Patrizio Bertelli

About

Italian billionaire businessman and former CEO of Prada Group. He and his wife and business partner, Miuccia Prada, brought a modern dimension to the brand's identity, developing new collections and labels as well as renovating all boutiques. These updates led to rapid expansion of the company throughout the 80's and 90's. In 2013 Forbes ranked him and his wife as one of the most influential couples in the world. 

Before Fame

While his family had a long tradition of work in law, he chose to begin his professional life in the leather goods industry. He attended the University of Florence and Bologna University. At age 21, while still in school, he founded a small leather goods company called Sir Robert. 

Trivia

He is a fan of contemporary art and literature and created the Fondazione Prada in 1993. It hosts a range of events from art exhibitions to architecture, film festivals, philosophy and other cultural projects. He also sails and established the team Prada Challenge for the America's Cup 2000, sponsoring the Luna Rossa team for multiple years. He was the first Italian to be inducted into the America's Cup Hall of Fame in 2012. 

Family Life

His wife Miuccia Prada is the granddaughter of Mario Prada, founder of the Prada company. The couple met in the 70's. They have two children and live in Milan, Italy. 

Associated With

He collaborated with Rem Koolhaas and Herzog & de Meuron in the 1990's to create the "Prada Epicentres" project, a coming together of luxury goods, technology, design and architecture to provide a range services and sensory and audiovisual experiences.