A mysterious retail guru most people have never heard of briefly surpassed Bill Gates to become the world's richest man
Amancio Ortega is the second-richest man in the world, with a net worth estimated at $71.5 billion.
In August 2013, his ex-wife and Zara cofounder, Rosalia Mera, died at age 69. She was Spain's richest woman.
Source: Associated Press
This is his daughter, Marta. The socialite is married to top Spanish equestrian Sergio Álvarez Moya.
Source: ThinkSpain.com
Ortega and his wife live in a discreet apartment building in La Coruña, Spain, near a major port of the Atlantic Ocean.
Source: Forbes
Kate Middleton is a huge fan of Zara's designs and is often photographed in its clothing.
Source: Publico.es
Ortega is known for being fiercely private. In 2012, Bloomberg noted he had only granted interviews to three journalists.
Source: Bloomberg
He also dresses modestly. He wears a simple uniform of a blue blazer, white shirt, and gray pants — none of which are Zara products.
He goes to the same coffee shop everyday and eats lunch with his employees in the company cafeteria. Here's a picture of Zara's headquarters:
Source: Publico.es and adlatina.com
In his free time, Ortega enjoys horseback riding and owns an equestrian center in Finisterre in Galicia, Spain.
Source: Elite Choice
He also bought the tallest skyscraper in Spain, the Torre Picasso in Madrid. The building stands 515 feet high and cost $536 million.
Source: Elite Choice
He owns The Epic Residences & Hotel in Miami, which is considered to be one of the best luxury hotels in the US.
Source: Elite Choice
Ortega drives an Audi A8 luxury sedan that is said to be more about comfort than luxury.
Source: Elite Choice
He also owns The Global Express BD-700, a private jet designed by Bombardier, one of the leading manufacturers of luxury private jets. The plane carries price tag of $45 million
Source: Elite Choice
But he rarely jets off on vacation. He says he loves working too much to take time off.
Source: adlatina.com
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