90 years old and still at the helm: how Amancio Ortega runs his business and maintains his health
Amancio Ortega—how the billionaire balances work, family, and health at 90
The secrets behind Amancio Ortega’s lasting energy: discipline, family, and routine
Amancio Ortega’s impact on the global fashion industry and Spain’s business community is hard to overstate. Despite his age, he continues to visit the office every day, setting an example of discipline and commitment. According to Divinity, his lifestyle is marked by simplicity and stability, which sets him apart from other billionaires.
In A Coruña, where Ortega lives, he avoids the spotlight and prefers to remain an ordinary resident. Locals say he can be seen having breakfast at the Náutico club or walking around Plaza de María Pita. On Friday evenings, he watches his grandson’s football training, and he often has lunch with friends, including former mayor Paco Vázquez and entrepreneur José María Caamaño.
Family and personal life
Family ties play a central role in Ortega’s life. His close circle—his wife, three children, and grandchildren—remains his main source of motivation. His elder children, Sandra and Marcos Ortega, were born from his marriage to Rosalía Mera, with whom he co-founded Inditex. After their divorce, widely discussed as one of the most expensive in Spanish history, relations between them became strained. Sandra inherited a significant portion of her mother’s fortune, while Marcos, who has cerebral palsy, prefers a life out of the public eye.
Later in life, Ortega met Flora Pérez, who worked at Inditex. Together, they had Marta Ortega. Today, Marta serves as the chairwoman of the company’s board, continuing the family tradition of running the business. As Divinity notes, Ortega has always tried to keep his personal life away from the media spotlight, which has helped him maintain family harmony and avoid unnecessary pressure.
Health and daily habits
At 90 years old, Ortega shows excellent health, thanks to a strict routine. He does not drink alcohol, pays attention to his diet, and exercises regularly. According to Divinity, good genetics also play a role, but it is his discipline and attention to detail that allow him to maintain his energy and work capacity.
Every workday, Ortega starts by visiting the office, where he continues to be involved in the company’s operations. His approach to business is based on trust in employees and constant oversight of key processes. Despite being one of the world’s wealthiest people, Ortega avoids public speeches and interviews, preferring to influence the industry through actions rather than words.
Public perception and influence
Residents of A Coruña see Ortega as one of their own, reflecting his commitment to modesty and privacy. Even on his 90th birthday, he chose to celebrate with close family at a historic estate in Anceis. This approach to life and business earns him respect not only among colleagues but also among ordinary citizens.
Interestingly, in Spain, questions of inheritance and family values often become topics of public discussion. For example, the story about the division of Fernando Onega’s library between his daughters also sparked wide public interest, highlighting the importance of family traditions in Spanish society.
According to Divinity, Ortega has managed to maintain a balance between his personal life and professional responsibilities, something rarely seen among entrepreneurs of his stature. His example shows that even with immense wealth, it is possible to stay true to one’s principles and remain connected to one’s roots.
Amancio Ortega is the founder of Inditex, Spain’s largest textile corporation, which includes brands such as Zara and Massimo Dutti. His journey from an ordinary worker to one of the world’s most influential businessmen became a symbol of success for many Spaniards. Ortega is known for his privacy and reluctance to engage with the press, yet his decisions and management style have a significant impact on the fashion industry and the country’s economy. Family values and a commitment to tradition remain central to his personal philosophy.
