Giovanni Ferrero (born 21 September 1964) is an Italian businessman and writer. He became the leader of Ferrero SpA, the global confectionery company, following the death of his brother Pietro Ferrero in 2011. As of 2024, Forbes estimated his personal fortune at $43.8 billion, making him the wealthiest person in Italy and the 26th richest individual in the world.
Early Life
Giovanni Ferrero was born on 21 September 1964 in Farigliano, Italy, to Maria Franca Fissolo and Michele Ferrero, the owner of the global confectionery giant Ferrero. The Ferrero family is known for creating iconic products such as Nutella, Kinder Chocolate, and Ferrero Rocher. Raised in a business-oriented household, Giovanni was exposed to the confectionery industry from a young age.
Education
 | |
| Born | 21 September 1964 Farigliano, Italy |
| Education | European Schools |
| Occupations | Businessman |
| Spouse | Paola Rossi |
| Children | 2 |
| Known for | CEO of Ferrero SpA; richest person in Italy |
| Title | Executive chairman, Ferrero SpA |
| Parent(s) | father: Michele Ferrero mother: Maria Franca Fissolo |
| Relatives | Pietro Ferrero (grandfather) Pietro Ferrero Jr. (brother) |
He pursued his education abroad, attending the European School in Brussels, Belgium, where he developed an international outlook. Ferrero later studied marketing at Lebanon Valley College in Pennsylvania, United States, further shaping his business acumen. His upbringing and education played a significant role in preparing him to lead the family business.
In 1975, Giovanni Ferrero relocated to Brussels, Belgium, where he attended the European School, receiving a multicultural education. He later moved to the United States to further his studies, earning a degree in marketing from Lebanon Valley College in Pennsylvania. His international education provided him with a global perspective, which would later influence his leadership approach in the family business.
Career
After completing his studies, Giovanni Ferrero returned to Europe and joined Ferrero SpA, the family’s confectionery business known for brands like Nutella, Kinder, and Ferrero Rocher. In 1997, he was appointed joint CEO alongside his brother Pietro Ferrero, overseeing the company's global expansion and product diversification.
Following the unexpected death of his brother Pietro in a cycling accident in South Africa in April 2011, Giovanni became the sole CEO of the Ferrero Group. His father, Michele Ferrero, continued as executive chairman, offering guidance and support during the leadership transition.
When Michele Ferrero passed away in 2015, Giovanni assumed full control of the company, becoming both CEO and executive chairman. Under his leadership, Ferrero expanded significantly through strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of Thorntons in 2015 and the U.S. candy business of Nestlé in 2018, further solidifying its position in the global confectionery market.
In 2017, Ferrero shifted his focus toward long-term strategy and innovation, appointing Lapo Civiletti as CEO while retaining the role of executive chairman. This move allowed Giovanni to concentrate on the company's global growth strategies, sustainability initiatives, and continued product innovation.
Publications
Giovanni Ferrero has also pursued a career as a writer, publishing several books that reflect his interest in literature and storytelling:
- "Marketing progetto 2000. La gestione della complessità" (1990) – A business-focused work discussing complexity management in marketing.
- "Stelle di tenebra" (1999) – A novel published by Mondadori.
- "Campo Paradiso" (2007) – A fictional work published by Rizzoli.
- "Il canto delle farfalle" (2010) – Another literary piece published by Rizzoli.
His writings showcase a diverse range of interests, from business strategy to fiction, reflecting his multifaceted personality beyond his corporate leadership.
Personal Life
Giovanni Ferrero is married to Paola Rossi. The couple has two sons and resides in Berchem-Sainte-Agathe, a suburban area near Brussels, Belgium. Despite his public business profile, Ferrero maintains a private personal life, focusing on family and his professional commitments.
References
- Correspondent, I., International Finance Business Desk 3 Min Read and Desk, I.F.B. (2023) Business leader of the week: Meet Giovanni Ferrero, a secretive Nutella billionaire, International Finance. Available at: https://internationalfinance.com/business-leaders/business-leader-week-meet-giovanni-ferrero-secretive-nutella-billionaire/ (Accessed: 10 January 2025).
- Giovanni Ferrero (no date) Forbes. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/profile/giovanni-ferrero/?list=rtb%2F (Accessed: 10 January 2025).
- Giovanni Ferrero samples the sweet taste of success (no date) European CEO. Available at: https://www.europeanceo.com/profiles/giovanni-ferrero-samples-the-sweet-taste-of-success/ (Accessed: 10 January 2025).
- The nutella billionaires: Inside the secretive Ferrero family (no date) Forbes. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/feature/ferrero-candy-empire/#71cfb0916c49 (Accessed: 10 January 2025).
- Tikona Capital (2024) Giovanni Ferrero: A visionary leader redefining the world of confectionery, Tikona Capital. Available at: https://www.tikonacapital.com/post/giovanni-ferrero-a-visionary-leader-redefining-the-world-of-confectionery (Accessed: 10 January 2025).
