Amancio Ortega, founder of Zara, transformed fast fashion with a unique model, delivering trendy, affordable styles in record time from concept to store.

Ortega co-founded Zara in 1975 with his then-wife, Rosalía Mera, growing it into the Inditex empire, which now boasts over 7,000 stores worldwide.

Ortega’s retail strategy, "fast fashion," changed the industry by producing small batches with quick turnarounds, meeting customer demand almost instantly.

Despite his wealth, Ortega leads a low-profile life, preferring simple routines and dressing in classic attire rather than flaunting his billionaire status.

Ortega’s innovation lies in Zara's "just-in-time" manufacturing, allowing designs to hit shelves in two weeks, unlike traditional retailers who take months.

Ortega’s humble beginnings—he started working at 14 in a small Spanish clothing shop—shaped his passion for making fashion accessible to all.

Unlike other CEOs, Ortega didn’t have an office at Zara headquarters; he worked alongside his team on the floor, observing firsthand how his business operated.

Ortega stepped down as Inditex’s chairman in 2011, yet he remains deeply involved in the company and continues to influence its direction.

Ortega has invested billions into real estate worldwide, owning high-end properties in major cities like London, New York, and Madrid through his firm Pontegadea.

Ortega’s wealth, valued at over $60 billion, makes him one of the richest individuals globally, yet he maintains a famously private lifestyle in Spain.