, particularly those related to arts and automotive heritage. He was also involved in a tax evasion case.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Family

Nicola Bulgari was born in Rome, Italy, in 1941. He is the grandson of Sotirios Bulgari, who founded the luxury brand Bulgari in 1884. He entered the family business in the 1960s, under his father's guidance.

Rise to Success

Nicola Bulgari served as the vice chairman of Bulgari S.p.A., playing a key role in the expansion of the family-founded jewelry house into a global luxury brand. He was instrumental in transforming Bulgari from a small family business into a global luxury brand. He oversaw the company's expansion into new markets and introduced new product lines.

Key Business Strategies

Nicola Bulgari contributed to the expansion of Bulgari into a global luxury powerhouse. The company has about 300 stores worldwide. In 2011, the Bulgari family sold its controlling stake to LVMH for $5.2 billion.

Philanthropy

Nicola Bulgari is also a philanthropist. He has been a member of the Board of Trustees of Carnegie Hall since 2007 and, since 2015 he has been on the Board of Directors of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia. He founded the NB Center for American Automotive Heritage, dedicated to preserving vintage American automobiles. He is involved with the Fondazione Bvlgari which supports various causes.

Career Milestones

1960s

Joined Bulgari

Began working in the family business under his father's guidance.

1984

Vice Chairman of Bulgari

Became vice chairman of Bulgari S.p.A., contributing to the expansion of the family-founded jewelry house.

2011

Sold Controlling Stake to LVMH

The Bulgari family sold its controlling stake to LVMH for $5.2 billion.

2015

America Award

Received the America Award from the Italy–USA Foundation.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Automotive Heritage

NB Center for American Automotive Heritage

Undisclosed

Founded the NB Center for American Automotive Heritage, a facility dedicated to the acquisition, restoration, and maintenance of rare American automobiles.

Arts and Automotive Heritage

Fondazione Nicola Bulgari

Undisclosed

Supports philanthropy focused on automotive heritage and the arts.

Arts

Carnegie Hall

Undisclosed

Member of the Board of Trustees.

Arts

Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia

Undisclosed

Member of the Board of Directors.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"He once turned down an offer from Andy Warhol to exchange a painting for Bulgari jewels. "It was the worst deal of my life," he said."

Leadership Principles

Preservation of Heritage

Dedicated to preserving the history of American automobiles and the skills required to maintain them.

Support for the Arts

Actively supports various cultural and educational institutions.

Controversies & Challenges

2013

Tax Evasion Allegations

Involved in a tax evasion case, with assets seized by Italian financial police.

2023

Insider Trading Conviction

Convicted of insider trading.