Amancio Ortega has gained recognition as the founder and former chairman of Inditex fashion group, best known for its chain of Zara and Bershka clothing and accessories shops. But now, it is time for his youngest daughter, Marta, to shine in the spotlight.
Marta Ortega was appointed non-executive chairperson of Inditex in December of 2021 and president of the company in 2022. She also manages the firm's communication strategy and its internal audit body. In its first full year under her leadership, Inditex posted a 27% net profit increase as sales surpassed pre-pandemic levels. The retailer’s in-store and online sales hit $34.99 billion, up by 18% on the year and 15% higher than in 2019.
“My focus is entirely on the product and everything that empowers the best possible delivery of that; and always improving shopping experience, both in the physical stores and online, and maximizing integration between the two,” Ortega told the Financial Times. “In short, my goal is to maintain and keep building quality, quality, quality in every aspect of the company.”
Ortega graduated from Regent’s University London in 2007, with a specialty in international entrepreneurship. She went right to work at Inditex at the London Zara store in Chelsea that same year. In her early years at the company, she carried out her professional duties in several international branches and business areas. She later joined the Zara Woman design and product development team. Her focus in recent years has been on defining Zara’s brand and product strategy.
Ortega’s appointment to the leadership role was not without a rocky start. Upon replacing veteran executive president Pablo Isla, shares for the company fell more than 5%. Isla himself, however, dismissed the share fall as a short-term problem. Brokers were concerned she was taking the lead faster than expected, but Inditex’s strong results seem to have appeased initial investor concerns.
In addition to her leadership role, Ortega sits on the boards of directors of Pontegadea Inversiones S.L. and Partler Participaciones, S.L.U., both significant shareholders of Inditex. Ortega has also been a member of the Amancio Ortega Foundation Board of Trustees since 2015.