Diego Della Valle – Chairman and CEO of Tod’s
Diego Della Valle is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Italian luxury goods and fashion giant Tod’s S.p.A. He is a self-made billionaire who is credited for reviving the iconic Italian brand and for creating a new and exciting market for luxury goods and fashion. Tod’s is a $1.5 billion business that produces everything from shoes to bags and clothing. With stores in over 50 countries, Diego Della Valle and the Tod’s brand continue to be a leader in the luxury fashion and lifestyle industry.
Early Life and Education of Diego Della Valle
Born in 1955 in Italy’s central Marche region, Diego Della Valle was raised as the fifth of seven children in a successful shoe industry family. His two uncles were the pioneers of Tod’s luxury shoes and his father, Dorino Della Valle, was an entrepreneur and shoe manufacturer who founded the Tod’s footwear brand in the early 1970s. Growing up surrounded by the shoe industry, Diego Della Valle was instrumental in helping his father to build and expand the Tod’s brand.
Diego Della Valle attended the University of Rome La Sapienza, where in 1977 he earned a degree in law, majoring in agricultural law. After graduation, he joined the family business, where he has been at the helm for over 40 years.
Career Accomplishments of Diego Della Valle
Since taking charge of the Tod’s business in the mid-1980s, Diego Della Valle has guided the company to exponential growth. What began as a small family business with one shoe factory in 1981, is now one of Italy’s most successful businesses with a global presence and over 1,700 stores worldwide. After introducing the iconic Gommino driving shoe in 1992, which has become a symbol of the brand, the Tod’s brand now features everything from moccasins and lug-soled Chelsea boots to shoulder bags, travel duffle bags, backpacks and a full range of clothing.
Tod’s is renowned for its commitment to craftsmanship and use of luxurious materials to ensure excellence and quality in every product. This has been a key focus of Diego Della Valle’s leadership, as his passion for luxurious quality is embedded in the fabric of the brand. He also is committed to sustainability and environmental integrity in the brand’s materials and products, an effort that has been recognized with numerous awards including the UN Forest Stewardship Council award.
Diego Della Valle’s Achievements with Tod’s
Under the leadership of Diego Della Valle, Tod’s has achieved incredible success in the luxury market. Here are a few highlights:
• Revenues have grown from $64 million in 1988 (when Diego Della Valle took over the company) to a staggering $1.5 billion in 2017.
• Tod’s has opened more than 1,700 stores in over 50 countries and has more than 5,500 point-of-sale locations.
• Diego Della Valle has played a leading role in the promotion of Italian artisanal craftsmanship, partnering with Italian artist Gherardo Felloni on the iconic ‘Tod’s Loves’ project in the early 2000s.
• Tod’s has acquired retail fashion brands Roger Vivier, Hogan, and Fay and launched new collections with renowned fashion designers, including Alberta Ferretti, Versus, and Marni.
• In 2017, Tod’s became the first luxury fashion brand to launch its own mobile banking service.
• Forbes magazine lists Diego Della Valle as one of the richest people in the world, with an estimated net worth of over $9.7 billion.
These accomplishments are a testament to the leadership skills and dedication of Diego Della Valle to the Tod’s brand. As one of the most successful CEO’s in Italy and in the luxury fashion world, Diego Della Valle has certainly left his mark on the business world.
Philanthropic Work of Diego Della Valle
In addition to all of his business successes, Diego Della Valle is also well known for his philanthropic work. He donated €25 million to the Italian government to help the country’s economy, and he is also a patron of the arts. He founded the Genus Bononiae—a museum that celebrates the history and culture of Bologna, Italy—and the Della Valle D-Club, a cultural association that hosts concerts, dance performances, and art exhibitions. He also contributes to other charities such as Save the Children, as well as sponsoring college scholarships for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Inspired by his own father, Diego Della Valle has achieved amazing success with the Tod’s brand. He has transformed the company from a small shoe factory in 1981 to one of the most successful luxury fashion and lifestyle brands, with over $1.5 billion in sales and stores in over 50 countries. He is also renowned for his philanthropic work and contributions to the development of Italian economy, arts and heritage. Diego Della Valle is an example of a self-made billionaire and a leader in the luxury fashion and lifestyle industry. He stands as a testament to the power of dedication and hard work to achieve excellence.
