Amancio Ortega, the Spanish founder of fashion retailer Inditex, which includes Zara, is poised to receive approximately €3.2 billion ($3.7 billion) in dividends this year, marking the largest such payout in the billionaire’s history from the company he co-founded over six decades ago.
The substantial dividend comes as Inditex continues to demonstrate strong financial performance. As of 2026, Ortega’s net worth is estimated at $147 billion, positioning him as the second-wealthiest person in Europe, trailing only Bernard Arnault, and the tenth-richest globally, according to recent reports.
Ortega established Inditex in 1963, initially focusing on the manufacturing of clothing. The company’s pivotal shift towards retail began in 1975 with the opening of the first Zara store in A Coruña, Spain. This expansion was characterized by a unique business model centered on vertical integration, allowing for rapid design, production, and distribution of trendy, affordable clothing – a strategy now widely recognized as “fast fashion.”
Inditex has grown to encompass a portfolio of brands including Zara, Bershka, and others, with a global network of stores. Ortega stepped down as chairman of Inditex in 2011, but remains a significant shareholder and board member. His influence on the company and the broader fashion industry remains considerable.
The dividend payout underscores Ortega’s continued financial success and the enduring strength of the Inditex business model. He briefly held the title of the world’s richest man in 2015, surpassing Bill Gates when Inditex’s stock reached a peak valuation of $80 billion.
Ortega’s early life was marked by modest beginnings. Born in Busdongo de Arbas, León, Spain, in 1936, he left school at the age of 14 and began working as a shop assistant for a local shirtmaker in A Coruña. This early exposure to the garment industry laid the foundation for his future entrepreneurial endeavors.
The Ortega family maintains a prominent position in the retail sector, with Amancio Ortega leading the family and being recognized as the second-wealthiest retailer worldwide.
